Yippee, the moment has finally come – you’re off to the glorious Shoalhaven for five days of what can only be described as total bliss! If you’ve opted for the transfer service, you will be collected from Sydney Airport at approximately 9:30am and transferred to Cambewarra Estate Winery in Bangalee (unless you’re self-driving, in which case, please arrive at the winery by 12pm). Here you’ll have a meet and greet with your ride host and guide, Tiffany Gale, over a sumptuous two-course lunch paired with a glass of wine.

After lunch, you’ll head to your accommodation at Champagne Hill to freshen up and change into your riding gear. You’ll then hit the round yard and get to know your trusty steed over a groundwork session, creating a strong foundation of trust, connection and relaxation. Tiff is passionate about natural horsemanship and whether you’re new to the concept or a dab hand, it’s sure to be a highlight of your holiday. Then it’s time to mount up for a scenic trail ride in Champagne Hill’s conservation area, where you’ll wander amongst ferns and gaze up at the canopy of red bloodwood, Sydney peppermint gums and rough barked apple trees. 

After this first glimpse at the Shoalhaven’s postcard-worthy scenery, you will retire with a glass of Prosecco and a cheese board just in time to soak up the sunset and the gorgeous views over Morton National Park before sitting down to dinner. If it’s a balmy evening, you’ll be treated to a wildlife/stargazing walk on which you just might spot a rock wallaby, wombat or eastern grey kangaroo.

After a big country breakfast, you’ll head to the horses and do some focus and relaxation work before setting out on the trail. Today you’ll trit-trot through Bugong National Park, winding through quintessential Australian bush in the aptly named Shoalhaven Sandstone Forest. If you’re lucky, hidden amongst the banksias, grass trees, turpentines and hard-leaved scribbly gums, you may spot an echidna, yellow bellied glider, yellow tailed black cockatoo or a goanna. The park’s unspoilt nature, combined with the nearby escarpment and Shoalhaven River, creates a strong sense of peace and solitude.

After a canter along the open tracks, you’ll reach a breathtaking clifftop overlooking the Shoalhaven Gorge – a view you won’t forget in a hurry! Finally, you’ll arrive at Coolendel Lookout, having worked up an appetite from the morning’s adventures. But never fear – you’ll be met with a high tea with Prosecco scones, served atop rock formations overlooking the Shoalhaven River, Morton National Park and the Ettrema wilderness.

Once everyone’s bellies and eyes are satisfied, you’ll meander back through the park before breezing through the vineyards of Lyrebird Organic Winery for a wine tasting of Chambourcin (red) and fortified wines (port). You’ll then unwind with a glass of your choice accompanied by local cheeses and condiments in front of the potbelly fire.

Dinner will be at the award-winning Ponte Bar & Dining, a modern waterfront restaurant set alongside the southern bank of the stunning Shoalhaven River. You’ll enjoy delicious farm-to-plate, tapas style meals accompanied by a wine list of over 400 wines! Then it’s back to Champagne Hill for a well-earned rest.

Today’s itinerary will make the most of every single minute of your time on the South Coast. Depending on the tide, your beach ride will either be at sunrise or in the early afternoon, so today’s schedule will be decided accordingly.

For the beach ride, you’ll tiptoe along a golf course, before reaching a pristine beach stretching as far as the eye can see. Now’s your chance to canter on a loose rein for as long as your heart desires – a true highlight of the trip that will have you feeling completely at one with your horse.

The winery you’ll have the pleasure of visiting is Two Figs Winery, overlooking the glorious Shoalhaven River, for a premium wine tasting of whites, rosés, reds and stickies.
You’ll also head over to Berry for a boutique shopping experience, and let’s not forget a visit to the infamous doughnut van, where you can enjoy some applause-worthy hot cinnamon doughnuts.

And just in case you haven’t quite had enough great food and wine, lunch or dinner is at Bangalay Luxury Villas at Shoalhaven Heads (better known as Seven Mile Beach), where you’ll savour the region’s best produce made with local and native ingredients. Naturally, the wine list boasts a unique selection of fun, contemporary Australian wines as well as beautiful French varieties. No doubt you’ll be asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow tonight, globetrotters!

**Please be advised, today’s order of activities is largely dependent on the ocean’s tides, with the beach ride taking place at the best possible time to ensure there is a large stretch of sand on which to enjoy a windswept canter.

If you can fit in another bite, a beautiful breakfast is provided at Champagne Hill. You’ll then get reacquainted with your horse and your guides will lead you out through the bush in search of a colony of threatened grey-headed flying foxes. You’ll scamper down alongside a mountain of amazing rock formations, with opportunities to trot and canter along the way, before reaching the Shoalhaven River for a picnic lunch and swim, should you feel so inclined. Then after a siesta, you’ll gather all your pluck to steer your horse back up the mountain and return to Champagne Hill.

After this exhilarating ride, there’s the opportunity to enjoy a remedial massage (at an additional cost – approximately $110 for 45mins) in the privacy of the Pool House. Should you wish to indulge, it’s recommended that you make a booking at the same time that you reserve your saddle seat so you don’t miss out. The evening will be spent relaxing around the pool or the open fire (depending on the weather) with a Champagne Hill specialty cocktail before a casual on-site dinner and cards night.

It’s the last day of your ride today, boo! Once you’ve lapped up one final scrumptious breakfast at Champagne Hill, you’ll take the reins and follow you guides down nearby Abernethy’s Road, winding alongside caves, rock formations and streams with mountain valley views. Then you’ll head back up the mountain, where you’ll be able to really get the horses going with long trots and canters through the pristine bush.

Finally, the time will come to bid adieu to the horse who has carried you bravely on your journey. You’ll enjoy a final lunch at the homestead then wave goodbye to your hosts and Champagne Hill and depart, bellies and hearts full!

If you have booked the transfer service, you’ll be picked up and taken back to Sydney Airport, arriving by approximately 4:30 – 5pm.

This shorter 3 day, 2 night itinerary takes in the very best highlights from the longer 5 day trek, and squeezes them all into a long weekend!

You’ll need to arrive at your host, Tiffany Gale’s property, Champagne Hill, no later than 10:30am today, so that you’re ready to hit the trail at 11am. Tiff is passionate about natural horsemanship and will guide you through her philosophy of softness, trust and relaxation so that you can form a strong connection with your horse.

Mounting up, you’ll trit-trot through Bugong National Park, winding through quintessential Australian bush in the aptly named Shoalhaven Sandstone Forest. After a canter along the open tracks, you’ll reach a breathtaking clifftop overlooking the Shoalhaven Gorge – a view you won’t forget in a hurry! Finally, you’ll arrive at Coolendel Lookout, having worked up an appetite from the morning’s adventures. But never fear – you’ll be met with a high tea with Prosecco scones, served atop rock formations overlooking the Shoalhaven River, Morton National Park and the Ettrema wilderness.

Once everyone’s bellies and eyes are satisfied, you’ll meander back through the park before breezing through the vineyards of Lyrebird Organic Winery for a wine tasting of Chambourcin (red) and fortified wines (port). You’ll then unwind with a glass of your choice accompanied by local cheeses and condiments in front of the potbelly fire.

Dinner will be enjoyed at Champagne Hill. If it’s a balmy evening, you’ll be treated to a wildlife/stargazing walk on which you just might spot a rock wallaby, wombat or eastern grey kangaroo, before retiring to your rooms for a well-earned rest.

Today’s itinerary will make the most of every single minute of your time on the NSW South Coast. Depending on the tide, your beach ride will either be at sunrise or in the early afternoon, so today’s schedule will be decided accordingly.

For the beach ride, you’ll tiptoe along a golf course, before reaching a pristine beach as long as the eye can see.  Now’s your chance to canter on a loose rein for as long as your heart desires – a true highlight of the trip that will have you feeling completely at one with your horse.

The winery you’ll have the pleasure of visiting is Two Figs Winery, overlooking the glorious Shoalhaven River, for a premium wine tasting of whites, rosés, reds and stickies.
You’ll also head over to Berry for a boutique shopping experience, and let’s not forget a visit to the infamous doughnut van, where you can enjoy some applause-worthy hot cinnamon doughnuts.

And just in case you haven’t quite had enough great food and wine, lunch or dinner is at Bangalay Luxury Villas at Shoalhaven Heads (better known as Seven Mile Beach), where you’ll savour the region’s best produce made with local and native ingredients. Naturally, the wine list boasts a unique selection of fun, contemporary Australian wines as well as beautiful French varieties. No doubt you’ll be asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow tonight, globetrotters!

**Please be advised, today’s order of activities is largely dependent on the ocean’s tides, with the beach ride taking place at the best possible time to ensure there is a large stretch of sand on which to enjoy a windswept canter.

Your final breakfast will be served at Champagne Hill, before you mount up one last time and follow your guides as they lead you out through the bush in search of a colony of threatened grey-headed flying foxes. You’ll then scamper down alongside a mountain of amazing rock formations, with opportunities to trot and canter along the way, before reaching the Shoalhaven River for a picnic lunch and swim. You’ll then steer your horse back up the mountain and arrive back at Champagne Hill at around 3:30pm, after which you’re free to depart with your bellies and hearts full from three incredible days of adventure, food and wine.

Guests have the opportunity to enjoy a remedial massage (at an additional cost) on day 4 of the 5-day itinerary. The approximate cost is $110 for 45 minutes, or $135 for 60mins, payable direct in cash. It is recommended that should you wish to indulge in this alternate activity, bookings be made at the same time you reserve your saddle seat (or as early as possible) so you don’t miss out.

5 DAY ITINERARY:

Transfers are not included in the ride price. If you’re travelling in a group we suggest hiring a car from Sydney Airport. Or you can catch the Jervis Bay Airport Express – please refer to their website, www.jervisbayairportexpress.net for pricing and booking details.

Details for Airport Express transfer:

Please book through the website details given above and arrange to be dropped off at Cambewarra Estate Winery.

On day one, you’ll need to be picked up from Sydney Airport at approximately 9.30am (please ensure your flight arrives no later than 9.00am to give yourself time to collect your luggage and meet the transfer).  

On the final day of your ride, you’ll be dropped off at North Nowra Shops (please advise pick up location at time of booking transfers) at approximately 1.30pm to catch the Airport Express to Sydney Airport to arrive approximately 4:30pm – 5pm. Please book departing flights after 7pm.

Details for self-drivers:

Please ensure you arrive at Cambewarra Estate Winery (520 Illaroo Road, Bangalee, NSW) by 12pm. Private vehicles can be parked at Champagne Hill for the duration of the ride.

3 DAY ITINERARY:

It is recommended you self drive for this shorter itinerary, and you’ll need to arrive at Champagne Hill by 10.30am on day 1 so you’re ready to ride out at 11am. On the last day, the ride will finish at around 3.30pm after which you’ll be free to depart.