Today’s the day, globetrotters – your Snowy River Ride is about to begin! You’ll need to arrive at tonight’s accommodation, Karoonda Park in Gelantipy, between 3 and 6pm, so that you can meet your guides and fellow guests, and settle into your private room, before getting to know one another over a shared dinner.

This morning begins with the first of many heavenly breakfasts. Over the course of the trip, you’ll be treated to such delights as fresh fruit salad, chia pudding, eggs and bacon, smoked salmon bagels, sourdough bread and granola. When everyone’s had their fill, you’ll be driven to the trailhead to meet the fine, fit horses who will carry you for the next five days, and head out for a scenic test ride. This is your chance to get to know your horse, and familiarise yourself with the tack and riding style the horses are used to.

Back at the trailhead, you’ll enjoy a cuppa and a few tasty, homemade morsels before jumping into the four-wheel-drives and following the horse trucks to Native Dog Flat. Nestled among boulders, eucalypts and bottlebrush, with kangaroos and wallabies hopping to and fro, this is tonight’s campsite. The horses will be unloaded and have a rest while your guides whip up lunch. Loosen your belt buckles, globetrotters – these guys go all out with the catering!

The afternoon ride is a loop from Native Dog Flat along Brumby tracks that weave through groves of ghostly snow gums crowning hills and vying for space between speckled boulders. Returning to camp, you’ll find your tents set up and a crackling fire beckoning.

Waking up bright and early, you’ll warm up over coffee and breakfast, then pack your bags and get ready to ride. The aim of today’s trek is to ride to and from the summit of the oddly-named Mount Cobberas No. 1. Standing 1,834 metres high, this peak is crowned by a jumble of ancient rocks. Leaving your horses tethered on the slope, you’ll scramble up in pursuit of the sweeping view from the summit, which stretches from the Cobberas down towards the Snowy River and even, far in the distance, the peaks of Kosciuszko National Park.

After lunch on the mountain courtesy of the trusty packhorse, you’ll ride back along a narrow ridge and densely forested slopes. In the late afternoon, everyone will be driven to the next campsite, Wulgulmerang Recreation Reserve.  Here you’ll be able to enjoy a hot shower, heated dining area, and charging facilities for your devices. ‘Bush luxe’ at its best!

One for the history buffs, day four sees you ride along the famous Ingeegoodbee Track, which predates European settlement by untold centuries! During the colonial era, this track was the first gateway into Victoria for those who built the first settlements and, later, for drovers moving cattle from Monaro to East Gippsland. Now also used as a vehicle track, there will be chances to spread out and enjoy a good canter as you climb towards a clearing now used as a helipad. If the weather is fine, you’ll enjoy lunch here, looking out over the Alps.

Back in the saddle, you’ll descend along Lighthouse Ridge, then across to another ridge near the windswept slopes of Middle Mountain, where you’ll find canvas teepee tents, a camp shower, and a hot meal cooking on the coals.

Today your guides will lead the horseback climb up Middle Mountain, which rewards your efforts with its glorious panoramic outlook across the Snowy River and beyond (complemented by scrumptious baked goodies for morning tea). The remainder of the day’s riding is a gradual descent through gnarled, wind-sculpted native pine forests that eventually leads to a beautiful, serene campsite on the banks of the Snowy River. There will be enough daylight left to take a swim, if you’re feeling brave, or explore your surrounds on foot while the team takes care of the horses and rustles up another moreish meal

Your last day in the saddle, boo! But don’t worry, globetrotters, it’s a day to remember: following Brumby tracks, you’ll ride up and over Mount Phillips – some of the steepest and most thrilling riding of the whole trip. Keeping an eye on the often-rocky trail your horse deftly navigates, you’ll spot delicate, vibrant wildflowers blooming between the roots of native pines. Then, looking up as you reach the summit, you’ll be greeted by another glorious view over the land you’ve traversed in the past few days.

The journey ends at Willis campground, where you’ll bid a fond farewell to the horse who has carried you all this way. Then you’ll be driven back to Karoonda Park for a celebratory dinner and a well-earned rest.

After one last delicious breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your guides, crew and fellow guests, and head for home.

*Those staying on for the optional rafting trip will make their way to the nearby Siba Retreat Centre for a relaxing, fully-catered day off. Should you wish to continue exploring, there are plenty of scenic drives and walks nearby.

Our ride partners can also take you on a whitewater rafting trip along the rapids of the Snowy River, through Tulloch Ard Gorge. This is an optional add-on at the end of your Snowy River Ride and includes two travel days and four rafting days. Starting on Sunday and finishing on Friday, the rafting trip costs an additional $2,160 AUD pp including camping, food, equipment and experienced professional whitewater guides. Rafting trips welcome a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 13 guests.

Please contact Globetrotting for more information.

Transfers are NOT included in the ride price. We recommend flying into Melbourne or Albury and hiring a car (approx. 5 to 5.5 hours’ drive, respectively), or self-driving if you live in Victoria or southern New South Wales. If you like, Globetrotting can help connect you with another guest booked on the same departure, so that you can share the drive.

Alternatively, you can catch a train from Melbourne to Bairnsdale, where your hosts can collect you for $100 per person, round trip.

On day 1, please aim to arrive at Karoonda Park (3855 Gelantipy Road, Gelantipy, VIC) between 3 and 6pm.

The ride will finish after breakfast on the final day, after which you’re free to depart. Should you wish to catch a flight home today, please ensure it departs after 5pm.