Yippee, your Yarra Valley adventure is about to begin! Arriving at your host’s property, Chum Creek, by 10am, you’ll check into your accommodation, the gorgeous Chum Creek Huts. Then, once you’ve met your guides and fellow globetrotters, you’ll head to the horse yards to meet your equine partner.

Once everyone is comfortable in the saddle, your guides will lead you up over Paul’s Range and into Toolangi State Forest. Trotting beneath majestic eucalypts and tree ferns, you’ll see an incredible array of birds flying and calling from the canopy, and maybe even wildlife such as wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, goannas and deer hiding amidst the undergrowth. Emerging onto picturesque country laneways, you’ll ride to De Bortoli Estate, one of the most prestigious wineries in the Yarra. Here you’ll leave the horses to rest outside while you and your fellow globetrotters sit down to a gourmet lunch at De Bortoli’s restaurant, ‘Locale’, before indulging in a wine tasting at the cellar door.

Then it’s back to the horses for a relaxing ride home through the bush to Chum Creek, where a tasty dinner will be served. Take advantage of the spa in your hut if you like, or snuggle up next to the fireplace and unwind before hitting the sack.

Waking up to birdsong in your cosy, well-appointed hut, you’ll be presented with a hearty cooked breakfast on the front porch overlooking the valley. After filling up, it’s time to heed the call of the horse yards and mount up for another terrific day’s riding in the Yarra Valley. Heading down a different track in Toolangi State Forest, you’ll ride deeper into the bushland, with opportunities to canter should you feel the urge. The higher you go, the taller the trees grow and the air slightly thins. The views are spectacular, so don’t forget your camera!

The crew will meet you at Toolangi for a true Australian barbeque lunch, before you head off again through native forest tracks and along ridge lines, making your way to the exclusive ‘Yarra Valley Mountain Hut’ for a campfire dinner under the stars and a wine tasting courtesy of local winery, Tokar Estate. Sitting back next to the fire, drink in hand, stories flowing, taking in the phenomenal view across the Yarra Valley, you’ll feel a profound sense of ease. Does life get any better, globetrotters?

Blinking away the sleep dust this morning, you’ll be greeted by the sounds, sights and smells of a Yarra Valley morning, with another delicious cooked breakfast waiting for you. You’ll then greet your trusty steed and prepare for one final, glorious ride. From temperate rainforests to craggy ridge lines, today’s scenery will stick with you for years to come. On reaching your lunch spot, the horses will take a break while your hosts whip up a barbeque lunch and drinks. Afterwards, the path winds its way back to Chum Creek Huts (where you stayed on night 1). There’ll be time to soak in the spa or relax on the deck before sitting down to dinner al fresco with your new globetrotting compadres.

One last filling breakfast will be served this morning, after which you’re free to say a fond farewell to your horse, guides and fellow guests and head home, heart brimming with the freedom and elation that comes from three full days in the saddle.

There are no transfers available for this ride. It is recommended that you either self-drive, or arrange your own transfer from a provider based in Melbourne or the Yarra Valley (our ride partner recommends either Felix Chow – 0468 476 755, or Michael Glasson – 0418 994 586).

You’ll need to arrive at Chum Creek Huts (221 Heath Road, Chum Creek – go to the end of Heath Road) by 10am on day 1 of the itinerary. On the last day you’re free to depart anytime after breakfast.

Should you wish to stay in the Yarra Valley area before or after your ride, we recommend the RACV Country Club in Healesville (only 5mins from Chum Creek Huts), or Balgownie Estate in Yarra Glen (approx 20mins away).