Reviews

‘This ride is amazing. The whole team worked hard to ensure we had a fabulous holiday even when the weather was challenging. Every day the rides were so varied, and the horses were so happy, capable, and sensible. Every meal was amazing, filling, and comforting, everyone’s quirks were catered for and there was plenty of food to go around. At the end of each day, there was a chance to really relax and recharge around the roaring campfire. I rode Ronnie – he was THE best! He was calm, gentle, sure-footed, willing, and happy to be on the trails. He worked hard carting me up and down mountains and through many river crossings. I couldn’t recommend this ride enough – definitely put it on your bucket list.’

‘Having not been to Victoria before, this ride through the Snowy Mountains was fantastic. Riding along creek flats and up through the changing tree lines to Mt Sterling and Craig’s Hut, the scenery and views were spectacular. I rode a piebald mare called Target who had a great temperament and was lovely to ride. All the guides were great, with excellent horsemanship and knowledge of the area. I was also very happy with the food, swags and the value for money.’

‘Five star horses, food and outfit. Great riding through some iconic Australian country. I rode Packer. She was soft and responsive with a bit of go, and clearly loved her job. All the horses were calm, sensible and solid. The guides and crew were great – hardworking, friendly, competent and nothing was too much trouble. Decisions made to adjust the itinerary meant we didn’t get wet once, or caught up in storms. Very well done! Riding through the fern covered logging track, cantering up to Craig’s Hut and swimming in the river at the end of a hot day were my highlights. A thoroughly enjoyable holiday!’

‘It was the best! Truly challenging; gobsmacking; world class.
I came back fitter and wanting to get up early to do good things in my day.
It was the routine and physicality that got my body and mind cracking and inspired when I got back home.’

‘Since growing up reading the Silver Brumby books, I have always wanted to travel to the alpine areas of South Eastern Australia just to be in the type of country where the Silver Brumby roamed. To be riding in the mountains made it all so real. The feeling of being in the snow gums and looking out across the endless mountains was just terrific. Our guides had many interesting tidbits of information for us, my horse, Arrow, was keen and surefooted and the weather was just perfect. All of this made for an amazing experience.’

‘I recently returned from the Craig’s Hut & High Country Ride for a second time. We had mostly sunny days and the scenery was just magic. I rode Penty, a sweet girl who was very easy to ride. The guides, support crew and staff were very caring and nothing was ever too much trouble. They made the trip the best ever! The group of guests were various ages and professions, and such great fun to ride with. My most special memories for this trip were our Man from Snowy River experiences at Craig’s Hut and Mt Stirling. If you are thinking of doing this ride, then do it! You will be well looked after and have the most amazing experience. The staff, crew and horses are just beautiful, the food is amazing and the camping is so easy. These are memories that will last a lifetime.’

‘What a dream this ride was! I loved every minute and the horses were amazing. I rode Packer, who was a delight. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. We had 14 solo female travellers and a mother-daughter pair, and we all couldn’t have felt more safe, comfortable and – by the end of the week – bonded! I would definitely recommend this ride!’

‘Where do I start?! This was my fourth ride with Christian and Laura, and my third with Globetrotting. Every ride so far has been amazing! The horses are always a pleasure to ride, the food and camp locations are great, and the guides – what can I say? Laura, Christian and their gang are a great bunch of people, always up for a chat and a beer (once the work is done). I rode gorgeous little Snowgum, who was super sweet and an absolute pleasure to ride. I will definitely be back again!’

‘I’ve always dreamed of riding in the High Country and this holiday did not disappoint. The whole experience was wonderful from start to finish, with river crossings, mountain climbs, long canters, amazing scenery, and five star service all the way.  The staff were all amazing in every respect: extensive knowledge of the area, lovely, friendly and informative. All the meals were generous and delicious. I rode a Paint mare called Mouse, who was very surefooted, free-moving, light, responsive and pretty. The only down side was having to say goodbye to her!’

‘Turning 60 and having my daughter with me made this ride a very special time that I will never forget. Thank you, Kate and Laura, for your excellence in managing our horse holiday of a lifetime. The comprehensive information provided on your website is a credit to you. I love your enthusiasm and encouragement, always reminding us that we shouldn’t wait to book these extraordinary rides. Covid threw a spanner in a lot people’s lives but you kept me confident to look forward and believe! My special time on the Craig’s Hut ride has ignited my enthusiasm and I trust Globetrotting to find the next perfect ride for me.’

‘This was the most amazing experience and I would highly recommend it. I was fortunate to ride both Bella and Matilda, and I was ecstatic with them both. Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable and so helpful. It was such a surprise to realise that Christian is not only an expert horseman and a great tour operator but an amazing chef, too. The pancakes and maple syrup measured up to Canadian standards! I also loved our little excursion at Wonnangatta Station, when Swampy, Al and Don took three of us out on horseback to explore the valley a bit more. Sleeping under the starry sky at Pikes Flat and Lovicks Hut was another stand-out.
There were so many special moments because the scenery was so spectacular. My top three were: 1. Hell’s Window atop Mount Magdala, a location made famous in ‘The Man from Snowy River’; 2. the beautiful Wonnangatta Station; 3. getting a video of me cantering up to the iconic Craig’s Hut. I can’t wait to join Christian and Laura again on another excursion.’

‘I thought cantering up the hill to Craig’s Hut would be the climax of the ride, but it was tame compared to the variety of riding throughout the following days! My favourite was day six, riding along the Howqua River to Sheepyard Flats with prolonged canters and river crossings. On day one and two I rode Billie, but he developed a saddle rub and I was privileged to ride George for the remainder. I wish I could thank him for his patience. He was exciting to canter and I had complete confidence in his ability to negotiate the exposed tracks above the Howqua River.
The guides maintained a safe environment and tailored their approach to the individual rider. Their level of service was consistently high and the hospitality and respect given to each of the guests was five star. The menu, variety, presentation, portion size and quality of the meals was excellent. The view from my swag “was clear as crystal, and the white stars fairly blazed at midnight in the cold and frosty sky…”
I want to go back again and explore more of the Victorian High Country astride George.’

‘The whole trip was an outstanding experience. Christian and Laura have created a well oiled, highly coordinated and seamless ride. Everyone was professional and friendly, with client experience and safety at the forefront. Every night we were given the option to sleep in a swag, in a hut at the campsite, or in a tent with our swag inside. This catered for everyone’s preferences. I loved sleeping under the crystal-clear sky watching shooting stars from my warm, comfy swag. The food was plentiful and tasty, and I loved Swampy’s nightly entertainment around the campfire. Other highlights included day three, when Christian and Swampy took us to Picture Point for a thrilling photo opportunity, followed by some hardcore bush riding that went well and truly off the beaten track! Not to mention our final ride, when we gave the horses their heads up the hill and a few logs offered some good jumping opportunities!
Once you globetrot, you won’t holiday any other way!’

‘The Craig’s Hut ride is amazing for so many reasons. It is truly an Aussie experience, from sleeping in swags under the stars to listening to Swampy sing songs around the campfire. The scenery was absolutely amazing – like nothing you could ever experience unless on horseback, and all the secret trails we were taken down added to the amazing experience. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming and the horses were extremely well trained and fun to ride. I rode Ronnie, who was very comfortable, well-behaved, friendly, responsive, and photogenic, which is always a plus. All of the meals were absolutely fantastic and the variety was very impressive considering we were in the middle of the bush! My favourite day was the day we climbed Mt Stirling. The view from the summit with the wind whipping around you was truly an amazing feeling. The trip flew by so quickly between the breathtaking views, absolutely amazing food and wonderful company, and I cannot wait to ride with Christian, Laura and their team again.’

‘An amazing ride on brilliant horses with fantastic people who really know their stuff. The whole experience was great and I feel it is very well priced. Our guides were all extremely pleasant and fun to be with. They all had great knowledge of the area and its history. Christian and his team are just amazing cooks! I rode Questro and was more than happy with him. He was very sensible and a pleasure to ride with his free-going, long stride. We were perfectly matched. I would definitely recommend this trip!’

‘When Dean announced we were going to canter whilst walking through thick undergrowth on a narrow twisty track, we all thought, “Really? Here? Where? Well, okay, let’s go!” And then we burst out in to the open and cantered up to Craig’s Hut! A brilliant ‘Man from Snowy River’ moment!
Our guides were all brilliant. I could not recommend Christian and Laura and their crew highly enough! My horse Blackie was brilliant, too – a fabulous little Stock Horse who was super keen to pick up the pace when ever we could. All of the horses were well trained and well cared for. I was very happy with this ride.’

‘I recently went on the Craig’s Hut & High Country Ride, which has been a bucket list item of mine for many years. The ride far exceeded my expectations in the way of scenery, beautiful horses and amazingly accommodating hosts. The guides were absolutely fantastic. They all went out of their way to be accommodating for their guests. The food was absolutely amazing, and the campsite was wonderful. I highly recommend this holiday and will definitely be doing another ride via Globetrotting in the future.’

‘The Craig’s Hut & High Country Ride was my 50th birthday present to myself and I enjoyed every minute. I especially loved when we were riding up Mount Sterling and it started to snow. Reaching Craig’s Hut was a special moment, too. The guests who did the ride with me were a fantastic bunch of people. Laura and Christian Hayes and their staff were excellent, and always willing to help when needed. Lou was a fantastic cook – her meals were tasty and filling. The week went so fast! It was sad for all of us when it was time to go home. I truly recommend this ride. It’s a great experience that will get you out of your comfort zone.’

‘There is just no feeling like the mountains and high country in Victoria, but experiencing it on the back of Billy Button through my Globetrotting holiday with Christian and Laura Hayes put it completely over the top! I saw things so few people get to see, got to truly feel them and learned details that made it so meaningful. The ride through the high plains was just magical! The variety of plants, the wide open space, the greenery! I loved the bush riding too, with the ghostly gums and the winding tracks. My horse Billy was lovely, with terrific gaits and a sweet personality. The crew was a picture of friendly professionalism, with every day handled with aplomb, even the day when it hailed! Suffice it to say that this was an amazing, terrific, superlative experience with great horses, crew, fellow riders, food, and location. This is a ride I would do again!’

‘Christian and Laura and the team were amazing. They catered to our every need and provided us with beautiful and reliable horses on which to explore the most magnificent scenery. They catered to varied riding abilities and provided a compete experience. I rode Pokey, a lovely mare who didn’t put a foot wrong. My mum rode Audrey, my aunt rode Clyde and my sister rode Donna. Some of my favourite moments were being a part of the family and sharing stories around the fire, and definitely the river crossings! Thank you so much.’

‘This ride is a bucket list must. The horses were amazing and obviously well cared for, as they were in such good condition. Blacky was the bomb – I loved him to bits and still think of him. The food was as good as any restaurant meal. We couldn’t wait for each meal to see how spoilt we were. Our guides were amazing. They knew exactly what sort of rider each individual was and catered for us perfectly everyday. Their description of the countryside and the stories they told were unforgettable. I honestly couldn’t say enough about this ride, the people we met, the food, horses, guides – it was all just way beyond our expectations. Looking back, I cant believe it was so cheap. The time and effort put in by all the staff from before we arrived til after we all left was amazing. Not to mention the year-round care of the beautiful horses! We will definitely do another trip with Christian, Laura and their team.‘

‘This ride was something I had wanted to do for a long time. I had grown up loving the Man from Snowy River movies and had always wanted to see the mountains with my own eyes. I finally figured that turning 40 was as good a time as ever. With approximately three hours’ riding experience in my 40 years of life, I decided to dive in and go for it.
I am so glad that I made that decision. To spend six days up in the High Country on the back of a beautiful horse was something I will never forget. My trusty steed, Donna, looked after me from the start (even though I am sure there were times she wanted to throw me off her back). She was steady, stable and calm.
It was great to be able to share this experience with other riders from all over Australia and the world. You start out as a bunch of strangers, but by the end you know everyone’s story. It’s amazing how easy it is to get along with people when you spend all day with them with no phones, no TV and no internet. We all sat around and ate our meals together and told each other our stories of the day’s riding. It was impossible NOT to connect with everyone.
As for the staff, honestly, I could not give them enough praise. Personally, they looked after me and made sure I was okay, as I was by far the least experienced person on the ride. But outside of that, they made sure EVERYTHING was covered. The horses were very well looked after, the food was faultless, the fires were always lit, the drinks were always cold and the whole crew became a part of the experience. I honestly could not think of anything that could have been done any better. If you have ever thought about it… do it. It doesn’t matter if you have no experience like me: the team will look after you and make sure you have the time of your life.’

‘I just had the most wonderful time on the Craig’s Hut ride, with wonderful horses and great company! Every day was heaven; the horses were well matched with the riders, the guides and support crew were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and our group of riders were friendly and supportive.
I was impressed with the food (especially the sweets!), and I will never forget Woody, my wonderful mount for the week – he was very gentle and lovable, and I always felt safe on him. Each day just got better and better, but the day we got to ‘muster’ the cattle was my favourite – that’s when I felt that Woody and I really meshed.
Truly a memorable experience.’

‘The first word out of my mouth is ‘amazing!’ when friends ask about this trip. The owners, guides and staff were very friendly and super helpful. Nothing was ever too much trouble. The staff had the best sense of humour and there were lots of laughs. I rode a beautiful big mare called Audrey. She was quiet, honest and reliable and really looked after me. I loved the way she would stride out and be at the front. Our meals were absolutely amazing and delicious – we didn’t go hungry. Although I have visited the area before by vehicle, it was a completely different perspective on horseback. It was challenging at times; I had one afternoon off to recover and was well looked after. The horses were just beautiful. Well looked after and spoilt, they were a great herd. I definitely recommend this ride and would consider doing it again.’

‘Four days have passed since I did a trek to Craig’s Hut. Still Buzzing. Loved the campfires at night, sleeping in the rustic huts or in a swag, riding the sometimes stony, steep mountain tracks of Mt Stirling and surrounds, and trotting or cantering along the many trails we explored, picking the odd blackberry or raspberry. Awesome scenery – and I come from New Zealand, so I know awesome scenery. Billy, my steed, was gentle, yet with the right amount of pep when needed. I hadn’t ridden for about 20 years, and we were matched beautifully. I met some gorgeous people, guests as well as guides, and had a great night listening to Banjo Paterson poems being read and sung. Swampy’s ballads were great and the trip was everything I’d hoped for as a tribute to my dad – my ‘Man from Snowy River’.
Oh, and the food that was produced out of the back of that trailer – fantastic. I’d ride again just for that!’

‘This trip to the High Country of Victoria was the highlight of my year. It was a beautiful six days out in some of the most picturesque Aussie landscapes. I loved every part of it; from riding to the summit of Mount Stirling, to hearty meals around the fire each night, to seeing Craig’s Hut and cantering across Sheepyard Flat. I rode Prancer, one of Christian and Laura’s home-bred horses, and she was amazing. Surefooted, comfortable trot and canter, intuitive and so responsive. We made a great team and I didn’t want to say goodbye! Laura and Christian, their incredible team and their beautiful horses made this a trip to remember.’

‘My son and I took some time looking at differing rides and ride providers before settling on the Craig’s Hut Ride with Globetrotting and we weren’t disappointed. The ride, the terrain and the views were both spectacular and challenging, and as promised, we saw all four seasons in one day when we hit the High Country. The guides, crew and horses were fantastic and all looked after us well. All our guides were knowledgeable horse people and attentive to the needs of the group. Their local knowledge and narrative throughout the ride kept everyone informed, and in good humour. The ride was also split into two sub-groups depending on riding ability, thereby further enhancing and tailoring the experience to the needs and abilities of those participating.
The staff at Globetrotting made sure we had all the right information to enable us to properly prepare and couldn’t have been more helpful responding to any queries we had. All in all, a great trip, and for a must for any intrepid horse rider (especially if you’re a fan of the Man from Snowy River film).’

‘Myself and two good friends all went on the Craig’s Hut & High Country Ride with Christian and Laura Hayes. It was the most amazing experience and definitely did not disappoint on a lifelong dream! The staff are amazing and do everything to accommodate your every need. You couldn’t ask for better people to take you on a ride through the Victorian High Country! They know the ins and outs of the tracks, weather, huts, and stories that go with every stop along the way. The horses were matched to the riders almost perfectly, the tack was comfortable, and the meals… OMG! Robin and Christian cook you the most beautiful meals with all the flavour in the world. If you have even an inkling of trying this ride out… DO IT! We had the best experience and will be going back for another round… can’t wait!’

‘This trip was on the bucket list for a long time and now I have finally got to do it. It was the trip of a lifetime and passed expectations. Laura, Christian and all the staff do a wonderful job caring and catering for everyone in a happy friendly manner. The horses are well educated, a pleasure to ride and very well looked after.
No two days were the same and the scenery was spectacular. I meet some lovely interesting people from all walks of life and the meals were excellent. I would recommend this ride to anyone, you won’t be disappointed.’

‘Riding the Victorian High Country has always been a bucket list item for me and this ride far exceeded my expectations. The horses, gear, food and hosts were all amazing.’

‘Amazing! Breathtaking views! Great food! Wonderful guides and support crew! Fantastic horses! My horse Arrow – how could I not be happy riding “the bentley”? Cannot fault Laura and Christian’s rides!’

‘A great Australian adventure. Wonderful horses and lovely people in an iconic environment. Everyone was knowledgeable, entertaining and fun. The food was fresh, varied and excellent, and catered well to all guests’ needs. I particularly liked the billy tea! I rode Prancer and she was lovely: willing and able to go, and very well behaved. Everyone in our group was very happy and well matched to their horse. We are already planning our next adventure!’

‘I had the most amazing ride to Craig’s Hut in the Victorian High Country. The scenery and views were absolutely spectacular and our hosts Christian and Laura were fantastic. A huge thanks to all the staff Gwen, Lou, Sarah, Ray and Dean – they were the ones who made it happen for us every day, so thank you all very much, you did a fantastic job. And a huge thank you to all the guests on the ride – you were all lovely and made the trip most memorable and enjoyable.’

‘Every day on our ride was amazing and it is hard to think that any one day was better than another. Our hosts Christian and Laura are exceptional operators and we felt really comfortable with our guides. Their knowledge of the country and history was great and we loved listening to their stories of the High Country. All of our guides were attentive and always looking out for the riders’ safety and comfort. Their sense of fun and humour was second to none. There was heaps of banter, songs around the campfire and just plain good fun.
This was the first holiday that my husband and I have had alone together ever. It is hard to get him off our farm and away doing something we both enjoy. This ride was perfect. He is still showing people photos whether they want to see them or not. We are still struggling to get back to our ‘normal life’, and are most definitely planning to join the Kimberley Ride next year and are also looking at more rides the year after.’

‘The Victorian High Country on horseback has been on my bucket list for as long as I have lived in Australia (30 years). It was everything that I had hoped it would be and more. I am so pleased that I got to do this with such a professional outfit and I’m already planning my next trip with Christian, Laura and their team because I know I can trust and depend on them. They really care. Not just about the horses, but our experience too – they are very genuine and authentic and that makes the whole time you’re with them even more special. There were times when the sheer joy and beauty of the trip brought a lump to my throat – I didn’t want my 7 days to end.’

‘This was my second ride and my daughter’s first ride with Christian and Laura and their team, who work so incredibly hard for their guests. Up at the crack of dawn and the last the retire at night. The crew never ceased to respond and support the multitude of requests from sunrise (billy tea or coffee) to sunset (hot showers!). The food was mostly chef-prepared, with amazing home cooked contributions from all of the team (look out for the rhubarb cake). As a beginner rider, my daughter was well cared for by the team and made to feel welcome by the other experienced riders. I highly recommend and congratulate the team behind this ride!’

“Best value for money holiday we’ve ever had!”

“The crew on our ride were fantastic and always available to assist when needed!”

“Every day was amazing and the visual memories will stay forever!”

“WOW – what an amazing adventure!”

“Loved every minute!”

“Do not hesitate to book this ride ASAP!”

“The trails were amazing and the support staff were a very high-quality of service level.”

“The meals were SUPERB! Who knew camp food could be so good.”

“Target and Donna were both in excellent condition and well built and trained for the High Country experience!”

“I had an absolute blast on the Craig’s Hut and High Country Ride!”

“The 6 day Craig’s Hut and High Country Ride was amazing!”

“We’d highly recommend this to anyone who likes horses and adventure!”

“Every day was great with all the incredible views!”

“It’s the little things that make this holiday unique in every way and an experience of a lifetime!”

“It was the best last minute booking I have ever made!”

“I can’t give enough praise for the staff – they were all fantastic and looked after you. Nothing was a problem!”

“Everything was just as it should be – perfection!”

“The staff were lovely and I miss their smiling faces and general chit chat.”

“Thank you Globetrotting and Christian and Laura for making this trip into an unforgettable experience.”

“What a great bunch of friendly, hospitable people. Would love to do another ride with them all!”

“The whole crew looked after us well and made it an unforgettable holiday.”

“Lou’s food was amazing and the campfire and entertainment by Swampy topped the nights off!”

“The staff… well just imagine everything wonderful and that is what they are – so helpful, caring, knowledgeable, they are worth their weight in gold!”

“The whole experience was amazing. Good people, great horses and fantastic food.”

“The Globetrotting experience was awesome. Kate has done an awesome job at picking great operators.”

“Lou’s camp oven roast pork is to die for!!!”

“From the time we enquired about the ride through to the very end it was a pleasurable experience.”

“It was an experience I will never forget and am missing already!”

“Highlight of my life, no question!”

“The horses were in pristine condition when we arrived and when we left. I think that says a lot about a person who serves their horses before themselves, and that’s what the team did every day.”

“The food was good, varied and plentiful. The team was highly organised. On reflection I think it would be hard to improve upon.”

“Christian, Swampy, Gwen-ann, Micko, Libby and Murray were amazing hosts and guides in every way.”

“My favourite part was riding to the top of Mt Stirling with the tendrils of fog rapidly overtaking us and the snow gums glowing eerily white on either side of the track.”

“I was over the moon with my little horse. Her name was Prancer. She was a beautiful bay Stock Horse mare. She lived up to her name, very willing and so dainty. Beautiful soft mouth and very responsive to seat and legs. We enjoyed each other, I think.”

“Christian and Laura have absolutely hit the nail on the head with this ride and their hospitality. My congratulations to you and your hard working team for providing this experience of a lifetime!”

‘I wish to thank Christian and Laura, Micko, Gwennan, Swampy, Libby and Murray for the best experience I have ever had on a horse ride. You are an amazing crew: your eye for detail was terrific, customer service exceptional, and you were all caring and funny. I cannot fault any of the last week. Thank you, I will be back.’

“I absolutely loved my first Globetrotting experience and can’t wait to go on more like this one!”

“The guides made the experience all the better with their positive attitudes, willingness to help, always happy, nothing was too much.”