The Margaret River Ride

Day 1: Arrival

Yippee, you’re off to Margaret River today! Whether you drive, take the bus or fly, you’ll need to arrive at your hosts’ gorgeous property between 5 and 7pm. A delicious al fresco welcome dinner will be served while you get to know your fellow guests, your hosts, Paul and Fiona, and their hardworking team. Then it’s into the canvas bell tents to get some sleep.

Day 2: Irishman’s Pool

Waking up to a chorus of birdsong from the surrounding eucalypt forests, you’ll emerge from your teepee to refuel with good coffee and a cooked breakfast. Then you’ll meet your horse for the week and head out for a three-hour ride to Irishman’s Pool through Rapids Conservation Park. Traversing sandy-bottomed tracks, there is plenty of time to become acquainted with your trusty steed. Depending on the weather, it’s worth having a plunge in Irishman’s Pool before enjoying a picnic lunch.

Returning to Paul and Fiona’s property, you’ll be treated to a Welcome to Country by proud Waljin woman, Mitchella (Mitch) Hutchins. After an afternoon spent with Mitch, you’ll feel spiritually connected to the bush that you’ll ride through for the next four days. With eyes wide open, you’ll appreciate the land, flora and fauna through an Indigenous person’s eyes and understand how their relationship with their surrounds is one of mutual respect. Globetrotting had some spine-tingling moments in Mitch’s company and believe it’s an incredibly special off-the-horse highlight to this colourful and sensory-overloaded itinerary.

Dinner will be prepared by local catering legends who specialise in hearty farm-style, regional food.

Day 3: Berry Farm

This morning you’ll mount up and ride overland to the iconic Berry Farm, which is a highlight for the throngs of tourists who visit Margaret River. You’ll ride through neighbouring properties and conservation parks and gain a wonderful appreciation of the native bush that surrounds Margaret River. Your guide, Paul Brennan, is a wealth of knowledge and will keep you thoroughly entertained.

This is a three-and-a-half hour ride with a morning tea break. You should arrive at the Berry Farm by 12pm, where you’ll enjoy a lovely lunch of gourmet platters. Following lunch, you’ll have some time to peruse the shop and gardens of this iconic tourist hot-spot, before heading back to base either on horseback or in the support vehicle if you’re feeling a little weary. Dinner will be enjoyed under the twinkling night sky.

Day 4: Boranup Karri Forest and Polocrosse

After another stomach-filling breakfast, you’ll load the horses into the truck and set out for the Boranup Karri Forest. You’re welcome to follow the truck in your own vehicles, or use the included transport options should you wish. This beautiful ride through the tall timbers of the karri forest will take your breath away. Towering karri trees, some well over 60 metres in height, undulate across the valley.

With sunlight streaming onto their smooth trunks, this forest is a feast for the senses – wildflowers, orchids and fungi (in season) coat the forest floor, the fresh smell of eucalyptus fills your nostrils and the sounds of native birds punctuate the silence. This will be one magical ride, globetrotters. Lunch is packed in your saddle bags today so you can take a break whenever the time seems right!

Later, after a siesta back at base, you’re invited to mount up and try your hand at polocrosse, as tutored by Paul, who played polocrosse for Australia for a number of years. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience this fast-paced game in a safe environment on Paul and Fiona’s home field. You’ll also have the opportunity to try novelties such as barrel racing, flags and rescue racing games – reliving your Pony Club days! Then another hearty dinner awaits.

Day 5: St Margaret’s Vineyard

Wake up to another day in globetrotting paradise! Why not take part in an early morning yoga session to stretch out those weary muscles and prepare for another day in the saddle? After a sumptuous breakfast, you’ll be reunited with your horse, then Paul will take you cross-country, weaving along narrow bush tracks until you arrive at St Margaret’s Vineyard, one of the many vineyards that flank the Margaret River township. There will be plenty of opportunities to trot and canter along bushland tracks and through the vineyards.

Once you catch your breath, you’ll be treated to a barbecue lunch under a grove of trees in a park-like setting with a local wine tasting. Then it’s another stunning forest ride back to Paul and Fiona’s property for dinner.

Day 6: Beach day and departure

Sadly, it’s your final day at this beautiful home away from home. But the adventure ends with a BIG bang, that’s for sure. This morning you’ll set off for the deserted white sandy shores and emerald green waters of Forrest Beach. No doubt you’ll fulfill a lifelong dream when you find yourself cantering uninhibited on the beach! If you like, you can unsaddle your horse and take them into the calm, turquoise sea, and if you’re super lucky you might even spot dolphins and whales.

For those wishing to depart straight from this beach near Busselton, the ride will wrap up at around 12 to 1pm, and you can head off after that. Alternatively, you can return to the property for a final long table lunch, which will also give you the chance to have a leisurely pack-up.

At around 4pm, you’ll say your fond farewells to the horses and humans who have become firm friends over the last couple of days, and depart for your onward travels.

Non-riders

Non-riders on the Margaret River Ride will have just as much fun as those in the saddle, with the freedom to explore this celebrated region at their own pace. We recommend hiring your own car so you can venture off-site during the day – think world-class wineries, pristine beaches, farm-fresh produce, art galleries and forest walks – then rejoin the group for shared lunches and any off-the-horse activities included in the itinerary. With beautiful accommodation as your base and the whole of Margaret River at your fingertips, it’s an idyllic escape for partners or friends who prefer their adventures on foot (or with a wine glass in hand) rather than horseback.

The non-rider price is inclusive of meals, accommodation and activities other than horse riding (Berry Farm, beach, vineyard lunch etc). Assistance can be provided with coordinating external tours.