Horse Riding in the Gold Coast Hinterland

Come and explore the scenic hinterland and rainforest in a horse riding Gold Coast adventure.

Escape from the city, you’ll love the nature and fresh air, and exercise muscles you didn’t know you had!

If you’re like most people you have a soft spot for these beautiful creatures, and will thoroughly enjoy riding through the scenic Gold Coast hinterland on horseback, on a guided trail ride.

You’ll experience the earthy smell of horses and chaff; the feel of supple reins between your hands and the muted creak of saddle leather; the soft clip-clop of hooves over dusty ground or firm green fields; or a gentle whinny or snort from velvety nostrils!

A horse riding Gold Coast experience is indeed a wonderful way to spend a few hours…

A number of guided trail rides are available throughout the Gold Coast, and leave at various times during the day, and you’ll find the guides (and their horses!) to be experienced, encouraging, and friendly.

Horse riding Gold Coast tours vary from 1-2 hours, through to a half- or full-day … although for two very good reasons, it’s recommended that beginners start off with the 1-2 hour version:

One, in case you don’t particularly enjoy the experience;

and two, because the shorter ride may reduce the ache that most beginners feel following the unfamiliar use of backside and thigh muscles!

Note also that young children may find it difficult or tiresome to balance on a horse for longer than an hour, so minimum age limits (~ 8-10 years) generally apply.

Shorter, led rides can usually be arranged for even younger children.

Most tour operators will cater for both experienced and beginner riders, including those with little or zero riding experience and you can rest assured that absolute beginners are allocated horses with very gentle natures.

Also, you’ll be given a short horse riding lesson before setting out on the trail ride, covering basics and control of your horse.

And of course, your trail guide is an experienced rider and will also keep an eye on beginners and provide assistance on the trail, if necessary.

Once on the trail, the pace is generally relaxed and casual, with the aim being to enjoy nature and the horse riding Gold Coast experience rather than rush to cover as much ground as possible.

And while free range riding is not available, there is generally enough scope within the ride for experienced riders to still enjoy the tour.

Some of the scenery that you’ll witness is magnificent, with the many natural waterways, hills and valleys that dot the Gold Coast hinterland.

So there’s a good chance your trail ride will include one or two stream crossings, some hills of varying degrees, and plenty of flat ground where the adventurous beginner may encourage their horse into a gentle canter.

If you’ve always wanted to go horse riding but were never quite game; or if you’d like to explore the scenic Gold Coast from the back of a beautiful animal, then a supervised trail ride is the way to go.

So come on, your horse riding Gold Coast adventure awaits …

FAST FACTS

Cost

The cost per hour for trail rides works out at ~ $25-$35 for adults, and $20-$30 for children. For example, a 3 hour trail ride may cost $65 for kids aged 8-14 years, and $75 for kids 15+ & adults. Family and group rates may apply – check with tour operators.

Facilities

Toilets, light refreshments. Lunch may be included, depending on length of tour.

Wet Weather

Some tour operators offer an undercover riding arena - this may be a perfect opportunity to take riding lessons.

Operating Hours

All year round, 7 days a week.

Duration

May range from 1-3 hours, up to a full day.

Handy Hints

- Wear long pants; jeans or trousers of stiff material and inner thigh seams not recommended. - Wear closed-in shoes, ideally with a heel, or otherwise sneakers; definitely no sandals or thongs. - Take a light backpack, to carry water bottle & insect repellent. - Wear sunscreen and sunglasses (you’ll be provided a riding hat, with brim). - If planning a full day’s ride, take a swimming costume in the event of an opportunity to take a dip in a mountain stream. - Riders' weight may need to be less than 100kg; check with tour operator. - Minimum ages may apply.

How To Get There

Some operators may provide transfers from your Gold Coast accommodation, as an added cost. Refer to map references below.

Further Info

Refer tour operator table below.