You don’t have to be a part of the Saddle Club to live out your childhood fantasies of owning and riding a horse – just head to the beautiful Scenic Rim instead!
With the focus on exploring our own backyards this Easter and into Winter, there’s no better time to grab the reins and discover what these magnificent animals have to offer. Ditto re the Scenic Rim!
All options are covered and there no shortage of places to saddle up – the whole family can make memories together and take group lessons if you’ve never ridden before, or if you’re a little bit more experienced you can head out on one of the numerous trails around the region. Plus, if you own your own horse and want to take them on a Scenic Rim stay-cay as well, there’s numerous farm stays that let you BYO!
Here’s four places to saddle up in the Scenic Rim!
SCENIC RIM EQUINE GROUP
This is the home of horse riding in the Scenic Rim; the team have been training horses around the world for 20 years, and the property sits on the stunning Beechmont plateau! Trail rides and riding lessons are suitable for beginners through to experienced riders, and there are horses to suit all levels of skill. Rides include the OCEAN (showcasing the distant Surfers Paradise skyline, the Pacific Ocean and the Gold Coast), the GORGE (explores the scenery of Beechmont’s mountain ranges and valleys), general riding and polo lessons. Private, group and master classes all available.
Details at https://www.equinegroup.com.au or via 0418 677 467 or email hello@equinegroup.com.au.
Location: 1320 Beechmont Road, Beechmont QLD
STAY AT KIRRO
A stay at this gorgeous, restored Queenslander in the Lost World means you can BYO fur-babies, your family and your own horse, saddle up and explore this magical part of the world. If camping is more your style though, consider Ladybrook Farm instead – the new self-contained camping/glamping facilities are fantastic.
Book here: https://www.stayatkirro.com.au
THUNDERBIRD PARK
Thunderbird Park is Australia’s largest adventure playground, and the Tamborine Mountain rainforest is the perfect backdrop for horse riding. The trails are designed for children to enjoy as well, however minimum ages are seven years for the Trail Ride and 10 years for the Bush and Hilltop Rides.
- The 30 minute Trail Ride heads along Cedar Creek, around Thunderbird Park and under the Tree Tops Challenge.
- The Bush Ride is an hour along the park’s mountain ridge where you may be joined by local wildlife (wallabies, kangaroos and goannas) – the scenery is spectacular!
- The Hill Top Ride is 90 minutes and takes you through the forest tracks up into the hinterland. You’ll get the best views on this one!
- The Hearts and Hooves package is something special – prices start from $389 per room per night (twin share for two adults) and include one night’s accommodation in a premium room in Frog Lodge, cooked breakfast in the Rainforest Restaurant, two half-hour horse trail rides and a bottle of Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.
Details at: www.thunderbirdpark.com.au or via info@thunderbirdpark.com.
Location: Corner of Cedar Creek Falls Road, Tamborine Mountain 4272, QLD
LAKE WYARALONG
This one is for those who already own a horse and a horse trailer! Lake Wyaralong is at the base of Mt Joyce north-west of Beaudesert and has more than 40km of multi-use trails designed for horse riders. The trails take you from the shoreline up onto the Mt Joyce Ridgeline and some are shared by walkers and mountain bike riders so keep an eye out! Riders should come prepared with a water supply for horses and must not water horses from Wyaralong Dam.
