The Shoalhaven Ride

Day 1: Arrival

Yippee, the moment has finally come – you’re off to the glorious Shoalhaven for five days of what can only be described as total bliss! If you’ve opted for the transfer service, you will be collected from Sydney Airport at approximately 9:30am and transferred to Cambewarra Estate Winery in Bangalee (unless you’re self-driving, in which case, please arrive at the winery by 12pm). Here you’ll have a meet and greet with your ride host and guide, Tiffany Gale, over a sumptuous two-course lunch paired with a glass of wine.

After lunch, you’ll head to your accommodation at Champagne Hill to freshen up and change into your riding gear. You’ll then hit the round yard and get to know your trusty steed over a groundwork session, creating a strong foundation of trust, connection and relaxation. Tiff is passionate about natural horsemanship and whether you’re new to the concept or a dab hand, it’s sure to be a highlight of your holiday. If time permits, you’ll saddle up and enjoy a short introductory ride.

Afterwards, you will retire with a glass of Prosecco and a cheese board just in time to soak up the sunset and the gorgeous views over Morton National Park before sitting down to dinner. If it’s a balmy evening, you’ll be treated to a wildlife/stargazing walk on which you just might spot a rock wallaby, wombat or eastern grey kangaroo.

Day 2: Bugong National Park

After a big country breakfast, you’ll head to the horses and do some focus and relaxation work before setting out on the trail. Today you’ll trit-trot through Bugong National Park, winding through quintessential Australian bush in the aptly named Shoalhaven Sandstone Forest. If you’re lucky, hidden amongst the banksias, grass trees, turpentines and hard-leaved scribbly gums, you may spot an echidna, yellow bellied glider, yellow tailed black cockatoo or a goanna. The park’s unspoilt nature, combined with the nearby escarpment and Shoalhaven River, creates a strong sense of peace and solitude.

After a canter along the open tracks, you’ll reach a breathtaking clifftop overlooking the Shoalhaven Gorge – a view you won’t forget in a hurry! Finally, you’ll arrive at Coolendel Lookout, having worked up an appetite from the morning’s adventures. But never fear – you’ll be met with a high tea with Prosecco scones, served atop rock formations overlooking the Shoalhaven River, Morton National Park and the Ettrema wilderness.

Once everyone’s bellies and eyes are satisfied, you’ll meander back through the park before breezing through the vineyards of Lyrebird Organic Winery for a wine tasting of Chambourcin (red) and fortified wines (port). You’ll then unwind with a glass of your choice accompanied by local cheeses and condiments in front of the potbelly fire.

Day 3: Beach day

Today’s itinerary will make the most of every single minute of your time on the South Coast. Depending on the tide, your beach ride will either be at sunrise or in the early afternoon, so today’s schedule will be decided accordingly.

For the beach ride, you’ll tiptoe along a golf course, before reaching a pristine beach stretching as far as the eye can see. Now’s your chance to enjoy some lovely canters along a sandy beach – a true highlight of the trip that will have you feeling completely at one with your horse.

The winery you’ll have the pleasure of visiting is Two Figs Winery, overlooking the glorious Shoalhaven River, for a premium wine tasting of whites, rosés, reds and stickies. You’ll also head over to Berry for a boutique shopping experience, and let’s not forget a visit to the infamous doughnut van, where you can enjoy some applause-worthy hot cinnamon doughnuts.

And just in case you haven’t quite had enough great food and wine, lunch or dinner is Ramox Restaurant,  which is located within the striking contemporary architecture of the Bundanon Art Museum on the iconic Shoalhaven River (think Arthur Boyd country). It focuses on a paddock-to-plate philosophy, offering seasonal Modern Australian menus built around quality produce sourced from the surrounding South Coast region.

For wines, the restaurant is noted for championing local flavour, with a list that includes local wines from the Shoalhaven region, specifically a partnership with nearby Cupitt’s Estate. You’ll then step into the preserved studio and homestead to witness the artistic life and natural setting that profoundly inspired the great Australian painter, Arthur Boyd. No doubt you’ll be asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow tonight, globetrotters!

**Please be advised, today’s order of activities is largely dependent on the ocean’s tides, with the beach ride taking place at the best possible time to ensure there is a large stretch of sand on which to enjoy a windswept canter.

Day 4: Shoalhaven River

If you can fit in another bite, a beautiful breakfast is provided at Champagne Hill. You’ll then get reacquainted with your horse and your guides will lead you out through the bush in search of a colony of threatened grey-headed flying foxes. You’ll scamper down alongside a mountain of amazing rock formations, with opportunities to trot and canter along the way, before reaching the Shoalhaven River for a picnic lunch and swim, should you feel so inclined. Then after a siesta, you’ll gather all your pluck to steer your horse back up the mountain and return to Champagne Hill.

After this exhilarating ride, there’s the opportunity to enjoy a remedial massage (at an additional cost – approximately $110 for 45mins) in the privacy of the Pool House. Should you wish to indulge, it’s recommended that you make a booking at the same time that you reserve your saddle seat so you don’t miss out. The evening will be spent relaxing around the pool or the open fire (depending on the weather) with a Champagne Hill specialty cocktail before a casual on-site dinner and cards night.

Day 5: Ride and depart

It’s the last day of your ride today, boo! Once you’ve lapped up one final scrumptious breakfast at Champagne Hill, you’ll take the reins and follow you guides down nearby Abernethy’s Road, winding alongside caves, rock formations and streams with mountain valley views. Then you’ll head back up the mountain, where you’ll be able to really get the horses going with long trots and canters through the pristine bush.

Finally, the time will come to bid adieu to the horse who has carried you bravely on your journey. You’ll enjoy a final lunch at the homestead then wave goodbye to your hosts and Champagne Hill and depart, bellies and hearts full!

If you have booked the transfer service, you’ll be picked up and taken back to Sydney Airport, arriving by approximately 4:30 – 5pm.

Additional Activities

Guests have the opportunity to enjoy a remedial massage (at an additional cost) on day 4 of the 5-day itinerary. The approximate cost is $110 for 45 minutes, or $135 for 60mins, payable direct in cash. It is recommended that should you wish to indulge in this alternate activity, bookings be made at the same time you reserve your saddle seat (or as early as possible) so you don’t miss out.

*Price is subject to change.