The Tassie Ride

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome to Tassie, globetrotters! You’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Launceston bright and early – make sure you’re wearing your riding gear. Your hosts will bring you to a beautiful property called Harveydale, where you’ll meet the horses and get to know your trusty steed in the arena. Once everyone is comfortable, you’ll set off on a ride through tranquil eucalypt forests, where tell-tale thuds reveal the presence of well-camouflaged wallabies in the undergrowth. Lunch will be served out on the trail, complete with billy tea. In the afternoon, there’ll be more wildlife-spotting opportunities and chances to trot and canter as you meander through the scrub.

Returning from your ride, you’ll take a half-hour transfer to Brickendon Estate. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a rich history and many well-preserved original buildings. Your group will be given the whole South Wing of the Homestead, so you can truly make yourself at home.

While you explore the Historical Village, wander the gardens or sit back with a book, your host Ray will whip up locally sourced, succulent, spit-roasted pork (vegetarian options are available with prior notice) followed by a homemade dessert featuring more gourmet local produce.

Day 2: The Quoin or Narawntapu National Park

May, June & October departures:

Today you’ll fuel up with bacon and eggs before taking a transfer to a nearby station – one of the most historic properties in northern Tasmania – with two centuries of continuous family ownership. Renowned for its superfine and fine Merino wool, it is also one of the largest wool producers in the state. The family’s long-term vision is to continually protect and improve the estate’s native ecosystems, grasslands and grazing country so that their descendants can enjoy it for generations to come. Amidst the bushland, you’ll find the horses saddled and waiting. Mounting up, you’ll savour steady uphill trots and canters, ride directly beneath the foothills of The Great Western Tiers, and marvel at spectacular views over the northern midlands, with the magnificent outline of Ben Lomond cutting into the horizon. Lunch is a picnic in a particularly scenic spot – perhaps on the banks of The Lake River. Before leaving this magnificent station, you’ll also be treated to a moreish afternoon tea in the original farmyard buildings.

Finally, you’ll head towards Narawntapu National Park: Tasmania’s smallest national park, and the only national park where horses are allowed on the trail. Arriving at Bakers Beach Retreat, you’ll watch the sunset from the verandah (or perhaps one of the outdoor baths!) and savour drool-worthy baked Tasmanian salmon in mustard honey butter.

July & September departures:

Today you’ll fuel up with bacon and eggs before taking a transfer to The Quoin, a nearby property named for the gigantic, 180-million-year-old rocky monolith that dominates the landscape. First settled by Europeans in the early 19th century, The Quoin produces some of Tasmania’s finest merino wool, while also protecting and regenerating vital native grasslands, waterways and forests. This careful stewardship has made The Quoin a haven for wedge-tailed eagles, Tasmanian devils, quolls, fire-tailed finches, wallabies, kangaroos, potoroos, bandicoots, wombats, and many more iconic species. Amidst this diverse bushland, you’ll savour steady uphill trots and canters, pad through cool, damp blackwood forests, ride along boulder-strewn valleys and marvel at spectacular views of the Tasmanian high country and midlands. Lunch is a picnic in a particularly scenic spot – perhaps atop the quoin itself, or sheltered beneath its dolerite cliffs. Afterwards, new trails lead you through entirely different landscapes on the ride back to base.

Returning to Brickendon in the late afternoon, you’ll have time to relax and unwind before tucking into another delicious dinner.

Day 3: Bakers Beach

May, June & October departures:

Get ready for a show-stopping day, starting with breakfast at Anvers Chocolate Factory (you’re on holiday, of course you can have chocolate for breakfast!). Whatever your typical morning beverage is, you must try the hot chocolate.

Returning to Nawawntapu National Park, you’ll set off on a glorious ride across the grasslands and sand dunes to the beach itself. This pristine, 7-kilometre stretch of coast is all but deserted on any given day. Dolphins can sometimes be spotted playing in the waves. The sense of freedom is palpable and the temptation to let loose in a long, windswept canter is all but irresistible (though not required).

Back at Bakers Beach Retreat, cheese, crackers and antipasto await, along with one last Tassie sunset. Your final dinner might be a slow-cooked brisket, or perhaps a barbeque of local meats, seasonal veggies and salad.

July & September departures:

Get ready for a show-stopping day, starting with breakfast at Christmas Hill Raspberry Farm en route to Narawntapu National Park. Tasmania’s smallest national park, this is also the only national park where horses are allowed on the trail. Here, you’ll set off on a glorious ride across the grasslands and sand dunes to the beach itself. This pristine, 7-kilometre stretch of coast is all but deserted on any given day. Dolphins can sometimes be spotted playing in the waves. The sense of freedom is palpable and the temptation to let loose in a long, windswept canter is all but irresistible (though not required).

Tonight you’re staying on the edge of the national park, at Bakers Beach Retreat. You’ll watch the sunset from the verandah (or perhaps one of the outdoor baths!) and dig into copious amounts of cheese, crackers and antipasto. Your final dinner might be a slow-cooked brisket, or perhaps a barbeque of local meats, seasonal veggies and salad.

Day 4: Departure

Today you’ll see a completely different side of Narawntapu National Park. A long, steady climb along the Grass Tree Track and through the tranquil coastal forest offers opportunities to trot and canter, with views over the azure-blue waters of Bass Strait, Narawntapu National Park, the Tamar River Valley, the Great Western Tiers (seen from the opposite direction of your Cradle Mountain ride!) and, on a clear day, the high plateau of Table Cape.

In the early afternoon, you’ll bid farewell to your wonderful horse, pack your bags and head to the Tamar Valley Wine Centre for lunch. Finally, you’ll be returned to Launceston for your onward travels.

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome to Tassie, globetrotters! You’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Launceston bright and early – make sure you’re wearing your riding gear. Your hosts will bring you to a private property called Harveydale, where you’ll meet the horses and get to know your trusty steed in the arena. Once everyone is comfortable, you’ll set off on a three-hour ride through tranquil eucalypt forests, where tell-tale thuds may reveal the presence of well-camouflaged wallabies in the undergrowth. Lunch will be served out on the trail, complete with tea and coffee. In the afternoon, there’ll be more wildlife-spotting opportunities and chances to trot and canter as you meander through the scrub.

Finally, you’ll head towards Narawntapu National Park: Tasmania’s smallest national park, and the only national park where horses are allowed on the trail. Arriving at Bakers Beach Retreat, you’ll have time to settle into your room and kick back with your newfound friends in the lounge, or wander through the surrounding bushland soaking up the tranquility.

Come evening, you’ll watch the sunset from the verandah (or perhaps one of the outdoor baths!) and savour a scrumptious dinner such as baked Tasmanian salmon in mustard honey butter.

Day 2: Nawawntapu National Park

Today’s adventures begin with breakfast at Anvers Chocolate Factory (you’re on holiday, of course you can have chocolate for breakfast!). Whatever your typical morning beverage is, you must try the hot chocolate.

Returning to Nawawntapu National Park, you’ll mount up for another three-hour ride along the Grass Tree Track and through the tranquil coastal forest, with opportunities to trot and canter en route. You’ll dismount for lunch at a scenic spot along the way. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse across the azure-blue waters of Bass Strait, Narawntapu National Park and beyond.

This afternoon brings more laid-back vibes at Bakers Beach Retreat. We recommend decompressing in the sauna, then listening to the ever-present birdsong from the outdoor baths. Dinner tonight is another home-cooked, family style meal and moreish dessert.

Day 3: Departure

After a tasty cooked breakfast at Bakers Beach Retreat, you’ll set off on a glorious morning ride across the grasslands and sand dunes to the beach itself. This pristine, 7-kilometre stretch of coast is all but deserted on any given day. Dolphins can sometimes be spotted playing in the waves. The sense of freedom is palpable and the temptation to let loose in a long, windswept canter is all but irresistible (although you can keep to a trot if preferred).

After lunch, you’ll bid farewell to your wonderful horse and be transferred back to Launceston for your onward travels.