Venture Into the Heart of Australia’s Outback
Australia’s Northern Territory is a world of its own, with nation-sized stations and wild characters aplenty. And The Top End Ride gives you the keys to the kingdom: sleek Australian Stock Horses, wide open plains, and an outback crew who’ll show you the ropes of real Aussie horsemanship.
Exclusive to Globetrotting
Rides hand crafted at GT HQ, available only to Globetrotters.
Trip Highlights
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Testing the paces of your athletic Australian Stock Horse on a soft red-dirt track
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Spotting saltwater crocodiles in the Mary River
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Riding up to a hilltop at day’s end for a cold drink and dinner overlooking the floodplains
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Rubbing shoulders with Aussie bush characters
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Hearing the dawn chorus of untold thousands of birds
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Learning how to work cattle in the yards
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Mustering buffalo or cattle across the station
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Exploring a landscape few people ever see
Details
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Riding levels
This ride is suitable for confident beginner (maximum of 4 per departure) to advanced riders. You must be able to manage a horse independently in open country at all paces, and be fit enough to post to the trot for several minutes at a time, multiple times per day.
Not sure what your riding ability is? See the definitions below.
- Type of tack
Australian stock saddles and swinging fender saddles and a mixture of split- and single-rein bridles.
- Horse breed
Australian Stock Horses
- Accommodation
You will have your own private motel-style room at the iconic Bark Hut Inn, a 5-minute drive from the station.
- Pace
The pace varies depending on the terrain – primarily walking, with stretches of trotting and cantering where suitable.
- Weight limit
A maximum of 100kg /220lbs.
It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Group size
A minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 guests.
- Minimum age
16 years of age
- Time in Saddle
On average, 4 to 8 hours per day.
- When to go
June, July, August.
- Weather
The Top End Ride runs from June to August inclusive, during the Top End’s dry season, when the weather is at its best for long days in the saddle. Daytime temperatures sit between 25 and 33°C (77–91°F), with warm, sunny conditions and little to no rainfall. Cool breezes roll in during the afternoons, and nights range from 12 to 20°C (54–68°F). In the early months of May and June, evenings can dip a little lower, especially near billabongs, so you’ll want an extra layer for after dark.
- Languages
Guides speak English.
Departure dates and prices
Instalment plans available
Lock in your ride with a 10% deposit and pay the rest over time – interest-free in 10 easy payments. Learn more.
Per person
2026
August 24 to 28, 2026
Waitlist yourself and we will send you an email if this date becomes available. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
We'll email you — you'll be among the first to hear when new departure dates are released.
Things to know
Payment details
- A fixed Booking Fee of $150 AUD
- All bookings and associated fees are charged in the currency of the ride.
- Accepted payment method is by credit or debit card only.
Cancellation policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your ride, please let us know as soon as possible. Cancellation fees apply based on how close your departure date is, and deposits are non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your booking. Read our full cancellation policy.
International fees
If you're paying in a currency different from your own, your bank may charge a conversion or international transaction fee.
What’s included (and what’s not)
Included
- Own room accommodation
- All meals outlined in the itinerary
- Day 1 beer
- Transfers (from a set meeting location)
- All riding activities outlined in the itinerary
Excluded
- International or regional flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Alcohol (except day 1 beer)
- Transport to and from the pick-up and drop-off point near Darwin
Itinerary
Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
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Day 1: Arrival
4 hours in the saddleWelcome to the Top End, globetrotters! Having arrived in Darwin yesterday, you’ll take a 30-minute taxi to your host Marc’s property, arriving by 8:30 am. Here, you’ll be paired with one of Marc’s stunning Australian Stock Horses, fitted with your saddle, and given a short test ride in the yards, along with a full safety briefing to prepare you for the adventure ahead. The horses will be loaded up, then everyone will climb aboard for the hour-long drive into the heart of Top End station country.
Your first stop is Bark Hut, where you’ll check into your room and enjoy a relaxed lunch.
After lunch, you’ll head to Annaburroo Station where you’ll ride out across the station’s holding paddocks and plains towards Mount Goyder, a forested knoll where you’ll be able to see the true scale of the land, and some interesting features that Marc will point out. By the time you return to the homestead, you’ll be feeling comfortable and connected with both your horse and the land itself.
After sharing a beer with the station manager and crew, it’s time to head back to Bark Hut for a relaxed dinner.
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Day 2: Mary River
5 to 7 hours in the saddleYour first morning in the outback begins with a filling breakfast: continental and cooked options will be served at Bark Hut.
Once everyone is ready, Marc will lead a ride through paperbark forests and floodplain trails, then along the Mary River, famous for having the world’s highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles! While you’re perfectly safe on the trail, the suspense of watching for movement in the water definitely adds a thrill! You may also see wallabies darting through the bush, jabirus stalking the wetlands, and wild buffalo ambling through the forest.
After lunch on the trail, you’ll ride on to a secluded billabong with abundant birdlife. From here, the horses are trucked home while you return to Bark Hut for a relaxed evening meal and classic Territory hospitality at this outback landmark.
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Day 3: Annaburroo Station
6 to 8 hours in the saddleThis morning you’re joining the crew for a mustering experience, and it’s an early start to keep up with these station boys! Annaburroo runs buffalo and cattle, and the work will depend on what needs doing on the day. Marc is a skilled teacher and you can get as involved as you like, from riding on the tail to chasing runaways, learning the skills and rhythms of the job.
Lunch is served in the crew’s quarters, before saddling up again in the afternoon to tail out the mob. No two muster days are the same – you might be educating young beasts, shifting cattle, or working the yards – but no matter what the day brings, it promises to be an addictive taste of real station life on horseback.
In the evening, you will return to Bark Hut for dinner and a well-earned wind-down.
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Day 4: Donkey Hill
6 to 8 hours in the saddleRising early for breakfast at 7am, you’ll mount up for a full-day ride along the Mary River delta. The ride crosses wetlands, flats and water channels, with a picnic lunch overlooking a stunning billabong on the rich green floodplain.
In the afternoon, you’ll traverse rough ridge country, discover an abandoned gold mine, and ride to the top of Donkey Hill. Here, the horses will load onto the truck while you watch the sunset, savour a cold drink, and enjoy a hearty cooked dinner with one of the best views in the Territory.
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Day 5: Departure
4 to 5 hours in the saddleAfter breakfast, you’ll ride to a quiet, scenic spot for a picnic-style morning tea, listening to the birds and reflecting on your journey.
Returning to the station, you’ll say goodbye to your trusty horse and the wonderful crew, and be transferred back to Marc’s property near Darwin, arriving at around 3pm. Please ensure your flight departs no earlier than 5:30pm.
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Non-riders
Non-riding friends and family members are most welcome to join you in the Top End, provided they are happy to organise their own adventures during the day. A hire car is absolutely essential for non-riders so they can explore independently.
Local attractions and tours include:
- Mary River National Park & Litchfield National Park.
- Barra or Blue Fishing Charters (specializing in barramundi fishing in the Mary River region).
- Reel Screamin Barra Fishing (guided fishing tours targeting barramundi and other local species).
- HeliFish (helicopter-accessed fishing adventures).
- Mary River Wetlands Cruises (wildlife-focused boat tours).
- Corroboree Billabong Tours (wildlife cruises featuring crocodiles, birds, and other fauna).
- Airboat tours on the Mary River.
- Guided nature tours.
- Scenic helicopter flights over Kakadu and surrounds.
The non-rider price includes shared accommodation, breakfast and dinner only.
Transfer information
Transfers throughout the ride are included in the price; however, you will need to make your own way to/from the meeting point in Darwin on the first and last days.
On day 1, you will need to make your own way to your host Marc’s property just outside of Darwin, arriving at 8:30am (the address is provided to guests after booking). It’s about a 30-minute drive, and taxis and Ubers are very readily available in Darwin.
On day 5, you will return to Marc’s property at around 3pm. Please ensure your flight departs no earlier than 5:30pm.
Please note
You will need to fly into Darwin the day before the ride begins to ensure you are on time for the transfer the following morning. Accommodation for this night is at your own expense.
Accommodation
You will have your own private motel-style room at the iconic Bark Hut Inn, a 5-minute drive from the station. Rooms are air-conditioned with private ensuites, and the Inn offers a bar, pool, dining facilities, shop and communal lounge areas. Bark Hut has countless tales to tell, a friendly team, and a tasty menu, too.
Food
All meals throughout the itinerary are included and feature hearty Territory-style cuisine. Breakfast offers both cooked and continental options, while lunches are picnic-style affairs enjoyed on the trail, with wraps, cold meats, salads and fresh fruit. Evenings bring generous pub-style meals – think steak, burgers, barramundi, roast veg and crisp salads. A special hearty bush dinner under the stars is a true highlight of the week. Most dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice, so please let us know when booking.
Reviews
Lisa B
‘Endless views, rich wildlife, and magnificent horses—this place captured my heart completely.’
Maire C
Brenda M
Robyn C
Dereli M
‘Great Crew! Great Ride! Awesome Location!’
Toni B
Christine M
Karen M
‘Loved that we got to ride the county countryside, work with Buffalo and learn new skills. A perfect combination of information and fun!’
Kate S
Leslie B
Meredith W
Sarah T
Barbara O
Karen D
Barbara O
15 reviews
Lisa B
‘Endless views, rich wildlife, and magnificent horses—this place captured my heart completely.’
Maire C
‘This ride is for people who want a taste of adventure and to experience the true NT close up. Mark and his team deliver a genuine, heartfelt opportunity to see this aspect of the NT, crocs and all. We loved it!’
Brenda M
‘You have to love a ride that teaches you something about working cattle, observing a working cattle station then combines all of that with great food eager willing horses, and informative and effective guides. Marc and his staff were excellent very knowledgable and fun to be around The dining under the stars was a standout.’
Robyn C
‘5 stars for Marc and the team on the Top End Ride. The food and our guides were fantastic but above all else I was so impressed by the horses. They’re really well looked after, well trained and Marc matched them to the riders brilliantly.
Seeing a helicopter mustering was really special and zI loved riding through the billabong, looking at the birdlife. We saw jabirus, brolgas and magpie geese, and many others. Scenery that I’ve only seen photos of in National Geographic magazine.’
Dereli M
‘Great Crew! Great Ride! Awesome Location!’
Toni B
‘It was such a bucket list experience! I’ve always wanted to ride on a cattle station with an opportunity to muster cattle. Now I can tick this off my list!
Marc’s horses are so well trained, it was such a pleasure to ride them. Nespresso, my mare was responsive and honest.
Marc our guide is a true character which brought humor and authenticity to the experience.
All the crew were super friendly and welcoming.
I will recommend this ride to my other horsey friends!’
Christine M
‘The ride started with our guide Marc spending quite a bit of time making sure everyone was happy with their horse and tack. Once sorted we heading off to begin our adventure. Lunch at Bark Hut Inn while the horses were trucked to the station. A short afternoon ride to explore around Mt Goyder and let everyone settle in with their horses. Marcs’ love of the land and his horses was evident from the start. Also Jenny our other guide was a wealth of knowledge on all the flora and animal behaviour. Day two saw us head out towards the Mary River with a lovely lunch stop and view of the river. We then meandered along the river and across flood plains keeping our eyes out for wildlife and birds.
Day three was muster day and no one could have predicted how much fun this was going to be. A short lesson in the yards for those not used to cattle then off we headed to muster a small mob of stragglers out of thick bush. Well this is where the cattle didn’t play the game and a shortish day’s riding turned into an all day epic adventure. Every rider went back to camp with the biggest smile and great memories of a fun day where everyone got to ride to their own ability and still join in. I’m sure we will all remember it for a long time to come.
Day four was a day of meandering through flood plains keeping our eyes peeled once again for anything inhabiting the area we were not disappointed. We continued on to Donkey Hill for our dinner on the hill to watch the sunset. It was not what I expected and surpassed any expectations I had. We arrived to a spread of charcuterie goodness along with our drinks we had loaded into an esky that morning. The horses were trucked back while we enjoyed the most delicious meal of vegetarian curry, buffalo stew and rice all in camp ovens on an open fire. It was made even more special by the tables, chairs, fairy lights place settings and table decorations of native flowers. Oh, and the loo with a great view. Thanks to the legendary Emily!!
After watching the sun set, filling our bellies and a couple of drinks we headed back to camp in the bus.
Day five we opted to help work some weaners in the yards. Slight deviation from the itinerary but a unanimous decision. It was a nice easy wind down morning before returning to Marc’s property, saying our goodbyes and heading our separate ways.
Marc and all his team were fantastic down to earth people who couldn’t do enough for you. There was plenty of laughs and good hearted banter with everything running smoothly even with a few changes as we went. Thoroughly enjoyed it all. People, horses, country and all the memories made along the way.’
Karen M
‘Loved that we got to ride the county countryside, work with Buffalo and learn new skills. A perfect combination of information and fun!’
Kate S
‘If you’ve ever wanted to be an Aussie cowgirl, this one is for you! Plenty of cows, buffalo and crocs to spot in stunning Territory landscapes, the wonderful Marc and his hilarious commentary, and the most incredible horses to learn the art of mustering. And don’t worry about swagging it, its High End in the Top End, with delicious barramundi burgers and homemade sweet treats, super comfy accommodation just 5 minutes from the station, and a dinner under the stars with a view you’ll never forget. Every day brought new adventures exploring on the station, bird life like nowhere else, and memories with new friends to last a lifetime. So grab your Akubra, head to the Top End, and get ready for the ride of your life!’
Leslie B
‘What The Top End Ride delivered was more than I could have hoped for. To traverse Country so beautiful and untouched was an honour. But, to do so behind the ears of a trusty Australian Stock Horse was what made this experience a dream. Marc and his team have created something truly special here. This is a unique Aussie adventure, and one that I am grateful to have experienced.’
Meredith W
‘If you crave experiencing the real Top End, this ride is for you. Marc’s passion and knowledge of this incredible part of Australia made the trip even more enjoyable, on top of riding tough ASH’s in such ancient landscapes. Loved every minute of it, learning how the seasons determine the use of the land, the animals that live within it, and the history of opening up the area by the early settlers. Such genuine affinity and respect of the Top End by the Marc and his team, it was at times humbling and fantastic to witness, and put many things into perspective. The team’s ability to deal with changing weather conditions was very impressive, nobody missed out on experiencing anything, great management. Upon return back home, have given my husband 12 months to learn how to ride (properly) so he could do this ride (with me of course).’
Sarah T
‘Had a fantastic time on this ride. My first trip to the outback of NT. Also my first mustering experience. I was a little apprehensive about this day but I needn’t have been. Marc and his team were excellent teachers and we all had a great day. Lovely horses, Harold was the best! All Marc’s staff were friendly and professional making sure we all were safe and had a great week. I’d do this ride again in a heartbeat.’
Barbara O
‘I had wanted to return to the Territory, having not been there since I travelled around Australia in my 20s. Being back in the top End did not disappoint. Darwin had grown but, beyond the city limits, the Territory landscape had remained unchanged and I loved being immersed in the expansive nothingness. The guides and support staff were very helpful. I was very happy with the horse chosen for me. The group was great and there were a few laughs to be had. The ride was quite the adventure.’
Karen D
‘Loved this ride, every day was different and Marc and the crew exceptional. The horses are well trained and beautiful to ride. The food and accommodation faultless. An amazing Aussie adventure!’
Barbara O
‘Being back in the top End did not disappoint. Darwin had grown but, beyond the city limits, the Territory landscape had remained unchanged and I loved being immersed in the expansive nothingness. The guides and support staff were very helpful. I was very happy with the horse chosen for me. The group was great and there were a few laughs to be had. The ride was quite the adventure.’
What's my riding level?
Not sure what your riding level is? Watch our videos to see all our levels.
Beginner
Reasonably confident riding a horse at a walk, a rising trot, and learning to canter.
Intermediate
Confident and in control riding at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly. Comfortable and competent using aids {the language of your leg, seat and hands} to communicate with your horse.
Strong Intermediate
An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly outside of an arena and is fit enough to ride for at least six hours per day. Strong intermediate riders are comfortable and competent in all three gaits; able to post or sit to the trot; have an independent seat while cantering (don’t hold onto the saddle); and can pick up the correct canter lead. They can also navigate more complex terrain, including asking a horse to sidestep and jump over a small obstacle.
Advanced
A frequent rider who is very fit, comfortable in the saddle for at least six hours per day, and has an independent seat and soft hands. Advanced riders are confident on a forward-moving horse at all paces over rough and variable ground on open terrain. They can ride over small jumps and know the techniques used to collect a horse
Not sure? Contact our team to help you figure out your riding ability.
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