HORSE RIDING

A HORSE TREK IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

One by one, Lin and Clay of Bogong Horseback Adventures lead their mountain-bred stock horses over toward your group and help you to mount. You haven’t been riding since you were a kid and are relieved to see the horses are cool, calm and collected, and know what to do without you lifting a finger. They mingle on the grass, nibbling away while the Baird brothers saddle you up. 

Across the lush green paddocks of Spring Spur are bush-clad foothills that roll upward into alpine mountains. You’re feeling very ‘Man From Snowy River’ right now and the excitement is tingling through your veins.

"Thank goodness they had a last-minute cancellation," you think to yourself as you saddle up for the evening tour.  

The brothers show you how to control the horses (although the horses clearly know the drill and follow their masters’ lead like clockwork) and when everyone is confident, the team begins to move. 

You follow an old stock route through towering eucalypts up into the hills, crossing a shallow river, and gullies thick with ferns, then onward into the Alpine National Park. The horse's body sways rhythmically beneath you, rocking you to the musical tones of the forest birds and the whispering breeze in the tree canopy.  

Onwards goes the team, trancelike. You can hear Clay behind you telling a story from his time guiding packhorse tours in the Sierra Nevada, and the alluring huts of the High Country around Dinner Plain, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, but you’re in your own dream and his words are a thousand miles away. Perhaps you’ll ask again around the campfire. Those old huts do sound enticing. The sky begins to turn orange, then pink, then mauve, and you realise you’re headed back to the Spur. The dream is almost over. 

Round the campfire, your group gets to talking about what to do tomorrow. You’re all in the mood for adventure and the starry alpine sky has you in the mood for camping – perhaps up at Mount Buffalo

Then again, you did carry your gravel bike all the way to Bright with you and you'd love to explore the backroads around the mountains. Hmmm. Which will it be?

Choose your next adventure, or scroll down for more outdoor activities

A LIFE LIVED OUTSIDE

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN MOUNT BEAUTY

Rocky Valley Cafe

Rocky Valley Cafe

Enjoy a coffee, breakfast or lunch in the unique garden setting. There is no better place to relax after a long ride or while having your bike serviced. Offering something special everyday, you’ll find their everyday classics on Monday and Tuesday, full lunch menu from Wednesday to Sunday and cooked breakfasts Friday to Sunday. Open…

Mt Beauty Transfers

Mt Beauty Transfers

Looking for a convenient, flexible, and hassle-free way to travel to the snow? Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride with a private transfer from Mt Beauty Transfers. Their local, experienced drivers, comfortable vehicles, and personal service, ensure your journey to the snow is as enjoyable as possible. Travel when it suits you without the…

Quaff Wine Bar

Quaff Wine Bar

Situated right in the heart of Mount Beauty, Quaff Wine Bar is all about the fantastic local wines that make this area special. They’re here to keep it simple – showcasing awesome wines and creating a laid-back hangout for both locals and visitors. No frills, just good drinks, good vibes, and a great time. They’re…

Bogong Horseback Adventures

Bogong Horseback Adventures

Bogong Horseback Adventures has been running award-winning tours since 1986. With licensed access to the Alpine National Park and Mount Bogong, the riding landscape is truly spectacular. Based at our property Spring Spur, Bogong Horseback Adventures travel from rich mountain valleys to the vast Bogong High Plains and Victoria’s highest mountain, Mount Bogong. The award-winning…

Rocky Valley Luxury Apartments

Rocky Valley Luxury Apartments

Discover luxury and convenience in these new two bedroom apartments. Nestled in the heart of the mountains, these luxurious two bedroom apartments offer unparalleled convenience for your adventurous lifestyle, whether you’re a ski, cycle or nature enthusiast. Imagine waking up to breathtaking mountain views, with immediate access to top-rated ski slopes and scenic cycling trails.…

Mt Fainter Pack Horse Tour

Mt Fainter Pack Horse Tour

Showcasing the West Kiewa, Pretty Valley and Mount Fainter, this expedition includes high plains, heritage huts, brumby country, wild rivers, stunning views and secluded camps, our renowned horses and campfire meals. The horses are a feature of this expedition, each of them our own bred and trained mountain horse, expertly matched to the rider. Each…

EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE

Mountain biking

MOUNTAIN BIKING

BIG HILL MTB PARK

These gnarly singletrack trails aren't for the faint-hearted. Are you shredders ready to ride Big Hill?

WALKS

SHORT WALKS OR DAY HIKES

Whether it's a lazy stroll by the river or a hike to the summit of Victoria's highest mountain, we've got walks for all walks of life.

walk gorge mount beauty summer 4_3