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Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides
4.8
257 reviewsAbout
Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides offer horse riding in the High Country that leaves from a family farm, located three hours north east of Melbourne near the town of Mansfield.
Rides start from one hour through to seven days in duration and are suitable for all levels of riding ability. Most of the rides show guests where the famous downhill scene from the 'Man from Snowy River' was filmed and they all feature spectacular scenery. Most days you will see native wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and a colorful array of bird life.
Their most popular rides are one to three hour rides, two day two night Bunkhouse rides, two day luxury rides and their feature rides are a five day 'Man from Snowy River' and heritage ride that has been judged one of the 20 best adventure experiences in Australia, and a seven day Man from Snowy River Celebration ride travels to the highest peaks in the High Country.
All equipment is supplied. Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides have been offering rides in the High Country since 1982.
What's Available
2 featuresCarpark
Available Tours
Five Day Man from Snowy River and Heritage Ride
The Five Day Man from Snowy River and Heritage Ride conducted by Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides leaves from the farm and on day one, rides through to the Howqua Valley and stays overnight at the Riverhouse. Guests enjoying their own room and a gourmet barbecue dinner. On day two, enjoy a hearty cooked breakfast and then with a packhorse support traverse up the Howqua River and feeder track through to the historic Howqua Hills. Here guests are welcomed at Stockyard Creek, an original pioneer homestead, and guests enjoy their own room with a shared bathroom. Enjoy a three course dinner in the character filled kitchen and living quarters. Day three riding is a more relaxing day visiting the many historic sites of this property and surrounds. An extraordinary eight course degustation dinner is provided on this night. On day four, you ride the high track back to the Riverhouse with beautiful views over the Howqua River. Enjoy dinner at the iconic Kevington 'Hilton' Hotel. On day five after a big breakfast you will ride to the downhill scene from the 'Man from Snowy River' movie and finish with lunch at the farm house.
Two Day Two Night Howqua Valley Horse Trail Rides
The two day two night Howqua Valley horse trail rides starts on the Saturday, after a cooked breakfast at the accommodation provided by Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides, they then drive you to their farm. On the morning ride you will take in spectacular views looking out for the wildlife along the way and taking the opportunities for trotting and cantering. Having lunch at the Dungeon Hut before taking the bridle trails along the creek beds and gullies through to the Howqua River. Crossing this several times before arriving at their bunk house accommodation sitting up high above the river. Enjoy a roast dinner in the evening. On Sunday, after another cooked breakfast you will depart the accommodation and ride up to where the 'Man from Snowy River' movie was filmed. Stopping with plenty of time for photos before descending back to the valley floor and their farm for a barbecue lunch to complete the ride.
One to Three Hour Trail Rides
Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides provides trail rides from one to three hours in duration. The one hour ride is suitable for younger children and nervous adults and provides a basic gentle ride up to a ridge line that affords a beautiful view. The two hour ride is suitable for adults and older children of all riding abilities. It takes you to the highest peak with spectacular views and offers trotting and cantering for those that are interested. The three hour ride is suitable for adults and older children of all riding abilities. It takes you to where the famous downhill scene from the 'Man from Snowy River' movie was made. Guests enjoy spectacular views.
Two Day Luxury Trail Ride
Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides depart from the farm in the morning and ride up to spectacular views. Then descend into the Dungeon Gully for a picnic lunch at the hut. After lunch, follow the creek beds and bridle tracks into the Howqua Valley and traverse the Howqua River a number of times before you arrive at the cottage on Riverdowns. Enjoy the privacy of this luxury cottage with and a barbecue dinner with gourmet salads is supplied by the local Regional Produce Store. The next day, depart for Kate Camerons Peak, where the famous downhill scene from the 'Man from Snowy River' movie was filmed. Descend into the Mansfield Valley and onto the farm to complete your ride. You will then enjoy lunch at the Mansfield Regional Produce Store.
Full Day Trail Ride
This ride with Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides departs from the family farm and rides up to spectacular views in the morning. Then ride down to the 'Dungeon Hut' for lunch by the camp fire. In the afternoon groups traverse creek beds and bridle trails through to the next valley Howqua where the ride finishes with a couple of river crossings. Ride time is approximately five hours.
Nearby places
Reviews & Ratings
Colette Keenan
Google review
We just finished an incredible 2-day, 2-night Howqua River ride, it exceeded every expectation. The accommodation was superb — perfectly positioned right on the Howqua River. It was the ideal place to unwind with a cold drink after a long day in the saddle, soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Every meal was absolutely delicious and there was always more than enough to eat. You’re definitely well looked after! The horses were outstanding — sure-footed, calm, and perfectly suited to the rugged terrain. They carried us through breathtaking country and into places you simply couldn’t reach any other way. The views were spectacular and made every moment unforgettable. Fantastic ride with lots of trot and canter included. We loved our trusty steeds Ozzie and Lady, horses were perfectly matched to riders. What truly made the weekend special was the incredible staff. Karen kept us exceptionally well cared for and fed, and our ride leaders — the amazing horsewomen Amy, Theo and Lakota — looked after us every step of the way. Their bright smiles, great chats, and warm personalities made the experience even more memorable both on the trail and around camp. An absolutely amazing weekend from start to finish. We can’t wait to come back!
Rosie Bennett
Google review
We had the most amazing weekend trail ride with these guys - a truly memorable experience. I’m definitely not what you would call an experienced rider but I was made to feel completely at ease, felt I learnt so much and was given the opportunity to canter a few times which I’d never done before but can’t wait to do again! They did such a great job of managing all the different skill levels and making sure everybody enjoyed themselves. The horses were just beautiful, scenery stunning and I loved sleeping by the river in a swag. I will come back and do it again as soon as I can, maybe even the five day trip! Thanks so much to all of you for a fantastic experience.
wendy mungomery
Google review
My friend and I just completed the 5 day Howqua River ride. Michael was quick to respond to questions during the booking process which helped planning our travel either end and what to take. Just before the ride started the Vic heatwave was forecast so we were informed about the itinerary change of completing approx 5 hr daily rides in the cool of the morning, instead of being split rides, with the afternoons forecast to be very hot. This turned out to be a great decision for horse welfare as well as human welfare...enabling the group of 16 to completely relax, socialise and cool off in the river every day, needless to say we got to know every one on the ride very well and had so much fun. The amazing staff/guides pampered us the whole time with yummy and seemingly endless food and drinks. The scenery everyday was breath taking and varied from mountain ridges to lush river forests. The horses were perfectly matched to our individual riding experience and the guides [Lakota, Leah, Theo and Marley] were spot on with grouping people for trots and canters, keeping everyone safe and satisfied. The horses were in great condition and my steed Woody was my trusted partner just like Toy Story lol. Thanks for the memories and I'm sure we'll be back.
Natalie Alcock
Google review
My daughter and I are novice riders but enjoyed a fabulous 2 hour trail ride up a mountain for beautiful views. The team leading us were friendly and professional and handled all our needs really well. I would highly recommend this great business and we would love to come back for a longer ride next time.
Dani Oniszk
Google review
I just did a 2 day tide with the fabulous team at Watsons. I had a ball and got to see such beautiful countryside. I was very impressed how the team catered for all rider levels and abilities. Both days were conducted smoothly and efficiently with the riders wants snd needs met. Well done team, I’ll recommend you to anyone looking for an adventure like this!
Get in touch
Where you'll be
296 Three Chain Road
Boorolite VIC 3723