Horse trek |
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Horse trek |
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| Join us on an Waterfall Gorges Horse Trek Adventure Holiday - experience and enjoy the region's spectacular scenery by riding through the varied ecosystems that range from the temperate bush and farmlands of the Northern Tablelands, via Australia's highest waterall at Wollomombi and the other rugged gorges that deliniate the Escarpment, through the rainforest to the sugarcane and banana plantations by the silver sands of the tropical Pacific coast. |
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From the 1000 metre elevation of the New South Wales Northern Tablelands you will negotiate all the way down to the Pacific Ocean - your horse trek will bring you from the crisp dewyfresh dawns of the craggy scrub-covered highlands, walking your mount past the high cliffs and waterfalls of the gorges, descending through the dense sweltering rainforest of the lower escarpment to the thunder of combers breaking on the ocean beaches. And because all but your most immediately essential baggage is carried in the support vehicle, you and your mount are unburdened and more free to enjoy your week of horseriding unencumbered. |
| Your horse trek group will set our from Armidale
shortly after first light on Monday morning. Because most of our trekkers
are novices to horseriding, each group will be taken through a basic routine
of rider training; even the most experienced riders will be checked for
actual levels of skill. Novice training will involve learning about your
horse, how to saddle up, cautions about not harming the horse's mouth,
how to mount, 'steering' with your legs and much more - not all at once,
but by the end of the week you will be a proficient rider!
The group will then pack its supplies and kit up for the first leg of the trip. All non-essential baggage will be carried in the support vehicle which will meet the group each afternoon, bringing food and drink, other supplies and camping gear. Daily rations will be issued every morning - snacks for 'elevenses' and afternoon tea, and a substantial and inviting lunch pack. The exact itinerary of your trek cannot be foretold; in fact, every second trek reverses direction to go from the ocean to the tablelands. Our Group Leaders keep themselves informed of conditions through the available route options and of the creeks and rivers of the region, and itineraries are decided at the start of each trek on the basis of conditions at the time - and safety! However, each day will have a similar basic pattern - rising at sunup, you will be offered a hearty and sustaining breakfast, prepared by Chuck-wagon Charlie; after which you will lend a hand to break camp and stow the gear on the support vehicle. The tour will hit the trail about one hour after breakfast, and travel until mid-morning break about 9.00 am. After 15 minutes rest, the group will travel until lunchbreak around noon. Once you have eaten lunch, you can swim or fish or whatever until about 1.30 pm, when the group sets out again. Camp for the night is usually made about 4.30 pm; there you will be met by the support vehicle with your personal gear, driven by Chuck-wagon Charlie, your gourmet cook, who will have spent the afternoon setting up his field kitchen and preparing a delicious - and hearty - dinner, which is usually served at about 6.30 pm. Early, you say? Hardly - you will have been up since dawn, and you will be physically exhausted from your exertions on horseback, walking your mount where appropriate, helping to set up camp and conducting your daily horse care routines. After enjoying your dinner - washed down with premium Australian wines - on the first few evenings you will most likely want to 'put your head down' very shortly after! As you get used to the level of exertion required, in the fresh air, you will quickly get fit and be able to stay awake longer into the evening. |
| The trek ends at the sea, on Saturday morning.
There you can swim, surf or fish until the support vehicle collects you
to drop you off either at the local airport or at Coffs Harbour by noon
- your luggage will be in the support vehicle all the way - or to bring
you back to Armidale by about 2.30 pm.
To find new friendships - kindred spirits - amongst the others who are adventurous enough to undertake this trek. To learn about the wonders of our remarkable world, to live in and among them. Perhaps to find a romance to bring back to your normal life. For all of these things, come and join a horse trek - and book now. Trek prices are on the Booking page. Please also read carefully and
take note of the content of the Preparations,
Precautions and Kit page - you will need to prepare for our treks
in order to not develop muscular aches or pains or other unpleasantness
- and for your safety!
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Waterfall Gorges Adventure Holidays
Swim-Two-Birds
Boorolong NSW 2350
Australia
Phone : (International) +61 2 6775 5287
(In Australia) 02 6775 5287
Fax : (International) +61 2 6775 5283
(In Australia) 02 6775 5283
swimtwobirds@hotmail.com
Your adventure starts now!
Working with the Commonwealth and State Authorities for National
Parks and Wildlife,
State Forests, Department of the Environment and others.
