Horse riding adventures for families in Victoria

Victoria has horse riding for families in several forms: short trail rides close to Melbourne, overnight treks in the high country, and places where children can meet horses on the ground before anyone climbs into a saddle. This guide covers venues from the Murray River to the alps, drawn from what each one offers. Think about how far you want to drive, how long your children can sit on a horse, and whether you want a ride alone or a full day out with food and other things to do.

Billabong Ranch, Echuca

Billabong Ranch sits on 500 acres along the Murray River just outside Echuca Moama, about two and a half hours from Melbourne. Horse trail rides, camel rides and a fun park are all on the one site, and there is onsite accommodation and a licensed cafe at the boathouse where parents can sit while children use the pedal boats or have a pony ride.

• Book ahead for horse trail rides and camel rides.
• Children's birthday parties are available in several forms, including a theme party built around one activity such as a pony ride, a BYO food party and trail ride parties.
• The ranch also runs school camps and school holiday camps.
• Winery tours and pub rides are offered as extra outings from the site.

Uncle Nev's Trail Rides, Upper Plenty

Uncle Nev's Trail Rides is a family-owned trail riding business whose horses roam over 250 acres of rolling hills next to Mt Disappointment State Forest. It welcomes people of all abilities and backgrounds.

• Trail rides come in one, two or three hour lengths.
• On arrival you sign in, have your gear checked, get matched with a horse and are helped on with a mounting block.
• Download, read and sign the release of liability form before you come and bring it with you.
• There are no rides on Tuesdays, and the office is usually closed over the Christmas and New Year period.

Arthurs Seat Trail Rides, Main Ridge

Arthurs Seat Trail Rides is a family-run business at Main Ridge built around natural horsemanship. Every ride starts with a join up exercise to build trust between horse and rider before the group heads out.

• Each session runs for two hours and takes between one and six riders.
• Beginners are taught to trot and more experienced riders get the chance to canter, with pace adjusted to comfort level.
• Maximum rider weight is 90kg.
• Rides run at set times on weekends and school and public holidays, and by arrangement on weekdays.

McCormack's Mountain Valley Trail Rides, Merrijig

McCormack's Mountain Valley Trail Rides takes riders into the high country around Mount Stirling and Craig's Hut. One of the family worked as a rider in The Man from Snowy River films and riders can hear about it on the way, and some scenes of the Australian Outback Spectacular Show were filmed on the property. The family still musters cattle on horseback over a weekend each year.

• Two hour and half-day rides run all year; full-day and multi-day rides run for only part of the year.
• Overnight riders sleep at the family's mustering hut, choosing bunk beds, a lean-to shelter or a pop-up tent, with hot showers available.
• Riders need to be under 110kg, and age limits vary with ride length. Contact the operators to discuss options if you are over the weight limit.
• Rides take up to 15 guests, some day rides only five.

Bogong Horseback Adventures, Tawonga

Bogong Horseback Adventures is a family-run property in the Kiewa Valley that breeds its own horses for mountain work and runs rides from its stables into the Alpine National Park.

• A two hour session suits first-time riders and children from age 10.
• A full-day bush ride and multi-day pack horse treks are available for those wanting more.
• Guest rooms on the property look out to Mount Feathertop and the Kiewa Valley, and there is a shared riders lounge with a fire in colder months and fans in summer.
• A walking map of the farm is available at reception, and nearby towns include Mount Beauty, Bright, Myrtleford, Beechworth and Yackandandah.

Boneo Park Equestrian Centre and Living Legends

Two venues give families time with horses without a trail ride.

Boneo Park Equestrian Centre is a 340 hectare property on the Mornington Peninsula set within wetland and woodland. Equestrian competitions from interschool events to national championships are held most weeks and spectators are welcome, usually free. Most of the Tootgarook Wetland lies inside the park, with more than ten kilometres of tracks for walking and birdwatching, and over 160 bird species recorded. Arilla, the onsite restaurant, overlooks the wetland lake and the arenas.

Living Legends is about 30 minutes from Melbourne's CBD and is home to retired champion racehorses, including former Melbourne Cup winners. Visitors join a guided paddock tour or walk around at their own pace on a self-guided tour, with options to feed and pat the horses. The cafe serves snacks, light meals and Devonshire tea, and the Back Paddock nature reserve is a place to spot kangaroos, echidnas and lizards. Tickets are sold at the homestead on arrival or online, and the site is open through the Christmas break apart from Christmas Day.

Before you go

• Book ahead where asked: Billabong Ranch for trail and camel rides, and group visits at Living Legends.
• Check weight limits. Arthurs Seat caps riders at 90kg and McCormack's at 110kg.
• Uncle Nev's requires a signed waiver brought on the day.
• Group sizes are small at Arthurs Seat and on some McCormack's day rides, so plan for a family of six or fewer per ride.
• Longer high country rides only run for part of the year, so check the shorter rides if you are visiting in winter.