Bushranger Ride
NSW Australia: (IT-AUIR08)
URL: http://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/australia_bushranger_ride.aspx
Introduction
NSW
Australia
The wonderfully unique Australian "Outback" has captured the imagination of the world. Step back in time and experience it's vanishing heritage while riding in the magnificent New England countryside. The pub crawl is a trek over rugged countryside, through creeks and quiet country lanes, but the twist is that there is a pub at the end of every day. It's a chance to enjoy the laid-back and friendly atmosphere of historic Aussie establishments, pubs that were once old stage coach stops. You will meet typical Aussies amidst their rural life in the Outback, products of their rich and colorful heritage in areas still little known to tourists. Each morning you saddle up for the new day's adventure and retire for dinner and sleep at a nearby pub to recharge.
Accomodation
Accommodation varies from pub to pub. The pubs are over 100 years old but are clean and comfortable with electric blankets in winter. All the pubs have a roaring log fire in winter. Shared bathroom facilities - ladies and gents separate, of course. Double-bed rooms for couples are available but in limited numbers. Single guests are on twin share or with bunk-house accommodation depending on the numbers. With smaller groups single rooms can be arranged at some of the pubs.
The Homestead is set on 1200 acres of bush land situated at the end of a gravel road so there is no traffic and is very tranquil. The boundary boasts 6 kms of river and we also have the use of surrounding properties, totaling approximately 10,000 acres.
Accommodation is country style, clean and comfortable with three double bedrooms for couples and a bunkhouse which accommodates 12 singles. There is also a 4 single bed room in the house. Again shared bathroom facilities. Tea and Coffee is available 24 hours. Voted as the best part of the house is our 40 foot long 16 foot wide verandah where guests sit and relax after the ride.
Meals: All breakfasts are fully cooked English style.
Lunch consists of a roll with various fillings, piece of cake, snack bar, fruit and juice. Carried in the saddlebags, we stop along the way sometime by the side of a creek or shady bush setting. All dinners are 3 courses.
Complimentary wine with meals at homestead and unlimited tea and coffee.
NOT INCLUDED are alcohol and soft drinks at Pubs and Homestead is BYO for both.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Riding
Note: Riding Helmets are mandatory
Our horses on each ride are chosen for their ability over rough and sometimes rocky and mountainous terrain. Although predominantly Australian Stock Horses, other breeds and crosses will be among Great Aussie Horse Trek’s four-legged friends. Australian Stock saddles are used with saddle bags for your lunch and water bottles provided to strap to your saddle. Riders are welcome to bring their own stock saddles provided it fits the horse selected.
While riders should have some experience, the non-rider will usually cope provided he/she has a reasonable level of fitness and an adventurous outlook. Our Pub Crawl Treks cover an average of 35-40 kms per day which is traveled at a walk, trot and canter over all types of terrain. WE RECOMMEND THAT NOVICES TALLY-UP SOME HOURS TRAIL RIDING BEFORE JOINING US. Families with children are welcome, provided the children are over 12 years old and have some experience, i.e. own horse, trail riding, pony club etc. They need to be capable of handling a horse over long distances (approx. 5-6 hours each day) with a mature attitude.
Itinerary
Bushranger Ride
Day 1: Your riding adventure starts at Steve & Alison’s B&B farm near Glen Innes. You arrive at 12 noon for lunch the day the trek starts for introductions and making friends. After lunch you will be introduced to your horse whether it be "Cognac", "Stout", "Budweiser" or "Whiskey" and are given a preliminary trail ride. A welcoming dinner party is held that night and accommodation is at the Homestead.
Day 2: This day we work our way into Emmaville, across open plains and rocky gorge country with lunch on the river at a fishing cottage. Then its on to the pub to meet the characters of the bush. Emmaville goes back in history to an early tin mining settlement and the Pub was a stopover inn for Cobb & Co stage coaches.
Day 3: The next day’s ride takes you along Travelling Stock Routes with a great outlook towards the sleepy town of Deepwater. The Deepwater Pub was also a stop-over for Cobb & Co on it's way through the New England Tableland back in the early 1900's. Great food, a hot shower and a comfortable bed awaits you.
Day 4: Back to the Homestead riding much of the day through a 13,000 acre feedlot where there is plenty of room for trots and canters. A well earned Aussie dinner and comfy bed again awaits you. The campfire again will be stoked up for you to tell stories of the ride. Remember the philosophy of the bush is “ Never let the truth get in the way of a good story”.
Day 5: Guests depart after breakfast
In both of the pubs you will have met many typical Aussies, graziers, shearers, prospectors, stockmen and many other characters that live the rural Australian life.
The towns you ride to and stay in are a step back into the past to our rich and colourful heritage, areas that are still little known to tourists.
At the discretion of the owners, the route of the 4 day Bushranger Ride may vary depending on weather, numbers and accommodation availability at Pubs.
Falls Gorge Ride
Day 1: Your riding adventure starts at Steve & Alison’s B&B farm near Glen Innes. You arrive at 12 noon for lunch the day the trek starts where introductions and friendships are made. After lunch you will be introduced to your horse whether it be "Tequilla", "Stout", "Hahn" or "Whiskey" and are given a preliminary trail ride. A welcoming dinner party is held that night and accommodation is at the Homestead.
Day 2: This day we work our way into Emmaville, across open plains and rocky gorge country with lunch on the river at a fishing cottage. Then its on to the pub to meet the characters of the bush. Emmaville goes back in history to an early tin mining settlement and the Pub was a stopover inn for Cobb & Co stage coaches.
Day 3: The final day’s ride takes you back through some rugged and spectacular country, arriving back at the Homestead where a well earned Aussie dinner and comfy bed again awaits you. The campfire again will be stoked up for you to tell stories of the ride. Remember the philosophy of the bush is “ Never let the truth get in the way of a good story”.
Day 4: Guests depart after breakfast
In the pub you will have met many typical Aussies, graziers, shearers, prospectors, stockmen and many other characters that live the rural Australian life.
The town you ride to and stay in is a step back into the past to our rich and colourful heritage, areas that are still little known to tourists.
At the discretion of the owners, the route of the 3 day Falls Gorge Ride may vary depending on weather, numbers and accommodation availability at Pub.
Rates and Dates for Bushranger Ride
Rates include:
Accommodations with share bathrooms, all meals and 3.5 (2.5) riding days.
Packages and Options
| A | 2009 | 5 day Bushranger Ride, AP 3.5 riding days | $1480 | $1380 |
| Extra night with meals | $125 | $120 |
| Non-rider | ($740) | ($680) |
| B | 2009 | 4 day Falls Gorge Trip, AP 2.5 riding days | $995 | $925 |
| Extra night with meals | $125 | $120 |
| Non-rider | ($495) | ($460) |
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Armindale return (single)
- to be paid locally
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$
100
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$95
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2009
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Transfer from Armindale rt pp (min of 2)
- to be paid locally
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$
60
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$60
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Tour Dates
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| A |
2009
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10/16
- 10/20
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5d / 4n
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5 day Bushranger Ride, AP 3...
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4
/10
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Expired
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| A |
2009
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11/20
- 11/24
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5d / 4n
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5 day Bushranger Ride, AP 3...
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4
/10
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Expired
|
|
Dates Note:
the Dec 30th trip includes one extra night and ends on Jan 3.
Other Info
Meeting: Bullock Mountain Homestead in Glen Innes
Airport: Armidale
Transfer: Armidale
Climate: The weather will not always run to form so plan on days in the middle of winter (June, July & August) to have crisp mornings with crystal clear cool days (approx. 15 degrees C or 60 F on average) which are absolutely perfect for riding. The colder nights will see you already safely at the pubs with roaring log fires and electric blankets on all beds.
We have up here on the Tablelands, what is described as an air-conditioned summer. December, January, February the days are warm to hot (approx. 25-30 degrees C or 78-88 degrees F) . The air is dry with temperatures dropping sufficiently at night to allow a good night’s sleep.
Of course, autumn and spring temps are somewhere in-between.
What To Bring: Panty hose are often worn to prevent soreness and chaffing (by men too!)
Please keep belongings to one bag per person of an overnight type, e.g. hold alls, duffel bag etc. - compact and easy to stow.
Hard hats are available at the Homestead (optional for persons over 18 years of age) - no charge for use.
Luggage transfer by vehicle to pubs.
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… this list is only a guideline for you
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X = Necessary
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Check List
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Travel documents and Voucher
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X
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Flight tickets
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X
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Passport
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X
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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X
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding clothes (jeans or jodhpurs)
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X
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Suitable riding boots or shoes with a heel & no tread
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X
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Full-length oilskin coat (we hire them)
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X
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
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X
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Riding gloves
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X
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Broad brimmed hat with a chinstrap
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X
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Woolen pullover for summer as well as winter rides
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X
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Joggers for bushwalking
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
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X
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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X
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Jeans
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X
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Shorts
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X
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Underwear and socks
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X
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Pajama
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X
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Bag for dirty clothes
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X
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Light summer jacket
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X
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Warm jacket
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X
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Comfortable shoes/sneakers
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X
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Swimsuit
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X
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Bandana
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X
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For Camping trips:
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Sleeping Bag
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Torch
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Towel and small bar of soap
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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X
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Insect protection
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X
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Personal medications
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X
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Sore cream (for the emergency)
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X
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Two crepe bandages in case your calves become chaffed
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X
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Sewing kit
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X
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Handkerchiefs
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X
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Adapter for electric appliances
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X
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Camera and enough extra films
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X
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Belt pack
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X
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)
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X
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Sun glasses with strap
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X
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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X
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