From Banjo Paterson's immortal 'The Man from Snowy River' and the legends of the bushrangers, to brumby herders and musterers of the Outback, Australians have long held a love affair with horseriding. With the countdown now on for the release of Baz Luhrmann's much-anticipated new epic film, Australia — an ode to the great stockmen and women of the Outback, if ever there was one — we've rounded up the country's best horseback experiences so you can relive the movie and saddle-up for the adventure of a lifetime.
The Great Outback Cattle Drive
Want to experience the romance and excitement of Nicole and Hugh's already famous cattle drive across the Top End the old-fashioned way, but with all the modern comforts of luxury-tent accommodation, fantastic tucker and even a little live music? Then get on your horse for the Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive, which is on the move again in 2010.
On this five-day, real-life epic adventure, you'll help drive 500-head of cattle across some of the most amazing country you'll ever see. Along with some of the very best drovers in this country, and visitors from around the world, you can travel along South Australia's Oodnadatta Track for a holiday adventure you'll never forget. To find out more, visit www.cattledrive.com.au.
Sunsets, Saddles and Shiraz
If you can't wait until 2010, you can replicate Nicole and Hugh's epic journey with Bridge & Wickers' new Sunset, Saddles and Shiraz cattle-droving tour, which is set to break out of the stalls early next year. Film buffs and thrill seekers alike will love the three-night tour as it combines all the romance and drama of cattle droving with gourmet food, fine wine and the dramatic backdrop of the Flinders Ranges.
What could be better? Just you; your trusty steed; the red desert and endless blue skies — oh, and a 200-strong heaving herd of cattle and some expert handlers of course! To find out more, visit www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk.
Ride the ranges
Before Hugh and Nicole, there was Tom and Sigrid and
The Man from Snowy River. Relive both movies and take to the hills of Victoria's Alps on horseback with Bogong Horseback Adventures. On one of their multi-day packhorse trips you'll follow historic cattle trails through tall mountain forests, fern gullies and gentle river crossings up the foothills of Mt Bogong, Victoria's highest peak.
Experienced and knowledgeable guides will accompany you and provide horses to suit all riders. For the less adventurous, the company also offers a three-hour trail ride on the lower tracks of the Alpine National Park. To find out more, visit www.bogonghorse.com.au.
Pub crawl by horseback
If you'd rather ride at a gentler pace, with frequent stops at local watering holes, then join the Pub Crawl by Horseback tour for a journey through the tablelands of New England around Glen Innes. This tour is a great way to drink in the rural Australian lifestyle and meet the many characters from graziers and shearers to prospectors and stockmen who work the land.
Regular two-, three- and five-day treks take in the one-horse towns of Deepwater, Emmaville and Torrington. While you might think you're in for a bit of a wobbly ride, the tour is all about drinking in the country not the pale ales. Full-strength beers are reserved for the end of the day when the horses are safely in a nearby paddock. To find out more, visit www.pubcrawlsonhorseback.com.au.
Outback Spectacular
A great way to experience the thrill of a real live cattle muster without getting your hands dirty is to catch Outback Spectacular at Warner Village Theme Parks on the Gold Coast. Each night the arena thunders with the sound of hooves as a cast of larger-than-life characters, along with an assortment of bush vehicles, entertain diners with one of the most memorable displays of horsemanship. The atmosphere is nothing short of electric — there's even a mustering helicopter that dives into the arena to round up a herd of stampeding cattle!
Drawing on the competitive Aussie spirit, the audience is split into two opposing stations and are given identifying stockmen's hats to wear to cheer on their stockmen and stockwomen to bring home the ultimate prize; the title of "top station". The jam-packed 90-minute dinner show is a visual feast for all the senses. Be sure to get there early as there's plenty of pre-show entertainment. To find out more, visit www.outbackspectacular.com.au.
The Birdsville Races
Finally, it doesn't quite have the glitz and glamour — or the big prize money — of the Melbourne Cup, but the Birdsville Races still manage to draw thousands of horse-happy punters from across the nation each year. With a regular population of just over 100 people, Birdsville's numbers swell to more than 6000 for the two-day carnival, with spectators, jockeys and trainers travelling from all over the country to be part of the outback festivities. Held the first Friday and Saturday each September, the race has been running since 1882 and is the biggest event on the Birdsville calendar.
Beyond the dirt racetrack the carnival revolves around, is the town's legendary watering hole — the Birdsville Hotel. Built in 1884 it has been witness to history being made, yarns being spun and the survival of Australian mateship. There's also the shows performed by the infamous Fred Brophy's Boxing Troupe, which is as much a part of the iconic event as the race itself. To find out more, visit www.birdsvilleraces.com.
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