150th Melbourne Cup Snowy River Ride Group Itinerary
Riding with Watson’s Horse Riding Tours
Up to 8 riders plus guides & Equathon hosts – Alex & Rebecca
Day 1 Tue. Oct 26 ~ Arrive Melbourne in the morning – transfer to ride location ~
We arrive at the celebrated “Riverhouse at Howqua Dale”, a magnificent country house hotel on the banks of the Howqua River. The 6 double rooms with ensuites all have beautiful views of the garden or countryside.
Enjoy a relaxing hot shower before a riverside BBQ dinner in one of Victoria’s prettiest valleys.
Day 2 Wed. Oct 27
We arrive at 9.30am at the high country farming property that’s been in the Watson family for many generations.
After saddling up, we set off on our ‘Man from Snowy River’ experience on horseback. We ride up to spectacular 360 degree views and along the way, watch out for the wildlife that often takes a look at us, including kangaroos, wallabies and Australia’s largest bird of flight, the wedge tail eagle.
We stop at “Dungeon Hut” for lunch enjoy a gourmet
hamper lunch and then in the afternoon we traverse the bridle tracks through quiet valleys and points of rich historical interest to the “Riverhouse at Howqua Dale” for the evening.
Day 3 Thur. Oct 28
The next morning we enjoy an early hearty country breakfast and start our journey up the majestic Howqua River along the high track towards “Stockyard Creek”. It is a challenging days riding with spectacular views over the river, tree fern gullies and long cantering sections. We stop for a pack lunch on the river bank surrounded by just mountains.
After lunch we ride through Wares Flat, Whisky Flat and Tobacco Flat and into Stockyard Creek to the Stoney family’s Pioneering Homestead. Here we are greeted with a cool drink and warm hospitality by Wendy Jubb Stoney.
Enjoy a sumptuous traditional Australian dinner at the homestead with all the trimmings and then retire to your room furnished with original pioneer relics and sun kissed sheets.
Day 4 Fri. Oct 29
A relaxing sleep-in then an indulgent breakfast awaits you. This is a relaxing day of riding where we explore the historic Howqua Hills area including ‘Picture Point’, ‘The Chinese Gold Diggings’, ‘Mad Professors Hut’, ‘Fred Fry’s Hut’ and ‘Tunnel Bend’.
Tonight’s dinner is a special affair at “Greenstone” the Stoney family house where we will enjoy a wonderful degustation dinner.
Day 5 Sat. Oct 30
An early rise followed by a sumptuous breakfast. Today we return via the river track to the Riverhouse with long cantering flats and 30 river crossings. Lunch today is at the “Hideout” with much memorabilia from the “Man from Snowy River” movie.
Tonight we take a drive to the historic Kevington Hotel on the banks of the Goulburn River for dinner. This is one of the longest continually licensed hotels in Victoria dating back to the Gold Rush era.
Day 6 Sun. Oct 31
Next morning we enjoy a hearty country breakfast that gives you a big energy boost before we set off for “Kate Cameron’s Peak” where we see the perilously steep hill where the famous jump scene from the movie was filmed.
We wind our way back down to Kinloch Winery for lunch to complete our ride.
Travel to Melbourne – Citygate Hotel
Accommodation will be at Melbourne’s Citygate Hotel. All of our guests will be staying in deluxe rooms with water views. The hotel is located directly across the street from the historic Flinders Street Station.
Dinner at a local Historic Restaurant
Day 7 Mon. Nov 1 Melbourne Cup Parade/Sightseeing
Guests will have breakfast with Bart Cummins’ Melbourne Cup winning jockey John Marshall.
Guests will enjoy a leisurely day exploring the city of Melbourne with an opportunity to watch the traditional Melbourne Cup City Parade. It takes place annually with legendary past jockeys and horses who competed for the cup taking part in the procession.
Dinner tonight will be at Melbourne’s iconic Italian restaurant E Cucina.
Day 8 Tue. Nov 2 150th Melbourne Cup Day!
It is time for the fancy hats and frocks for the historic 150th running of the Melbourne Cup!
It is “the race that stops the nation” and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Guests will spend the day in a premium private marquee where they will have a plated entree and buffet lunch with endless amounts of beer, wine and champagne throughout the day. The marquee has light entertainment between races in the courtyard. Private tote facilities and bookmaker are conveniently located in the courtyard.
Guests will enjoy acces to a seat in the reserved lawn stand seating to watch the racing!
Day 9 Wed. Nov 3 Depart Melbourne after a true Australian
adventure!