If you identify as a former ‘horse girl’, this one’s for you. You don’t have to fully give up on your ‘Saddle Club’ dream – simply swap your beachside coffee walk with one of these horse rides near the Gold Coast. It’s the perfect excuse to switch off, slow down and tap into something magical (or, at the very least, give your cowgirl boots memories of actual farm, not just your favourite bar).
Historic Rivermill, Mount Nathan
Suitable for every level, with both walk-in and bookable rides on offer. You’ll wind through the farm and along the riverbank trails of Mount Nathan, with the option of adding a private picnic if you’re marking a special occasion. A gentle, low-key pick that also works well if you’ve got kids or nervous riders in tow.
Currumbin Valley Scenic Horse Trail Rides, Currumbin Valley
One of the best options close to the action, this Currumbin Valley outfit is known for the temperament of its horses and the experience of its guides. Every ride starts with a 10-minute lesson before you head out onto the trails, so total beginners are well looked after. Worth noting: riders need to be 18 or over, so this one’s better suited to a solo outing, date or friends’ trip than a family day.
Gold Coast Equestrian Centre, Clagiraba
A guided ride along the Coomera River with a proper riding instructor, starting with a short lesson in the arena before you head out. It’s a walking-pace ride suited to beginners and families (riders need to be nine and older) and if the weather turns, you can still ride in the centre’s covered arena instead.
Gumnuts Farm, Canungra
A 60-minute trail ride through the Scenic Rim, suitable for both adults and kids. It’s a proper hinterland outing – open paddocks, farm views, and enough ground covered that you’ll feel like you’ve actually been somewhere by the end of it. The experience is usually rounded out with a few extras – think boomerang throwing, a whip-cracking demo, and time with the farm’s animals.
A little further afield…
Cherbon Waters Equestrian Centre, Burbank
A relaxed hour of riding through the grounds of Cherbon Waters, out at Burbank in Brisbane’s bayside suburbs – ideal if you’re completely new to riding. Group trail rides run every Sunday (riders need to be seven and up), or you can book a private ride if you’d rather keep it just your group.
Zephyr Horses, Byron Bay
Small, personalised horse tours through sub-tropical woodland and out onto Byron’s beaches – about as scenic as it gets. Beyond the standard trail ride, they also run horseback pub tours, half-day tours, retreats, private lessons and team-building sessions, so there’s room to make a whole day of it.
