I've just got back from Australia and if anyone is looking for a five-star riding holiday down under I can highly recommend Equathon Bush and Beach Tour based in Noosa, Queensland.
I spend three days riding with them and both the horses and the guides were first class.
The first morning I was woken at dawn to the sound of wild parrots being fed before tucking into eggs benedict, cooked to perfection by the B&B owner.
The horses - stunning Australian stock horses - were already saddled up and ready to go when I reached the stable. Myself and the other guest were led by the owners Alex (a triple Olympian no less) and Rebecca through the Noosa Trail Network, which is something to envy when compared to our bridle paths. But the high point was riding on the beaches at Noosa - the soft sand went on forever.
After a full days riding the evenings were spent in fantastic restaurants enjoying the fresh produce of Queenland. I highly recommend the Thais on the main street in Noosa.
The ride is well designed and any level of rider can enjoy it. The horses were the fittest horses I've ridden and so forward going I could just go with the flow - no work involved.
Equathon have lots of itineraries to choose from, so if you'd like to sample some real ozzy horsemanship combined with great hospitably this is a great choice.

www.equathon.com
Google map: bit.ly/bR5UkV

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

It's a backpackers' place stuck in a time warp. From the outside it's a throw back from the early twenties but inside its an up-to-date hostel catering for all tastes.

However, I've heard that it's going to be demolished, I hope this isn't true. Nossa is a wonderful little place. An almost idyllic place, kind of Ozzie Bedford Falls. Relax and enjoy.

2 Halse Lane, Noosa Heads
Tel: (05) 5447 3377
www.halselodge.com.au/

Google map: tinyurl.com/loe5bc

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

I follow a group of Aussies up a rocky, uneven path between shops. Here’s the beach. It must be over 20 Celsius. Like a massacre, bodies litter the first section of sand. To my right the sand becomes rocks in a few hundred feet. To my left a meandering golden path finally curves on the horizon. Sea takes over.

It’s a walk of hidden corners and curves. I unpeel my sweaty trainers and sweatier shirt and sink with each hot step. Halfway to the horizon I lose most sunbathers. The warm air is odourless. The sea brushes the sand to my right, which gleams under the sun. I stop.

There’s nobody around, just the idyllic sea. Walking in the constant heat of the Noosa sun placates me. A browse of the website showed the maximum temperature all year is between 20 and 30 Celsius - an average of 19 in winter. Each corner provides a treat to the intrepid walker. A hidden cove for a young brother and sister to fish from; a tiny crescent of shaded sand for an old man to read in; a collection of dangerously slanted rocks for intrepid walkers to slip off.

www.tourismnoosa.com.au

Google map: tinyurl.com/mmreke

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends