Over the weekend, at Uncle Nev’s Trail Riding north of Melbourne’s city centre, we had a horseback riding experience, enjoying the scenery from blue skies and white clouds to the full red glow, riding from the ranch meadows to the mountaintop. We also saw many cute animals. It was cool, comfortable, and very beginner and kid-friendly!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the staff selects suitable horses based on different levels to ensure safety. You can choose a two-hour or three-hour ride, generally at 10:00 in the morning and 2:00 p.m.
We highly recommend the afternoon session! Pass through meadows filled with herds of cows and sheep, and witness wallabies basking lazily in the sun on the hillsides. When you reach the mountaintop for a rest and afternoon tea, you can enjoy amazing views in the distance.
Descending back to the meadow as the sun sets is magical; the entire ranch is bathed in golden light, with mountain ranges and the evening glow above.
After confirming on-site information, they provide helmets and riding boots, or you can bring your own. It’s advisable to wear a short windproof jacket, sunglasses, and gloves, as holding the reins in the mountains may get cold or stiffen your hands. There’s a rest and adjustment period of about half an hour, offering cookies and hot tea/milk. Feel free to bring some chocolate or snacks to recharge!”
Address: 1115 Wallan-Whittlesea Rd, Upper Plenty VIC3756
Getting here
- About an hour’s drive from the Victoria Market
- You can also take the Vine from Southern Cross to Wallan Station, approximately 40 minutes. Call, and the staff will send a car to pick you up (round trip for one person costs $9.4).
The experience
- Upon arrival, you need to fill out forms primarily related to your health, horse riding experience, and be briefed on some precautions.
Note: You can’t bring a bag while riding, but you can place your phone in the small waist bag provided by the farm. - Based on your horse riding experience, they’ll assign a suitable horse for you. If you’re inexperienced, they’ll give you a horse that is easier to control.
Kids over 8 years old who aren’t afraid can also ride. The horses here are trained, so there’s no need to worry! - The whole ride is independent, with staff leading the way in front, and several ladies following to ensure everyone’s safety.
After about an hour of horse riding, you’ll reach the mountaintop. Then, you’ll go to an old lady’s house to rest, have tea, snacks, and then descend the mountain.
The descent path is steeper, so remember to lean backward and keep your legs straight when going downhill.
Along the way, let the horses eat grass and drink water. After riding for a while, you’ll see lots of kangaroos, herds of cows, and wild rabbits.
Additional tips
- Sunscreen and sunglasses are crucial.
- Remember to wear long sleeves and pants as the forest path has many branches that might scrape you.
Ticket Prices & Time
$130 / 3 hours
Divided into two time slots per day – 9:30 am or 1:30 pm. You can also choose different durations (one/two hours), and the prices vary.