Mount Fainter Brumby Country Ride

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Basic

Midscale

Weight limit

Group size

4-12 tourists,
over 10 y.o.

What does brumby country feel like from horseback? A packhorse line moving through the West Kiewa gorge, camp gear loaded for the next stage, open plains made for steady canters, and snow gums waiting above the valley.

This expedition begins with a night at the homestead before the trail follows Dungey’s Track into the upper West Kiewa River. You camp at Second Crossing, continue to Blair’s Hut, climb Weston Spur, and ride out onto the Bogong High Plains through Pretty Valley. This is the heart of brumby country, with the chance for close encounters before the route continues to Young’s Hut, Tawonga Huts, Mount Fainter, and finally Bogong Jack’s Hideout beneath the snow gums and stars. Each day covers around 15–25 km, with camps packed and carried by packhorses as the journey moves deeper into the High Country.

The horses are locally bred and trained mountain horses, matched to each rider. Meals are cooked around the fire, with beer and table wine served with dinner. Join this ride for brumby country, high plains, and a true packhorse journey through the Victorian mountains!

Lin B. is the provider of this trip

4.8 6 reviews

The provider speaks: English

Tour Guide, Camp Cook and Dad. My parents settled in Tawonga with my brother and me in 1986. They arrived with a truck load of horses and a vision for a family business that would honour the traditions of the High Country horse and offer unique quality visitor experiences. That vision still drives our family business. Our farm is truly the home of horseback adventures, our family sanctuary, and for the visitor, a country home away from home.

View Lin`s tours

Tour highlights

Ride Through Brumby Country

Cross the Bogong High Plains, where wild brumbies may appear close to the trail

Follow the West Kiewa Gorge

Ride Dungey’s Track into the upper West Kiewa River and camp at Second Crossing

Climb onto the High Plains

Pass Blair’s Hut and Weston Spur before reaching Pretty Valley and remote Young’s Hut

Route details

Arrive at the homestead in the afternoon or evening. Settle in and enjoy an evening supper before the expedition begins the next day.

Meals: Evening supper
Accommodation: Homestead accommodation

2 more photos

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape

Tour provider's comments

Riding is between 15 to 25km per day with opportunities for loping canters across open plains.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Midscale

Hotel

2 nights

Tent

4 nights

Camps are selected for their beautiful settings, some in traditional stock camps featuring huts, but often secluded bush camps maintained for horseback expeditions. With swags rolled out, dinner is prepared and enjoyed around a warming fire, with a cold beer, a local wine, and a meal made from fresh local produce cooked on the coals. All expeditions include a night before and a night after at the homestead, where you can join the family for a meal and enjoy your comfortable en-suite room.

The stables and homestead were built in the early 1990s, while the Riders Lounge and Stay buildings were completed in 2014, remaining true to the original vision.

Located at the head of the stunning Kiewa Valley, the farm is in close proximity to trailheads of the adjacent Alpine National Park, Falls Creek Ski Resort, and the culinary, viticultural, and adventure offerings of the Alpine Valleys in Victoria’s North East.

The accommodation structure is predominantly constructed from reclaimed materials, creating a comfortable, functional building that seamlessly blends with the surrounding vernacular buildings. A stay offers an immersive experience, allowing guests to reconnect with nature and farm life, breathing in fresh mountain air and taking in breathtaking alpine scenery. The cluster of buildings was originally envisioned as a recreation of early homestead clusters, resembling a small village of vernacular buildings. Influenced by showground pavilion designs, the buildings feature rough timber construction and playful decorative elements.

The Riders Lounge serves as a communal area for visitors, family, and staff to gather and share stories. Meals are enjoyed at the Long Table, which has hosted gatherings for almost 50 years. The meals feature local produce, including artisanal offerings, reflecting our pride in serving seasonal dishes ranging from fresh salads to hearty wood-fired winter fare. Our pantry is stocked by our extensive kitchen gardens, offering Alpine Valley wines and a variety of local and regional produce.

The library houses an assorted collection of books, decades of vinyl records, and traditional board games and holiday paraphernalia.

The open kitchen behind the bar provides guests with coffee, local wine, or beer.

Check-in is from 4 pm to 9pm, Check-out is at 10 am.

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

New South Wales, Tawonga

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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Conditions

Included

experienced, knowledgeable guides;
accommodation before and after the expedition;
all group camping equipment;
quality locally bred and trained horses;
quality Australian saddlery;
all meals as per the itinerary;
beer and table wine with evening meal on tour;
helmets and oilskin coats;
National Park fees;
first aid and emergency communications;
packing lists and travel information.

Extras

flights;
tips and personal expenses.

It's important to know

We would encourage all of our visitors to experience a ride in the beautiful Kiewa Valley on our wonderful homebred horses, however, if it is just not your thing we can cater for non-riders.

Reviews

4.8

Based on 6 reviews

N
N

about provider

15 Jul, 2024

My friends and I had a fantastic time here! The accommodations were extremely cozy, and the food was excellent!
M
Mathew

about provider

23 Oct, 2023

Everyone had a great time and loved the facilities and trail. Thank you for providing such a great experience!
V
Victoria

about provider

2 Sep, 2023

My partner and I visited this place shortly after the New Year. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there in every aspect. The family do an amazing job of welcoming guests and creating a homely atmosphere. The accommodations were charming and cozy, providing a peaceful retreat. The six rooms were thoughtfully designed to blend with the surroundings and were constructed using family designs, showcasing a labor of love. Instead of air conditioning, the rooms were naturally cooled at night while windows and shutters remained closed during the day, a more cost-effective and eco-friendly approach that we appreciated. The highlight was the communal living area with board games, a record player, and a long table where guests could relax and talk. Lin graciously prepared delicious homemade meals. Breakfasts were impressive too, featuring fresh produce, fruits, and homemade bread. Both my partner and I enjoyed horse riding, witnessing the excellent care provided to the horses and the exceptional guidance offered to riders of varying skill levels. It was a perfect getaway, and we will definitely return.