Booking Request Form

IMPORTANT Ride & Pricing Information

Please note - We DO NOT do 2 hour or day rides, ONLY multi day rides

Prices

• 2 day - $750.00
• 3 day - $1250.00
• 4 day - $1650.00
• 5 day - $2100.00
• 6 day - $2500.00
• 7 day - $2950.00
• 10 day - $4000.00

All Prices quoted include GST

Organisers' Special: For a party of 14 or more the organiser pays only half price. Discounts available for Schools.

Note: Prices current to June 2025

PLEASE NOTE: As we ride at higher altitudes in the summer months, average day time temperatures range between 18° - 27° C.

Bookings

All bookings made will be held for a maximum of 14 days only, unless otherwise advised by which time we need a deposit and a booking form to be sent by email.

Courtesy bus pickups are done the night before departure.

All dates below are the actual riding days.

Riding Ability and Weight Limits
We no longer take riders who are more than 100kg.

For any rides that are 4 days or longer:
Riders must fit. They should be able be to lead horses for about 1 km through steep country without difficulty.
We no longer take riders with limited experience. Riders need to have done at least 50 hours riding previously. They need to be confident, have good rein control, be able to balance the horse over steep and rocky country, and mount unassisted with use of incline, log or rock.

From November through April, most rides take in the High Country, setting off from Higgins Hut on Bennison Plains.

Our Rides

In the colder months of May, June and October, we ride lower down in the picturesque Licola Valley.

We also run a limited number of Cattle Mustering and driving trips in the year, and run an annual beach ride with the historic Snake Island Cattlemans Association in February.

Bespoke packages for private groups and school trips can be arranged. Please contact us direct for more information.

High Country Rides

Many of our High Country tours follow the spectacular scenery from "The Man from Snowy River" movies including Craig's Hut, one of the regions most photographed landmarks. We also take in the spectacular views from Mt Howitt, Mt Magdala, The Bluff and Mt Stirling. Alternately we visit Mt Reynard, the impressive ravine at Bryce's Gorge, the grassy high plains at Mt Wellington and Dargo, and many more places like Lake Tarli Karng, the hidden lake nestled deep within the mountains. We also visit the historical Wonnangatta Station, once known as the most isolated homestead in Victoria.

Licola Valley Rides

The picturesque Licola Valley is the traditional Winter base for livestock brought down from the mountains. We ride alongside the scenic Macalister River, and make our way up to some of the lower peaks such as as Mt Lookout, Mt Selma and Mt Matlock where we look out over the green valley, to the mountain ranges beyond. Some of our rides also offer a night in the historic Woods Point Pub, in one of the original gold mining towns establish in 1862.

Cattle Musters

The Higgins Family still keep livestock up on Bennison Plains. Mustering / Droving rides are run in Autumn each year.

There is always an element of unpredictability where cattle mustering and droving is concerned, so these five day trips are only for experienced riders, able to canter and easily control their horse. You can expect bush bashing, river crossings and the opportunity to chase down your charges and return them to the herd.

Snake Island Beach Ride

Cattlemen have driven cattle out to Snake Island on Victoria’s Gippsland coast for over 100 years. Adjacent to Wilson's Prom National Park, the 35km2 island is the largest sand island in Victoria, and an entirely unspoilt natural environment. We spend our days riding through woodland, scrubland and heaths where native Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Swamp Wallabies and Koala’s roam, before heading to the beach for a good blast along the surf.

We meet and cross to the Island on horseback at low tide. All clothing and provisions for the trip have to be carried on your horse, so pack carefully in a waterproof bag. Accommodation is provided in the Cattleman's Association Bunk House.

Our Horses

All our horses are definitely tried and proven mountain horses, capable of not only handling the conditions, but also, and importantly, making sure the rides are safe and enjoyable.

Our herd includes standardbreds, stock horses, quarter horses, Clyde x’s and other cross breeds.

We make every effort to provide each rider with a mount that suits their confidence and ability.

During our rides we are able to split the group to allow capable riders to enjoy a gallop, whilst others are able to enjoy their riding at a more leisurely pace.

It's important to us that all riders enjoy their holiday at the level of riding with which they feel comfortable.

Length of rides will vary around six hours per day. Of course, if you're feeling a little tired or simply don't wish to ride, you may take in the views from the four-wheel drive.

Equipment

We provide all tack, although riders are welcome to bring their own if they wish.

We provide riding helmets free of charge for those who do not have them, and have oilskin riding coats available to hire on request.

Riders must bring their own footwear i.e. smooth-soled boots with no tread that will catch on stirrups.

Accommodation & Meals

Higgins Hut forms the centrepiece of our accommodation. Built in 1933, it is an open space where riders gather to enjoy meals and the warmth of the open fire.

Sleeping accommodation is provided in our rustic Bunk House, which sleeps up to 20. The bunk house is separated into partitioned rooms to provide privacy for smaller groups and is heated by a traditional wood burner.

A short stroll from the bunk house is our shower block, where riders can enjoy a piping hot shower after a long day in the saddle. In the height of Summer, some guests prefer to cool off with a dip in the ice cold waters of Shaws Creek, which flows through our lands on Bennison Plains.

Accommodation and meals are inclusive in our tour price. We focus on simple, hearty food that reflects our surroundings.

Meals

With all meals, emphasis is placed on fresh quality food and plenty of it.

Special dietary requirements can be catered for on request.

Guests are to bring their own alcohol and soft drinks.

What To Bring

Horseriding

• Two full changes of clothes (for two days). One for riding and one for evening.
• Helmet (provided free of charge if you do not have one)
• Boots should have no tread that will catch on stirrups
• Waterproof Jacket (May be hired if you need one)
• Riding Pants (Jeans or full length pants)
• Warm jumper or jacket for evening
• No suitcases if possible please for long tours

Sleeping

• Warm sleeping bag
• Pillow (we do have some pillows that you can use)
• Swags: bring your own swag if you want to. For long trips it is better but not essential.
• We do have camp mattresses and tents for camping tours.

Personal Items

• Camera
• Sunscreen/Lip balm
• Torch
• Insect Repellant
• Book
• Towel/Toiletries
• Water bottle
• Refreshments
• All alcoholic and softdrinks are B.Y.O.
• We ask that on tours longer than 2 days to get your drinks in aluminium or plastic - no glass please if possible - as they pack better and break less.

Departure & Arrival

Getting Here

By car

Most guests choose to drive to Higgins Hut, which is just over 4 hours by car from Melbourne in good traffic. Please note, much of the drive is on country roads, with the last half an hour on unsealed road through the Alpine National Park so leave plenty of time for the drive. All roads are passable by car.

We suggest that you drive up the night before your ride starts, and are ready to welcome you from 5pm, although please note we do not provide meals on arrival.

If you prefer to travel up on the day of your ride, please ensure arrival by 9am for a prompt start to the ride. Failure to arrive by 9am may result in missing the ride.

By public transport

Trains run regularly from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station to Traralgon. The journey takes approximately two hours. At Traralgon Station, leave via the main exit to catch the V/Line bus to Heyfield, where we can meet you. The bus from Traralgon to Heyfield takes approximately 50 minutes.

Interstate/International Guests

If flying in from Melbourne Tullamarine or Avalon Airports, make your way to Southern Cross Station in Melbourne CBD. Buses run to Southern Cross from both airports in under 30 minutes. From Southern Cross, catch the train to Traralgon, and the V/Line Bus to Heyfield where we can meet you.

For more information on airport and train times, please see:
www.skybus.com.au - Phone 1300-759-287 | www.vline.com.au - Phone 1800-800-007

Courtesy Pick Up

We are able to offer a courtesy pick up the night before your ride starts from either Heyfield or Licola. Places are limited and guests travelling by public transport do have priority. Please contact us on booking to discuss your requirements.

Guests using the courtesy pick up service will be returned to Traralgon Station at the conclusion of the ride by 5-6pm.

Which the trains run back to Melbourne, please see www.vline.com.au - Phone 1800-800-007

Please note: failure to meet the courtesy pick up at the appointed time may result in you having to find your own transportation to the start of the ride.

Directions to Higgins Hut

If proceeding straight to Higgins Hut, do not cross the bridge at Licola, but follow Mt Tamboritha Road for approximately 36 kms until information signs and cattleyards on left (There are four red and white road signs about Climate Conditions, Road, Weather, etc. within 400 metres of each other, 1 is before the old Stockyards and 3 are after it) then follow the main road for 2 kms until you see Higgins Hut sign on your left. The hut is 1 km from the main road.

Maps

Notes

• Please be wary using a GPS as they might take you on a minor road
• From Licola, follow the map below taking a note of the KMS
• We do not supply tea on the night before departure on any ride, but you are welcome to use the cooking facilities when at the hut
• We do supply breakfast in the morning of the ride when staying at the hut
• There is no extra cost for staying on the night before the ride when the ride starts at Higgins Hut
• Gate to the hut opens at 5pm the night before the ride commences

School & Private Tours

Tailor Made Packages

Private tours and school groups are available by arrangement.

Riding groups vary to a maximum of 20. Special arrangements can be made for groups – name your own tour and time and we will tailor-make a ride for you!

Bunkhouse and facilities may be hired out to groups on weekends/weekdays when rides are not in progress. Contact us to enquire.

Cattle Musters & Droving

The Higgins Family still keep livestock up on Bennison Plains. Mustering / Droving rides are run in Autumn each year. There is always an element of unpredictability where cattle mustering is concerned, so these five day trips are only for experienced riders, able to canter and easily control their horse. You can expect bush bashing, river crossings and the opportunity to chase down your charges and return them to the herd.

Things To Do

Higgins Hut is a unique location in the heart of the High Country. Should you choose not to ride every day, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the natural surroundings. Here are a few of our favourites:

Walking Tracks

The Bennison Plains Road from Licola to Higgins Hut is an access point to many of the region's tracks and sights, including a 1-km path to the summit of the waterfall at Dinner Creek Gorge, which is about 30mins by car from the Hut. Closer to home there is an 8-km loop track that will take you through the alpine plains, along the ridge and past Chester Hut, before returning to Higgins Hut.

Just under 50km by road from the Hut are the Howitt Plains – one of the areas we ride through. Two walking tracks lead off from the car park: a 5-km track to the Macalister Springs and a 7-km trail to Mt Howitt (1742m above sea level).

Fishing

Shaws Creek, which runs through our land on Bennison Plains, has been known to supply dinner for our riders on occasion with trout often found in some of the better fishing spots.

Lake Tarli Karng

Also known as ‘The Hidden Lake’, Tarli Karng is about a 40km drive from Higgins Hut and accessible via a walking track that follows the Wellington River from the Bennison Plains Road. It is thought that even the indigenous people of the area were unaware of the Lake, hence the name Hidden Lake.

Booking Conditions

Bookings made by phone will be held for a maximum of 14 days only, unless otherwise advised. Deposit of $200 per person for weekend tours and $300 per person for 3 & 4 days, $400 for 5 & 6 days, $500 for 7 days and $800 for 10 days or longer tours is necessary to confirm booking before 14 days elapse.

• All money paid is non-refundable, but is transferable to another trip and only to the person who made the payment. They can be made by personal cheque, money order, bank cheque or direct deposit into bank account. Phone or email for payment details. We cannot take credit cards at this stage.
• Please email or text the receipt if you paid by direct deposit.
• Each person must send in a booking form by post or email. View our Contact page for post and email details.
• Full payment is due at the start of the tour.
• Cash or Bank Cheque only.

Snowy River Horse Tours reserve the right to cancel or delay any tour, in which case no liability shall fall upon Snowy Tours. All money paid will be returned or trip transferred if the guests prefer. If Snowy River Horse Tours is forced by any government department to cancel or delay any tour due to weather conditions, etc, all monies paid for the tour will be transferred to another tour. Snowy River Horse Tours reserve the right to change any tour. All riders ride at their own risk. All tour participants must sign a Liability Release Form. We recommend all participants have travel insurance and ambulance cover.

Special Arrangements can be made for groups - name your own tour dates and time and we will tailor-make a ride for you.

Discounts are available for Schools

General Information

Private tours and school groups are available by arrangement. Name your own tour date and we can tailor-make a ride for you. Riding groups vary to a maximum of 20.

Bunkhouse and facilities may be hired out to groups on weekends/weekdays when rides are not in progress. Ring to enquire.

Dates

Click here to view our current ride dates