Horseback adventures with traditional high country cattlemen in ‘Man from Snowy River’ lands

Australia’s legendary high country cattleman were made internationally famous by the ‘Man from Snowy River’ movies, and these two horseback adventures take visitors right to the heart of their extraordinary country.

Both rides are conducted by Adventure Victoria, who are Victoria’s most experienced adventure tour operators with more than 80 years of combined experience in pursuits including horse riding, rock climbing, rafting, caving, abseiling, mountain bike riding, bush walking and tours by 4WD/RV.

5-day High Country Cattle Drive

Charlie Lovick, a fifth generation cattleman who was Master of Horses for both ‘Snowy River’ movies, and Michael Watson, a second generation cattleman, give small groups of guests a rare opportunity to experience an authentic horseback cattle drive.

Together with drovers, dogs and cattle, guests experience the 150 year tradition where cattlemen drive mobs of cattle from the lowlands up to the spectacular high country in summer.

Stock whips crack, the 360 degree views are awe-inspiring, the mountain huts are just as they were decades ago and the Lovick’s 1870 high country outpost is a rich lesson in living history.

Guests also see the precipitous site of the thrilling downhill ride in the first ‘Snowy River’ movie, swim in a refreshingly clear mountain river fringed by wildflowers and take a never-to-be-forgotten helicopter ride over the best of the high country scenery.

The 5-day adventure includes riding on century-old bridle trails, across rivers and along open river flats just made for exhilarating canters.

Very few places in the world offer a cattle drive where guests can ride side-by- side with the descendents of high country pioneers, listening to legends, history and stories that have been handed down through the generations.

The 5-day cattle drive is only available in December, for small groups of guests. Early bookings are recommended.

Luxury 2-day Ride

This is a unique blend of country house luxury and adventure, with high country horse riding, a night at the renowned Riverhouse at Howqua Dale and fine regional food and wine.

The only luxury high country ride of its kind in Australia, this small group ‘Man from Snowy River’ experience is escorted by high country cattlemen and includes the perilously steep hill where the famous jump scenes were filmed for the movie.

Wildlife (kangaroos, wallabies and Australia’s huge wedge tailed eagle), often observe the ride, which takes in 150 year old bridle trails, river flats, mountain streams, traditional mountain huts and extraordinary views over a gourmet lunch enjoyed on top of the world.

Overnight accommodation is at one of Australia’s finest country houses, the Riverhouse at Howqua Dale, right on the banks of the Howqua River. After a relaxing shower or optional massage, guests can sip a drink on the verandah as cockatoos swoop up the valley en masse and brilliantly coloured king parrots and rosellas dart around the beautiful garden.

A riverside bbq dinner showcases local produce and excellent regional wines, or guests can take the option of a superb 5-course degustation menu prepared by a private chef, with expertly matched wines.

The second day starts with a huge country breakfast and concludes with traditional farmhouse hospitality after a day in the saddle. This ride operates 7 days a week for two or more guests, and is available year round.

For media interviews during ATE, please contact:

Michael Watson, +61 407841736

Greg Wren, TWP Marketing, 0438 88 55 33

www.adventurevictoria.com.au