McCormacks Mountain Valley Trail Rides

 

Bruce and Debra have been in the Trail Riding Business for over 30 years and invite you to join them and their experienced staff on a ride of a lifetime through the Magnificent Victorian High Country, sharing with you their expert knowledge and experiences.

 

You will experience for yourself the breath-taking views from Mount Stirling and Craig’s Hut;  Have a chat to Bruce about his time spent as one of the crack riders in the The Man from Snowy River movies.

 

 

 

 

 

Bruce can point out along the way different locations used in the films. You  will roam through tree-ferned valleys, and beautiful river crossings, seeing some spectacular view along the way. 

Get to hear about the life of a cattle mustering family as featured in Outback magazine. Also see where some of the scenes of the Australian Outback Spectacular Show were filmed starring our very own Cobie, Bruce and Jack McCormack.

 

You’ll also get the chance to camp at our mustering hut in Pannican Creek. Its hidden  deep in the peaceful Valley. As the horses rest up after a big day, you’ll get to put your feet up and enjoy some nice food, a few drinks and good company around a burning campfire. 

 

 

Rides vary in length from two hours, half day, full day to weekend rides and longer. Our tours operate all year round and can be tailored to suit your interest.  

 

 BOOK NOW 

2021-2022 Season 

Well where did that season go…… 

We would like to thanks all our guest new and returning for making this another great season. It was one of our busiest and jam packed and next season is looking very much the same. 

A huge shout out to our amazing staff, who we couldn’t do without. And lets not forget our beautiful herd of horse. Which grew a bit this season, and can’t wait to see some new ones hit the tracks next season. 

2022-2023 Season 

So things have gone a little crazy with our bookings at the moment.

Travelling in our backyard has become very popular and I don’t blame everyone, It’s a very beautiful and amazing backyard.

So the season schedule has been done but will not be published on the website as yet. The office girl is working her way through our rebooking’s list, to make sure all our guests that have missed out on their rides that were booked over the past 2 years get first priority. This is nearly done then all the guest already on waiting list will get first look at it. And then i will post on the website. 

You can email us to go on the waiting list to get the schedule once all other bookings have been sorted.

We thank every one for their support, its been a very different few years for us (everyone), but looking forward to the future and showing you all a ride of a lifetime. 

Contact us  

 

Day Rides To Craig’s Hut $380pp per person

Our Popular Overnight Rides that head to Craig’s Hut. $760pp*

 

Short Rides Around Merrijig 

2 Hour $150 *($160), and  ½ Day (3 hrs)  $180*(190)

                                                             *(Prices will change as of 1st July) 

To See Availability Click Here 

 

Longer 3 and 4 Day Rides,

Operate throughout the season and over Long Weekends.

$1140-$1560

Our Feature 7 Day

Wonnangatta Ride $2970

 

 

If you have a group that are interested in doing a particular ride, we can create one to suit your needs.

BOOK NOW    or    CONTACT US   for more details 

 

Day Ride of a Lifetime to Craig’s Hut (November – May)

Re-live the movies and ride to Craig’s hut, the set where “The Man from Snowy River” was filmed.  The day starts from telephone box junction (TBJ) where we match you with your horse, mount up and meander through the Woollybutt trees.  Your horse picks his way along the cattle tracks whilst you warm into the saddle for the day. As you climb higher, you will pass through the gnarled Snow Gums to reach the summit of Mt. Stirling and take in the magnificent panoramic views.

You will descend through more Snow Gums and whilst admiring the beautiful scenery, you will have the opportunity  to chat to Bruce about his time spent as one of the crack riders in the Man From Snowy River movies. He can point out along the way different locations used the films.  As you come out of the tree line to ride over the short springy mountain turf in awe of the stunning views and the iconic Craig’s Hut itself. You tie your horse up and enjoy a tasty packsaddle lunch, (or be met by our backup crew with a scrumptious lunch). 

Breathe in the clean air and the views that stretch on forever before mounting your horse and making our way back.  Just below the summit we will make our way back towards King Saddle following ski trails and old logging and cattle tracks to TBJ where we will load the horses in the truck and head for home. 

Day starts at 8.30am and finishes at around 4.30pm.  Lunch provided.

Cost $380 per person.        BOOK NOW

• HOW MANY GUEST PER RIDE – We take up to 16 Guests on Each Ride (Some Day Rides are only 5 guests)
• Short rides average 10-12 Guests

• LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE NEEDED – We take from Beginner to Experienced riders on all our rides. The terrain we ride in doesn’t allow us to do a lot of trotting or cantering, and when we do, we split the group up if there is someone not confident to do it. We also have the support cars that meet at lunch so guest can jump into that if needed.

• AGE LIMIT – Our age limit for shorter rides is 10 years old, but depends on the rider’s ability and if you think they would handle the ride. Age limit for longer Day rides and overnight rides is 14 years old, but again depends on rider’s ability and experience. If you think that they would be OK then we trust your judgement. You could give us a call to discuss it further if you need

• WEIGHT LIMIT – you need to be under 110kg (if you are over this contact us to talk about options)

• NON RIDING GUESTS – We can have guest ride in the support cars with us, we have comfortably 2 spots. We charge a daily fee to cover costs. They get to experience the camp side of the rides. Meeting you for Lunch and at the camp.

• WHERE YOU SLEEP/CAMP – You stay at our Mustering hut that is hidden deep in the Valley for the night; there are a few different sleeping arrangements. You can sleep in the Hut in swag on Bunk beds, sleep in you swag under a lean to Shelter under the stars, we also provide everyone with a pop up tent you can roll your swag out in. We have hot showers or if your game a little creek to wash in. If you do the 3 nights you either stay at our Buttercup Hut or another bush hut all have, bunk rooms and we provide hot showers.

• Difference between King Valley and Delatite River ride – Both of these overnight rides have the same 1st day. Where you ride up to Craig’s Hut, then after lunch ride down to our Mustering Hut at Panican Creek. Its the second day that differs –
• King valley you ride thorough snow gums, lunch a-top of No.3, then ride down hill through woolybutt forest to our open private land at buttercup.
• Delatite River you head back up throughteh ever changing flora valley towards where we began the day before to Razorback hut for lunch. You then head down the Delatite river, crossing the river many times through the towering gums and fern trees. Back to the beautiful green Mirrimbah park.

• WHAT YOU GET INCLUDED – So you get all meals included, including snacks, tea, coffee etc, you get a McCormacks drink bottle, your Helmet is included. (But you can bring your own) You just need to bring your own Drinks.
• Overnight rides you can Hire Swags – either fully made $20 or Empty $10 you bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Or bring you own swag
• Also can hire Oilskin (waterproof coat)

• APPROX START TIME AND RETURN –
• SHORT RIDES – Ride time (arrive 10 minutes prior to start time)
• DAY RIDES- We have you meet at yards at Merrijig address from 8am. You will be asked to drive your car to start point (you will be advised that morning) you leave your car at finish point. Riding starts approx 10am. Return time is approx 4.30-5pm.
• OVERNIGHT- We have you meet at yards at Merrijig address from 8am. You will then be transported to riding start location, riding starts approx 10am. Return time is approx 4.30-5pm.

• ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER RIDE – We don’t supply accommodation, but recommend a few local places to stay (contact us for details)

• PICK – UP FROM ACCOMMODATION – We can arrange for pick up from your accommodation if needed.

• GROUP BOOKINGS – We do take group bookings and can tailor a ride to your group needs

• SCHOOL GROUPS – We have a range of school group options from
• Short rides – 2 Hours and Half Day Rides
• Day rides
• Overnight options (with varied horse riding days)
• Self catering or Fully Catered

Do you have a Question about a ride , then please complete the fields below and we’ll be back in touch as quickly as we can!