Horse Beach Rides – Melbourne, Australia.
There was no end to the fun I had during my Australia trip earlier this February. Another first-time occurrence I had experienced then was horse riding along the beach on the Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne. This wasn’t my virginal horse ride as I have rode on a horse before…
Source: http://www.gunnamatta.com.au/
……….but not for 2 HOURS straight & along a beautiful beach, that’s for sure! 
It was an exhilarating ride, starting from the Gunnamatta Equestrian Centre (situated approximately 1 1/4 hours south of Melbourne on 80 undulating acres between Rye & Rosebud on Mornington Peninsular) going through a quiet coastal bushland & on to the breathtaking views of the St Andrew’s Beach.
It all started here…..
The Gunnamatta Equestrian Centre is a clean, neat & “serious about their horses” place.
The trainers here are professionals; & obviously cared very much for the horses. We were briefed prior to our journey, and consistently reminded throughout the session to be on our best behaviour with our rides; in a good way of course, to avoid any unfortunate incidents, thus ensuring a happy & smooth experience for all in the party.
All safety rules were adhered to. We were fitted with proper helmets, strapped up with gloves & then given a waist pouch for our belongings. Bags are not allowed as carrying additional weight is not encouraged. Cameras, mobile phones were safely tucked into our waist pouches. Any free moving objects such as watches, earrings, necklaces etc were advised to be removed.
Oh, here’s me who couldn’t wait to get on my horse!
But seriously, after the long rides in the car for 6 days getting from one destination to another, I was more than glad to experience any form of physical exertion!
The weather was chilly, I stayed wrapped up in layers all the time, I was exhausted each night (but in a good way) from the day’s activities & blogging late into wee morning thus wasn’t able to exercise at all. Hence a 2 hours horse ride? BRING IT ON!!
There were so many horses here, all tame & trained so we didn’t have anything to worry about.
I didn’t manage to snap any pics of us getting on the horse though that would have been hilarious 😉 .
Once all of us were on top, we set out in a line, with one instructor each at the lead & another at the back of the line. We left the Gunnamatta Centre & first up was the “jungle” bush trail.
The scenery gradually changed from forest-y bushland to coastal & we could feel & hear the sea waves crashing onto the rocks as we approached the beach.
Words failed me then. It was such a spectacular sight!
This ride ( ST ANDREWS’ BEACH & BUSH RIDE @ AUD98 per rider) takes us to the picturesque St Andrews Ocean Beach on the Mornington Peninsula, about 90 minutes south of Melbourne.
The elation of riding along the beach as the waves crash over the nearby rocks with the wind blowing in my face was both emotive & memorable.
The whole beach had a “wilderness” & primitive feel to it, very unlike the “surfers/swimmers/tourist friendly ” beaches. The waves were powerful & unforgiving; and certainly doesn’t gives you the inviting vibe to head into the waters!
But I did wish I could get off the horse & start jogging. Morning jogs along this beach would have been awesome. Clean waters, crisp cool air & the smoothest sand. This was calling out the runner’s soul in me!
Yes, we were all pretty stoked by the time we hit the beach. Anyone would be.
Our instructors are there to help us throughout the ride and though the ride involves mainly walking, we did learn some proper horseback riding techniques. On top of that, I have fun when we got to speed up to a trot on the horse! Oh.. trust me, it was good exercise for the arms, glutes & thighs!
One last look as we rode back to civilisation. …
For the same awesome experience as mine if you’re ever in Mornington Peninsular, check out their site here –>
http://www.gunnamatta.com.au/
Horse Beach Rides – Melbourne Australia:
GUNNAMATTA BEACH/ TRAIL RIDES
PHONE 03 5988 6755 or Click here to BOOK ON-LINE”
Prices as below:
I can’t thank Tourism Victoria & Tourism Australia enough!
Next up, hot air balloon rides, wine tasting at Domaine Chandon, Peninsular Hot Springs & more!
All pictures are:
ooo, u look quite professional and comfortable on the horsie! 😀 i would have imagined that u might be riding on a field, but a beach is definitely much more interesting and unique!
Done the field one before! now bush riding & beach. It was awesome..makes me wanna just stay there!
man, how i wish to just get a ride on a horse!
There is horse -riding in Melbourne (near Mel) city itself right?
awesome experience! 😀
You were doing too fast!! I got sore balls after that!
ROFL!! You did well ok! You lasted the whole ride & you stayed on the horse the whole time! *thumbs up* Damn sporting 🙂