One Hour Trail Ride

Just outside the coastal town of Torquay along Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road lies Bellbrae, a quiet pocket of bushland where Spring Creek Horse Rides offers a refreshing outdoor adventure. Their One Hour Trail Ride provides an accessible introduction to horseback riding through the native Spring Creek Valley, a stretch of mostly eucalyptus woodland dotted with grasslands and winding creeks. This ride is tailored for beginners and families, making it one of the few options in the region that pairs comfort with true immersion in Australia’s diverse flora and fauna.

Guided by experienced riders, each guest is matched with a horse suited to their skill level, ensuring a relaxed pace through the native bush. Along the route, riders may spot curious kangaroos peeking through the underbrush or hear the loud calls of sulphur-crested cockatoos overhead. Echidnas, slow and deliberate, sometimes cross the trail, adding moments of quiet wonder.

Bellbrae’s landscape reflects the rugged charm of the Otway foothills with its red volcanic soils and scattered sandstone outcrops. The trail meanders past dense thickets of wattles and banksias, plants vital to the ecosystem and seasonally vibrant with blossoms and nectar. Spring Creek Horse Rides stands out for its personal approach; the small group sizes and welcoming guides create a safe environment for riders ten and up, including those new to horses.

Beyond the one-hour option, longer rides offer more time to traverse this natural corridor, connecting visitors deeply with Victoria’s southern bush. Whether as a family outing or a novice’s first trot, Spring Creek delivers a uniquely local horseback experience anchored in the beauty and authenticity of Bellbrae’s outdoor landscape.