Two Days on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail: Riding Coominya to Esk by Horse

COOMINYA RENTALS FIELD GUIDE

Two Days on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail: Riding Coominya to Esk by Horse

A two-day guided horseback trek from Nash Horse Trekking in Coominya to Esk that pairs four hours in the saddle each day with pub hospitality and frequent wildlife sightings.

Two Days on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail: Riding Coominya to Esk by Horse.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Coominya
Operator
Nash Horse Trekking
Category
Rentals
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Settle into the rhythm of hoofbeats and wide Queensland skies on a two‑day ride from Nash Horse Trekking’s Coominya property along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail to the country town of Esk. The Esk Experience threads scenic trails and chances to spot koalas and other native wildlife with an overnight stop that culminates in a hearty meal and a night at The Grand Hotel—an immersive country weekend tailored to intermediate riders.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

Brisbane Valley vistas and native wildlife

The route follows the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail through open paddocks and patches of eucalypt where riders often encounter koalas and other Aussie wildlife, making the landscape as much a reason to ride as the movement of the horses beneath you.

THE RIDE

Four hours a day of walking, trotting and cantering

Each day’s ride is roughly four hours in the saddle with opportunities to walk, trot and canter depending on terrain and group ability—designed for riders comfortable at a rising trot and able to confidently control a horse at faster paces.

THE LOCAL

An overnight town stop with pub dinner and big breakfast

After stabling the horses in Esk the group heads to The Grand Hotel for a warm shower, dinner and drinks, then the next morning enjoys a substantial breakfast at the local café before riding back to Coominya.

What the day feels like

What the Esk Experience Feels Like

The weekend unfolds as a loop: meeting at Nash’s Coominya property, threading the Rail Trail toward Esk with a halfway saddle‑bag lunch stop, settling the horses overnight, then returning the following morning after breakfast in town. It’s an active, social trek—four hours of riding each day over roughly 20 km per day—punctuated by long quiet stretches of countryside and convivial evenings off the horses.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this weekend suits best—and who should look elsewhere.

1
Intermediate RidersWell suited: the trip specifically targets riders comfortable at a rising trot and with some canter experience, offering varied paces across trail terrain.
2
Experienced RidersA good match: experienced riders can expect chances to canter and to manage horses over longer stretches; an 110 kg allowance applies only to highly experienced riders.
3
Solo TravelersFriendly to solo riders: roughly half of bookings are solo participants and the group format accommodates individual travelers.
4
Families with Older TeensPossible fit for families with riders aged 15 and up who meet the intermediate skill recommendation; guests under 15 are not indicated as eligible.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring a water bottle to carry in your saddlebag, sunscreen and any personal riding layers; helmets are available from the operator but all riders must wear one.

What to Wear

Long pants, a sleeved shirt and closed‑in shoes or boots are required; jeans or riding pants and smooth‑soled footwear are recommended.

Saddles & Tack

Rides use fender and western saddles on stock and Quarter Horse breeds; guests may not bring their own horses.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Are helmets provided?

Yes—helmets are available to use from the operator and all riders must wear a helmet.

What skill level is required?

The trek is suitable for intermediate to experienced riders; participants should be able to ride a rising trot and confidently control a horse at a fast canter.

How long is the ride each day?

Riding time is approximately four hours each day, covering about 20 km per day over the two days.

What is the group size?

Group sizes are limited to between 5 and 12 riders.

Can I bring my own horse?

No—bringing your own horse is not permitted.

Is there a rider weight limit?

Yes—the standard rider weight limit is 100 kg, with a possible allowance up to 110 kg only for highly experienced riders.