Are you looking for something a bit different to do on the weekends? How about giving horse riding a go? Sydney is overflowing with beautiful, picturesque riding destinations waiting for you to explore. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s something for every skill level. Bask in the old-school charm of a sunset enjoyed on horseback; here are the best places to go horse riding in Sydney.
Table of contents
- 1. Glenworth Valley, Central Coast
- 2. Sydney Horse Riding Centre, Campbelltown
- 3. Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre
- 4. Terry Hills Riding School
- 5. Chapman Valley Horse Riding
- 6. Sahara Trails, Port Stephens
- 7. Otford Farm, Illawarra
- 8. Yarrabin Holiday Ranch, Blue Mountains
- 9. Valhalla Horse Riding and Farm Holidays
- 10. Hidden Valley, Central Coast
- Things to Consider for Sydney Horse Riding
- Alternatives to Horse Riding in Sydney
- Horse Riding in Sydney FAQs
1. Glenworth Valley, Central Coast
Just a short drive north of Sydney, find yourself in the calm surroundings of Glenworth Valley for the quintessential horse riding experience. With over 200 horses to choose from, there is a dream horse for everyone, skillset and coat included! You can take yourself on a two-hour guided ride if you’re a beginner or if you’re practically a jockey, free-ranging is also an option.
What we like: Award-winning tourist destination with heaps of great options no matter your riding experience
What we don’t like: Not a whole lot of equestrian options
Address: Cooks Rd, Glenworth Valley NSW 2250
Hours: Mon-Sun: 8:30am–5pm
Phone: (02) 4375 1222
2. Sydney Horse Riding Centre, Campbelltown
Sydney Horse Riding Centre is best known for the wealth of riding experiences it offers, with something for everyone’s idea of the perfect day spent on horseback. Located in Badger’s Creek, it’s less than an hour’s drive from Sydney’s CBD, and you will be met with over 200 acres of riding trails surrounded by endless untouched land for you to explore. The centre offers riding lessons, corporate days, tour groups, pony parties, and horses for wedding photography and photo shoots- take your pick!
What we like: Great central location with a lot of options
What we don’t like: A little on the pricier side
Address: 205 Campbelltown Rd, Denham Court NSW 2565
Hours: Tues-Sun: 7:30am–4pm
Phone: 0477 888 980
3. Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre
Perhaps one of the most popular and definitely one of the best places to go horse riding in Sydney, Centennial Parklands truly has it all. Their equestrian centre is one of the most visited in Sydney, conveniently located in inner Sydney, we recommend this as the perfect date idea! They offer dawn and dusk riding sessions that would make for an oh-so-romantic date for you and your special someone! The trial is also super easy, so you can focus entirely on the sunset!
What we like: Ideal for experienced riders who are want to take their equestrian skills to the next level
What we don’t like: Not a whole lot of options for those looking to simply trot around
Located in: The Entertainment Quarter
Address: 114-120 Lang Rd, Moore Park NSW 2021
Hours: Mon-Sun: 5:30am–9pm
Phone: (02) 9332 2809
4. Terry Hills Riding School
Northern beaches folk, you haven’t been forgotten- Terrey Hills Riding School caters for all your horse riding desires. With the tranquillity of Duffy’s forest as a backdrop, what more could you want? They also allow you to spend quality time with the horses, grooming and saddling them up before you hop on. Specialising in children’s and beginners horse riding, it’s also perfect for a school holidays activity- they offer both lessons and holiday programs.
What we like: Great option for new riders who want to learn
What we don’t like: Better suited for children and families
Address: 9 Anembo Rd, Duffys Forest NSW 2084
Hours: Tues-Sat: 8am-5pm
Phone: 0412 729 999
5. Chapman Valley Horse Riding
Chapman Valley Horse Riding has made its mark as one of the best places to go horse riding in Sydney, with spectacular scenery to match. Nestled within the Wollemi National Park lies over 100 kilometres of beautiful trails to provide you with the ultimate scenic horse riding experience. We recommend choosing the full-day adventure for the ultimate experience, or if you’re short on time, they offer one-hour rides.
What we like: Takes in the very best of the Wollemi National Park. One of the best scenic experiences in NSW
What we don’t like: Not enough time to explore the whole area!
Address: 7054 Putty Rd, Howes Valley NSW 2330
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am–6pm
Phone: (02) 6579 4593
6. Sahara Trails, Port Stephens
Sahara Trails may be the closest you’ll come to riding horseback through the Sahara Desert, just like all your favourite old-school western films! Port Stephens has got the beaches to help transport you right there. They offer a flat, one-hour long beach ride, or for the daredevils among us, there is the high dune extravaganza- it may seem daunting at first, but we guarantee the memories will last a lifetime!
What we like: Love the beach rides and the scenery is incredible
What we don’t like: Not a lot of options for experienced riders
Address: 9 Port Stephens Dr, Anna Bay NSW 2316
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am–3pm
Phone: 0417 303 165
7. Otford Farm, Illawarra
For one of the best places to go horse riding when you find yourself south of Sydney, Otford Farm’s trail rides are a horse kid’s dream come true. These trials are definitely for the more experienced rider, with three hours full of creek crossings and open forest climbs combined with unparalleled rainforest scenery and ocean views. There is also a one-hour waterfall ride up for grabs! Even better, the farm is only a short one hour drive south of Sydney.
What we like: Stunning scenery and beautiful natural reserve
What we don’t like: Quite a fair hike from the CBD so it’s worth staying overnight
Address: 3 Lloyd Pl, Otford NSW 2508
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm, Sat-Sun: 9am-5pm
Phone: (02) 4294 1296
8. Yarrabin Holiday Ranch, Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is the quintessential romantic weekend away, so why not top it off with a relaxing ride on horseback? Head to the Yarrabin Holiday Ranch, where you’ll find 2500 acres of trails weaving through incredible landscapes. For the more experienced riders, they offer a four-hour return ride that includes a stopover at the O’Connell Pub- lunch and a pint complementary! Also, don’t be surprised if you see a wallaby or kangaroo on your ride!
What we like: Massive property with an amazing range of activities to do while you’re here
What we don’t like: More tailored towards the experienced rider
Address: 3253 Beaconsfield Rd, O’Connell NSW 2795
Phone: (02) 6337 5712
9. Valhalla Horse Riding and Farm Holidays
Nestled in tranquil surroundings just south of Nowra, this is an essential stopover on your next South Coast road trip. Valhalla Horse Riding at Falls Creek has a handful of experiences on the agenda, such as their twilight ride, accompanied by wine and nibbles- yes, please! They also offer lessons for those looking to get a bit more hands-on.
What we like: We love the wine and nibbles options at sunset
What we don’t like: Not a whole lot of equestrian options
Address: 39 Falls Rd, Falls Creek NSW 2540
Phone: (02) 4447 8320
Valhalla Horse Riding and Farm Holidays
10. Hidden Valley, Central Coast
The Central Coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful horse riding destinations in Sydney, and the Hidden Valley is just another one to add to the repertoire. Not too far from the Glenworth Valley, Hidden Valley Horse Riding caters to all riding needs, including showjumping for the more advanced riders among us! If you live it so much you can’t bring yourself to leave, don’t fret, they offer overnight stays too!
What we like: Great showjumping experiences and lots of options for advanced riders
What we don’t like: A little off the beaten track
Address: 986 Ourimbah Creek Rd, Palm Grove NSW 2258
Phone: (02) 4362 1438
Things to Consider for Sydney Horse Riding
- Distance – Consider how far you are willing to travel for a chance to check out some beautiful animals. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a spot close to the Sydney CBD for horseriding, so widening the scope to include the Central Coast and inland is probably going to be your best bet.
- Experience – Are you an experienced rider or just a beginner? While most horseriding spots in NSW will offer lessons, some are definitely tailored towards experience riders, so be on the lookout for options that suit your needs.
- Equestrian Options – Similarly, if you are into showjumping, you will need to find a specific spot for you. Most horseriding options are tailored towards trail rides rather than equestrian options, so be weary.
- Accommodation – If you are going to travel to ride horses, you may as well stay. Some stables will also have accommodation on-site, so take a look at how expensive these options are.
Alternatives to Horse Riding in Sydney
If you’re not quite ready to jump on horseback and see the sights, why not check out our articles on other fun things to do in Sydney?
- 65 Fun Things To Do in Sydney
- Best Sydney Helicopter Tours to Take in the Sights
- Fun Date Ideas in Sydney
Horse Riding in Sydney FAQs
Otford Farm is the best place to go horse riding if you're a more experienced rider.
The closest horse riding destination to the Sydney CBD is Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre.
You can learn to ride a horse at the Sydney Horse Riding Centre in Campbelltown.
