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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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?