It’s time to saddle-up, grab the reins and discover Ipswich and surrounds at a galloping pace.
From forest ridges, to lookouts capturing the volcanic hill tops of the Scenic Rim, to the longest rail trail in Australia, you won’t be short of places to saddle up.
Don’t own your own horse? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered too, with this guide to Ipswich horse-riding adventures.
1. For the adventurous, Hardings Paddock
Fancy heading out on a horse-riding adventure and then pitching the tent for a night? Pull up your float and stake your claim at Hardings Paddock, 16 kilometres from the city centre.
It might only be 20 minutes from the CBD, but this campground feels like a world away, with its own holding yard to keep your horses as comfortable as you are for the night.
Located in the Flinders – Goolman Conservation Estate, you’ll find this equine nirvana along Ipswich-Boonah Road before turning onto Carmichael’s Road, which will take you directly to Hardings Paddock.
Beyond the campground, you’ll find seven walking trails to discover on human feet, and three suitable for your filly-friend.
We recommend saddling up for the Goolman Horse Trail for a 9km circuit trail, which skirts around the base of the Rocky Knoll before heading to Goolman Lookout.
Tip: If you take the trail in this direction there are steeper sections to the climb, so if you are feeling less adventurous, take the route in reverse.
Amenities: Shower cubicles, kitchen, BBQs and picnic tables, water troughs and holding yards for the horses.
2. For the record-breakers, Pine Mountain Bridle Trail
Add bragging rights to your local saddle club, by jumping onto the longest rail trail in Australia, Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT), running from Ipswich to Yarraman.
The 161km multipurpose trail follows the old Brisbane Valley rail line, and passes through farmland, forests and small country towns.
For a relaxing trot before joining the BVRT, head to Pine Mountain Bush Reserve and hoof it to the local bridle trail that takes you through quiet country roads along the fringe of the reserve.
If you’re looking for it, all roads lead to the bridle trail, or at least Lilly Rd, Trowers Rd, Russels Rd and Pine Mountain Quarry Rd all do.
3. For scenery in the saddle, White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate
When a trail takes its name from the indigenous word for horse, you know you’re on the right track.
A short 20-minute drive from Ipswich, you’ll find the Yaddamun Trail which is part of the 2,500ha White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate.
Starting at the Paperbark Flats Picnic Area, off School Road in Redbank Plains, the 19km horse-trail will lead you to Springfield Lakes, and back again.
You can get up on your high horse knowing you’ve swapped the city for the country on a ride packed with extensive forest ridges, escarpments and a valley with over 600 flora and 150 fauna species.
Amenities: Toilet, picnic tables, horse float parking, water trough, hitching rails and horse gates.
4. For those without a horse of their own, Riverside Equestrian Centre
Don’t own your own horse? No worries, you can still pony-up in Ipswich.
Head to Riverside Equestrian Centre for a riding in the country experience, while learning the basics of horsemanship.
Located on the banks of the Brisbane River at Moggill, you can learn the ropes of tending to your ride, including how to groom, saddle and unsaddle, before a 45 minute ride.
The property spans 55-acres, hugging the banks of the Brisbane River, guaranteeing a scenic setting to go for a trot, canter or gallop on one of their horses.
Want to take horse riding to the next level? Riverside also train in dressage and other horse sports. Giddy up!
Where is your favourite place to rein it in in Ipswich?
