31/03/2026
Some great riding and Harding spots
PART TWO: Looking to camp with your horse before the weather turns cold? Below is a list focused on the North East, but we have a few other locations included as well.
The list features (mostly free) campsites that INCLUDE horse yards, so you don't have to pack your own. This list has been updated but we always welcome new information.
Please bear in mind the list is compiled from general knowledge, so we recommend checking with the local council about accessibility before heading off.
Mansfield area:
There are horse yards at both Sheepyard Flat and near Tunnel Bend, and both locations are amazing – on the river, in the mountains and with heaps of horse/motorbike and 4wd tracks on your doorstep.
Book the yards in advance as they can get busy. The local Mansfield DELWP office runs the bookings – call them on 5733 1200.
Ritchie’s hut – accessed from the same area, this is for riders/walkers only as there is no car access. Gorgeous little hut with 'yards' on the river. Note, the yards have certainly seen better days. Enjoy the Low track and all the river crossings to get here. If the weather is warm your horse will no doubt spend some time splashing!
In the same area (Mansfield), there are also yards at Razorback Hut.
This is another popular site for horse riders and offers some amazing rides up and around Mt Stirling. It is also an easy day ride across to Craigs Hut. This area is closed during the winter and opens in November.
There are also yards near Bindaree (Flat Spur), also closed for winter.
The rail trail from Mansfield also includes horse yards scattered all along for those that want to camp out and use toilets (always a bonus!)
The trail from Yea to Bonnie Doon is excellent, with the states longest man made tunnel (from 100 years ago) which is always an interesting test for the horses.
There is a private hut at Buttercup Road (Merrijig) which is available for bookings and includes horse yards, on the edge of the state forest with good riding and accessible throughout the year. Also comes with flushing toilets, open fire, camp kitchen and wood fired hot showers. Call 0427 752 886.
Stockyard Creek:
Privately owned, Stockyard Creek is an amazing facility set in the Howqua Hills complete with rustic horse shed and yards, horse paddocks etc. Often used as a setting for weddings due to its picturesque location, this is the home of the former Stoney’s Trail Rides. Bunk house accommodation for up to 30 people with toilets and kitchen facility. Permanent creek and an amazing place to base yourself from for a weekend of riding. Contact Pop Stoney for more details or to book 0427 205 592.
Bogong’s area:
The most popular horse camps are Pretty Valley, Langfords West and Diamantina horse yards.
These are all ideal locations where riders can yard their horses close to camping areas and explore the High Plains. These camping areas offer campsites, fire places and basic toilet facilities.
Diamantina Yards in the West Kiewa offer low elevation riding and access to the Bogong High Plains via Westons Spur. Please check with your local Parks office before embarking up the Bogongs, as most areas are closed during the winter months.
Pretty Valley Horse Camping Area is in a scenic spot overlooking Pretty Valley pondage with an historic hut to explore nearby. There is plenty of room for camping with roughly 20 tent spaces and small caravans. Horse yards are provided and can be booked at ww.parkstay.vic.gov.au.
Langford West Camping area is situated on the edge of a snow plain plateau where Middle Creek meets the Bogong High Plains Road. The area is accessible by 2wd vehicle and caters for tents and camper trailers along with small caravans. Fireplaces and a toilet along with picnic tables and chairs are provided. There are also yards for horses that require booking. For bookings call 13 19 63 or go to www.parkstay.vic.gov.au
Strath Creek:
Halls on Falls is a more upmarket version of camping with your horse, as there is space (and beds) for the humans too. Situated an hour north of Melbourne this 'get away from it all' property overlooking Strath Creek is designed to offer something for the whole family.
There are Individual paddocks with wind-breaks and an arena for guest use. Ride the many trails in the neighbouring Mt Disappointment State Forest or take a 5km ride to the local pub where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch (the pub has horse resting facilities) or over the hill to The Pavilion Cafe, Bar & Gallery, which also has horse resting facilities. Visit https://www.hallsonfallshomestead.com.au/ for more information.
Surf Coast:
Paraparap is a small Victorian town in the Surf Coast Shire, approximately 86kms from Melbourne, and is home to the privately owned Whinbury Hill Horse Camp, part of Whinbury Hill equestrian. Due to Covid there is no sleeping in the bunkhouse, but there is plenty of yards for the horses, a communal camp kitchen and facilities. The Otway National Park is next door and there is lots to see and do for those members of the family who are not keen on riding. Camping with your horse costs $30 per night. Visit www.whinburyhillequestrian.com.au for more details or to book.
Portland:
The Cobboboonee State Forest near Portland has camping sites with horse yards at both Jackass Gully and Wrights Swamp and the local DELWP has a Great Cobboboonee Horse Trail map for people from out of the area.
