Victoria's diverse range of national and state parks offer many opportunities for exploration and adventure on horseback and you may not have to travel as far as you think to 'saddle-up'. Select a park page from the list above and read about horse riding in that specific park.

Why not try horse riding in some of these parks close to Metropolitan Melbourne?

• Bunyip State Park and Kurth Kiln Park.
  The exceptional natural condition of these parks provides many opportunities for riding, with diverse flora and fauna to see along the way. You can explore the parks on horseback and camp in designated areas.
• Macedon Regional Park.
  Exploring this park on horseback is an exciting way to experience views, native forests and natural surroundings. The park also features numerous multipurpose trails that crisscross the park.
• Mornington Peninsula National Park.
  The narrow strip of coastline along the peninsula features outstanding natural scenery. Experience the exhilaration of riding on St Andrews beach between Boag Rocks and the beach access track at Paradise Drive; this area has been set aside for riders and connects with the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Equestrian Trail Network.

If you prefer to get a little further away from civilisation then there are countless kilometres of management tracks and trails in regional Victoria to explore on horseback. Here are just a few suggestions:

• Great Otway National Park.
  Enjoy spectacular forests, fern gullies and some of the most rugged coastline in Victoria. The formed roads and horse tracks provide ideal trails for visitors to experience and enjoy this magnificent park on horseback.
• Heathcote-Graytown National Park.
  Enjoy the solitude of the bush setting in this national park containing the largest remaining Box-Ironbark forest in Victoria. Horse riders can also ride and camp with their horses in nearby state forests.
• Alpine National Park.
  Meet nature on its own terms in this park and experience the state's highest mountains and pristine alpine environments. Riders can choose from a large network of horse tracks.
• Greater Bendigo National Park.
  Explore the Mandurang section of the park, which features coppice re-growth forests and grassy woodlands, or the Whipstick area, which protects the ‘Whipstick' mallee vegetation and some of the best stands of Box-Ironbark in Victoria.

Please remember to ride safe and protect our parks:

• To prevent soil erosion, weeds and other problems, it is important you stay on the trails, heed signposts and avoid short cuts.
• Before setting off, make sure you contact the local park office where you intend to ride. Parks Victoria staff will inform you of any permits required and can help you plan your routes and campsites if required.
• Wear a helmet at all times. For long rides remember to pack spare ropes, horse shoes and shoeing gear and first aid supplies.