Take A Ride Through Cradle Country On Horseback

"An absolutely amazing experience, great hosts, incredible scenery, and lovely horses..."

Cradle Country Adventures.

Its a misty yet crisp morning in the lush Mersey Valley, in North West Tasmania. The birds are starting to stir, the wallabies are starting to graze and a magnificent Wedge Tailed Eagle sits tall upon her tree branch, scouring below for her breakfast. Nearby, in a warm and cosy stable nestled in among the hay, lies a beautiful horse called Captain.

Captain is one of the newest members to join the Becker family who run one of Tasmania's best horse riding experiences; the award winning Cradle Country Adventures. Passionate horse lovers with children of their own, Laura and Ray joined us recently to share their story, and why they love taking families out to explore Tassies iconic Cradle Country, on horseback.

Cradle Country Adventures

Tassie4Kids- Introduce yourselves and tell us where you are located:

Laura and Ray: We are Cradle Country Adventures, a family owned and operated business. We have three beautiful locations: Cradle Mountain , Kimberley (near Sheffield) and Bakers Beach.

Tell us a little bit about your tours: We offer horse-riding tours in three beautiful locations, Cradle Mountain (available only from November to the end of April), Kimberley and Bakers Beach. We also offer Quad-Biking tours at Cradle Mountain. We offer two hour rides to up to five day rides for the adventurous riders!

Cradle Country Adventures

Is there a special story you can share with us about your horses? We have 35 horses to suit all levels of experience. They all have different personalities, but most importantly they love people!

What makes your trips great for families? Horse-riding is a great activity for families. We also offer accommodation at the Shearers Quarters at our Kimberley location, rustic but all the families love it. Waking up in the middle of a 7,000 property, surrounded by horses and greeted by our friendly Jack Russell dog! We also offer accommodation for people riding at our Bakers Beach location, the homestead is located in the heart of Narawntapu National Park, with wombats and Forester Kangaroos grazing literally at your doorstep! (the homestead is currently being renovated, and will be available at the end of October, 2017).

How are you different to other horse riding experiences in Tasmania? We are the main horse-riding operator in Tasmania! The reviews we get speak for themselves! Our number one priority is the safety of our clients. We love sharing our passion for horses and nothing makes us happier than to see people smiling!

You operate your tours in a magical part of the world; why will families love traveling through your area to get to you? We operate on three completely unique locations, from sea level (beach!) to Cradle Mountain (1,500 m). Two of these locations are in the most beautiful National Parks in the world - the Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park and the Narawntapu National Park. Our Kimberley location is located in the beautiful Mersey Valley, near Sheffield.

Cradle Country Adventures

Do families need to bring anything with them when they come to go for a ride? Long pants (down to your ankles) and long sleeves for sun protection, closed shoes, sunscreen during summer time and your camera to record some beautiful memories!

How much does it cost to go on a ride? Please refer to our website for detailed pricing of all our rides: www.cradleadventures.com.au/prices/

Do you have an age limit for kids to ride? Minimum age is eight years old. We can take children as young as five years old on the Speeler Plain ride and the two hour ride at Kimberley but please contact us to ensure we have guides to look specifically after the younger children.

Cradle Country Adventures

Do you have a recent review from a family who visited your business that would help other families that we can share? 'An absolutely amazing experience, great hosts, incredible scenery, and lovely horses. It all begins at the Shearers Quarters where if you booked the package including accommodation you have spent the night with your friendly and welcoming hosts, Laura & Ray. From the moment you arrive you are made to feel welcome and comfortable, an easy going and friendly environment. The following morning our pre-ride safety briefing included questions aimed at determining our riding experience as well as our nervousness or confidence for riding. Another couple on the tour were rather nervous and so were paired with horses often ridden by younger children to make it easier for them to sit back and just enjoy the ride and views. The ride itself was gorgeous, despite the light drizzle which was fended off with wet weather coats provided before mounting. Our guide was Ray, who can put you at ease with his evident experience with both horses, the terrain and conducting the tours. Another staff member, Sophia (also lovely) accompanied us on the ride meaning that there was a guide and experienced help close by to everyone at all times. Although with how well behaved the horses were, it was more of a comfort than a necessity. The horses were clearly well trained and experienced, even the nervous beginner riders were able to navigate and steer them with ease. Allowing them to simply enjoy the experience. It had been several years since I last rode with Cradle Country Adventures on a previous trip to Tasmania (Cradle Mountain ride previously) and I know for certain it will be an itinerary item for each and every future visit to the beautiful Tasmania. I encourage anyone to take a horse ride with them and experience the serenity and joy of soaking in the magical landscapes upon horseback. Thank you so much Ray, Laura, Sophia and the horses for another wonderful experience on horseback'.

Source: Trip Adviser.