The Kids from Snowy River

There are many ways to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. One of the most rewarding is from the back of a horse.

Aussie and world folklore is rich with horse stories. The 40,000 Horsemen, The Man from Snowy River and Gallipoli feature hordes of brave horses and riders in heroic action. Then there's National Velvet, The Black Stallion and even The Saddle Club to pull at our heartstrings.

Horse ownership is largely impractical for the vast majority of us, yet a weekend ride or an extended farm-stay can give families an opportunity to experience, albeit briefly, a taste of country life in the saddle.

Every major Australian city has horse or trail-riding options within easy reach.

An hour from Sydney on the lush Central Coast is Dooralong Resort. Catering for families, functions and holidaymakers, the resort maintains a stable of horses for both in-house guests and drop-ins.

Whether you're after a full day ride (held once a month) or a 20-minute pony ride for the under-eights, Dooralong can help. More committed children (8-15 years) can take the three-day horse camp, where each child is paired with their own horse to care for and befriend.

Rides are conducted daily from the stables through a picturesque 360-acre property and adjoining Wattagan State Forest. The scenic trails follow old logging tracks that teem with wildlife, through rainforests and valleys to open countryside. All trail rides are fully guided, with helmets provided.

Finished with riding? Then unleash the kids into any of the other activities, including the wildlife sanctuary, canoeing, golf, tennis or the pool.

For those in the western regions of Sydney, the magnificent Megalong Valley, adjacent to the Blue Mountains, is home to the 1600-acre Megalong Australian Heritage Centre, where the central activity is a recreation of the rural life of pioneers, including horse riding. Packages range from short rides (from 10 minutes) for the kids to overnight 'City Slicker' packages for big kids and their children!

Apart from the riding, the wealth of adventure activities includes quad biking, abseiling and mountain biking. Accommodation is available in three styles, including camping.

Hidden deep in the beautiful Southern Highlands is the 5000-acre Tugalong Station. Comfortable and unpretentious, Tugalong is a two-hour drive south from Sydney and best experienced with an overnight stay. Rates are very reasonable and inclusive of all meals. Gather around the open fire for a yarn and a drink before a hearty dinner.

Horses are available for all skill levels and expert staff are on hand to settle the nerves of novices.

Families with 4WDs have the added bonus of being able to explore the huge range of tracks with their own vehicle, either on their own or as a "tagalong".

IMAGE: Horse riding at Turon Gates, NSW