Horse Riding in the High Country
There are many opportunities to explore and enjoy the mountains and valleys of the Alpine National Park on horseback. Horseriding’s long association with the area started in the 1840s when European explorers and miners used horses in their search for gold and summer pastures. Early in the 1900s the Victorian Railways ran ‘Skyline Tours’, horseriding trips in the Dargo - Wonnangatta - Mount Howitt area. Early tourists also rode to the ‘bungalow’ on Mount Feathertop for skiing and walking.

During cold wet times horses can cause damage to fragile alpine and subalpine environments with the Alpine National Park, referred to as the Conservation A Zone, generally above 1200m. To reduce impacts, horseriding is permitted in these areas only during the warmer months from 1 December to 30 April. Within Dinner Plain itself, horse riding is permitted all year round and provides the opportunity in winter to ride horses through the snow.

Horses are permitted generally throughout the area except for some particularly sensitive vegetation communities, mossbeds and wet heathlands, on some walking tracks, and in Reference Areas and some defined camping areas. Cross country riding off tracks is permitted in the alpine and subalpine areas. When riding off track, horseriders should spread out to reduce their impact and avoid wet, mossbed areas. In some areas permits may be required by parties with over five horses, please check with the relevant Parks Victoria office.

Special Conditions - Post Fire
Horses, where permitted, are to be ridden on vehicle, Management Vehicle Only and permitted walking tracks only - no cross country riding (to avoid impact on burnt vegetation and ground). Where horse camping is intended other than at yards provided the permittee must contact the Bright Parks Victoria office prior to the rides commencement.

For more details you can download a Parks Victoria brochure on Horse Riding with the Alpine National Park by clicking here.

Guided Horse Tours
Details on commercial horse riding operators servicing the Dinner Plain area are located in our business directory.