Pack Treks
Guided multi-day treks into the Victorian High Country
High Country Pack Horse Tours
We take you on a journey into the highest points of the Victorian High Country, a journey into another time and world, on horses mountain-bred.
Ascending the High Country on one of many rocky spurs, we arrive on the plains and peaks in a magical place above the clouds, where endless blue horizons fill the frame. Your horse’s ears are a guiding compass across the pretty plains of billy buttons, watched on by the ancient snowgum bonsai, twisted from icy winter winds.
Take a deep breath of clean mountain air – can you hear the gentle trickle of spring water melting from the rocks? This is where the Murray River is born. Your horse confidently traverses the hand-cut track to an end of day tucker bag. Warm your back and belly by the fireside before finding a place under the southern cross and roll out your welcome swag.
Mount Bogong Rides
Highest riding terrain in Australia. Spectacular views and remote camps allow for a truly wild 'off the beaten track' experience. This ride features some steep country where our mountain bred horses have traveled many times before, we do recommend riders are somewhat prepared for riding through some steep mountain tracks.
Camps
On these itineraries we travel to some of the Victorian High Country's more remote and hidden camps, traveling through rich cultural heritage from First Australians, gold miners, and cattleman.
Highlights
First view from Timms Spur
High Country Camp at Cemetery Spur
Descending the heritage mining track 107 into Big River
Views from Bossia Hill
Cleve Cole Hut
Rocking Stone Saddle
Hells Gap & Eskdale Spur
Mount Fainter Rides
Know as the Bogong High Plains, these rides take you on a journey from the Kiewa valley floor to alpine areas between Mount Fainter, Mount Nelse and Mount Jim. These rides typically are better suited for beginner riders as the accent/decent to and from Spring Spur is moderate in comparison to the Mount Bogong itineraries.
Camps
Visiting both high and low country camps from the West Kiewa valley, to the historical old gold mining camp at Swindlers Creek, or Little Plain just below Mount Jaitmathang and often featuring the Bogong Jacks' Hideout camp in the snow gums below Mount Fainter.
Highlights
Early December wild flowers of the High Country
Brumby country on the Bogong High Plains
Ride to the top of Mount Fainter
High Country bath at Swindlers Creek
Camp at Bogong Jacks Hideout
An Alpine Easter Getaway
from AU$3400
Anzac Weekend Ride
from AU$2990
History of the High Plains
from AU$2990
Labour Day Long Weekend Escape
from AU$2990
Mount Bogong Highest of High Country
from AU$4400
Mount Fainter Brumby Country
from AU$4400
New Years Eve Pack Horse Adventure
from AU$4750
Wild Rivers Wild Flowers
from AU$3950
History of the High Plains
What could be more Australian than this long weekend getaway. Featuring the legendary High Country Horse, a few days in the beautiful Alpine National Park, campfire roast lamb and a swag under the stars.
Season 2026 Dates
From: Friday 22nd January 2027
From: 22/01/2027
To: Tuesday 26th January 2027 Fully Booked
To: 26/01/2027 Fully Booked
Labour Day Long Weekend Escape
A classic long weekend getaway. Featuring the legendary High Country Horse, a few days in the beautiful Alpine National Park, campfire meals and a swag under the stars. All this and two nights at Spring Spur.
Season 2026 Dates
From: Friday 5th March 2027
From: 05/03/2027
To: Tuesday 9th March 2027 Fully Booked
To: 09/03/2027 Fully Booked
Mount Bogong Highest of High Country
Highest of High Country, featuring spectacular climbs and descents across the top of Victoria. Wild rivers, stunning views, secluded camps and diverse landscapes.
Season 2026 Dates
From: Sunday 14th February 2027
From: 14/02/2027
To: Saturday 20th February 2027 Fully Booked
To: 20/02/2027 Fully Booked
Mount Fainter Brumby Country
Showcasing the West Kiewa, Pretty Valley & Mt Fainter, includes high plains, heritage huts, brumby country, wild rivers, stunning views & secluded camps, our renowned horses & campfire meals.
Season 2026 Dates
From: Sunday 11th April 2027
From: 11/04/2027
To: Saturday 17th April 2027 Fully Booked
To: 17/04/2027 Fully Booked
New Years Eve Pack Horse Adventure
Welcome the New Year with an unforgettable experience. This Mount Fainter expedition features great landscapes, bush camps, spectacular riding terrain, great horses, and local food & wine.
Season 2026 Dates
From: Monday 28th December 2026
From: 28/12/2026
To: Monday 4th January 2027 Fully Booked
To: 04/01/2027 Fully Booked
Wild Rivers Wild Flowers
The Wild West Kiewa River to the High Country's unique alpine flora in full bloom. This ride features great horses, five days in the beautiful Alpine National Park, campfire meals & swag under the stars. All this & 2 nights at Spring Spur.
Season 2026 Dates
From: Sunday 6th December 2026
From: 06/12/2026
To: Saturday 12th December 2026 Fully Booked
To: 12/12/2026 Fully Booked
Anzac Weekend Ride
A classic long weekend getaway. Featuring the legendary High Country Horse, a few days in the beautiful Alpine National Park, campfire meals and a swag under the stars. All this and two nights at Spring Spur.
Season 2026 Dates
From: Friday 23rd April 2027
From: 23/04/2027
To: Tuesday 27th April 2027 Fully Booked
To: 27/04/2027 Fully Booked
From: Thursday 15th October 2026
From: 15/10/2026
To: Saturday 17th October 2026 Available
To: 17/10/2026 Available
An Alpine Easter Getaway
Easter in the High Country is a long tradition. This ride features great horses, four days in the beautiful Alpine National Park, campfire meals and a swag under the stars. All this and 2 nights at Spring Spur.
Season 2026 Dates
From: Wednesday 24th March 2027
From: 24/03/2027
To: Monday 29th March 2027 Available
To: 29/03/2027 Available
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you visit.
Why do you ask my height and weight when I book for a ride?
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Why do you ask my height and weight when I book for a ride?
Each riders riding ability, size and confidence are considered when choosing an appropriate horse and saddle.Do you have a weight limit for riders? Are there showers and toilets on the pack horse rides? Do you have a minimum or maximum age for riders?
Do you have a weight limit for riders?
General
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Do you have a weight limit for riders?
Yes, if you are above 95kg we will need to assess your height and weight ratio to consider if you will be suitable to participate in a riding activity. We reserve the right to refuse anybody that does not meet our weight restrictions.
Are there showers and toilets on the packhorse rides?
Pack Treks
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Are there showers and toilets on the packhorse rides?
We set up a toilet and privacy screen of an evening with access to soap and a hand wash basin. We do not provide a portable shower, however, there are some opportunities to jump in the creek for a High Country bath.
Are the longer pack treks suitable for young riders?
Pack Treks
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Are the longer pack treks suitable for young riders?
Our recommended minimum age for the pack treks is 12yo, however, we would suggest some young riders are more confident and resilient than others. A parent or guardian should consider the child’s confidence on a horse and camping experience before committing to a tour.
Do I need any special equipment or camping gear?
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Do I need any special equipment or camping gear?
We will provide all camping gear required; including tents, swags, sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, kitchen, and all group camping equipment. If you would like to bring your own sleeping bag make sure it is suitable to alpine conditions.
What is the maximum number of riders allowed on a pack trip?
Pack Treks
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What is the maximum number of riders allowed on a pack trip?
There are up to a maximum of 12 places available on our pack rides, plus staff members.
Do you ride to Craigs Hut?
Pack Treks
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Do you ride to Craigs Hut?
We do not operate in this area, however we do visit older and more authentic huts that were not purpose-built for a movie!
Are there public transport options?
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Are there public transport options?
Rail – There are daily rail services into Albury from both Melbourne and Sydney. There are also some rail services that connect with coaches running right to Mt Beauty. V/Line can give you details on all services.
Where are you located?
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Where are you located?
Spring Spur, 52 Fredas Lane, Tawonga. Situated in the spectacular Kiewa Valley in the heart of the Victorian High Country. Take a look at our contact page for more info.
Can you arrange transfers?
Pack Treks
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Can you arrange transfers?
We can arrange transfers to and from Albury, you can select this option when booking one of our products online.
What type of weather can we expect?
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What type of weather can we expect?
The Kiewa Valley enjoys a warm temperate climate, with four distinct seasons.Our tour season is planned to operate in the summer and autumn months. Our warm to hot, dry summers with cool nights produce some wonderful cool climate wines. Day time temperatures in the summer are generally in the 25-35 degree Celsius range. Night time temperatures are cool. In our mountain camps above 5,000 feet, the days and are nights are up to 10 degrees Celsius cooler.Winter sees the surrounding mountains covered in a mantle of snow, whilst spring and autumn are just magnificent. Local Weather.
Will there be mobile phone reception out on a pack trail ride?
Pack Treks
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Will there be mobile phone reception out on a pack trail ride?
There is relatively good coverage on most of our itineraries, however, we suggest you turn your phone off for the week and enjoy your great High Country break.
I have not ridden a horse in many years, will I be okay to do a 7-day pack tour?
Pack Treks
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I have not ridden a horse in many years, will I be okay to do a 7-day pack tour?
We travel at a fast walking pace during the day, with canter opportunities once we are on the High Plains. The distance we travel averages between 15 to 25 kilometers a day with a lunch break and other chances to hop off for a stretch. We often have complete beginner riders on our longer tours. We suggest you would need to have a moderate level of fitness to partake in our overnight adventures.
Why do you limit your pack tour rides to Summer only?
Pack Treks
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Why do you limit your pack tour rides to Summer only?
Our Parks Victoria tour operators license permits us to conduct our packhorse tours from December through to April, we offer Weekend Packages and Daily Trail Rides into the lower levels of the Alpine National Park all year round.
Do your staff have first aid qualifications?
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Do your staff have first aid qualifications?
A first aid trained staff person is present on all of our riding activities.
Do you have any jobs or work experience positions going right now?
General
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Do you have any jobs or work experience positions going right now?
We require all staff to have some previous riding experience send your inquiries to jobs@springspur.com.au
You can also take a look at our jobs page.
Can I arrange a gift voucher?
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Can I arrange a gift voucher?
You can arrange a gift voucher for any of our products.To Arrange a gift for one of our day ride products, go to our Gift Cards page, or any of our other products are available to buy as a gift by choosing the product, then click ‘buy as a gift’. The recipient will receive a customised email with voucher code and details on how to book, if you would like to keep it a surprise make sure you add your email to the recipient email field.
Can I lay-by my pack trek?
Pack Treks
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Can I lay-by my pack trek?
We require a 20% deposit to secure a booking with final payment due 30 days prior to tour departure. Call our office to discuss any special needs you may have regarding payments of a tour.
Do you cater for someone who has never ridden?
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Do you cater for someone who has never ridden?
Our daily trail rides are suited to all levels of rider experience. Around 25% of our half day riders would be first-time riders. We take great pride in our pre-ride briefings that equip novice riders with the basic skills of managing their horse, our guides are available to you throughout the ride to assist and advise and we take great efforts to match horse to rider.
Can I bring my own horse?
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Can I bring my own horse?
No we do not allow BYO horses for customer safety and farm bio security reasons. We have been breeding and training our own horses since 1989 combined with regular work – the magic ingredient to make a good horse – we have a range of horses that suit all levels of rider.
Can I bring my own saddle?
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Can I bring my own saddle?
We use traditional Australian stock saddles and gear, matched to consider riders comfort and correct fit to the horses back. We will do our best to fit your saddle to one of our horses, however, we will need to assess if the saddle will be suited to your horse and for bush riding. English or dressage saddles are not appropriate for riding in the Australian bush.