Horse Riding, Koalas & Kangaroos – Wild Australia: Private Tour

Exploring the Best of Australia’s Wilderness in a Single Day

If you’re looking to escape the hustle of Sydney without sacrificing comfort or insight, the Horse Riding, Koalas & Kangaroos – Wild Australia: Private Tour offers a fantastic way to do it. For around $632 per person, you’ll spend approximately 11 to 12 hours exploring some of the most iconic and lesser-known sights, all tailored to your group’s interests. The tour includes personalized pickups, private transportation, and a carefully curated mix of wildlife, scenic vistas, and native culture.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the flexibility to customize stops means you can focus on what excites you most—be it wildlife, panoramic views, or indigenous art. Second, the combination of active and relaxing moments—from horse riding through rainforests to enjoying beachside meals—ensures you’ll leave with a well-rounded impression of Australia’s natural beauty.

One point to consider is the full-day commitment; if you prefer shorter outings or are limited on time, this might feel a bit long. But if you’re eager for an authentic, comprehensive taste of Australia’s outdoors, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s especially suitable for travelers who love wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural insights, and who value the comfort of a private, guided experience.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Combines wildlife, scenic spots, and cultural sites into one day.
• Customization: Flexibility to select stops that match your interests.
• Wildlife Encounters: Koalas, kangaroos, and a flying fox colony are highlights.
• Scenic Views: From Mrs Macquarie’s Chair to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
• Gourmet Highlights: Beachside lunch and optional local gin or wine tastings.
• Private and Comfortable: Fully guided, private vehicle, and personalized attention.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This tour is designed to give you a taste of Australia’s diverse landscapes and wildlife within a day, making it perfect for those who want to maximize their time without rushing. Starting early at 8:00 am, you’ll be picked up in a private, air-conditioned vehicle—whether a van or SUV—by your knowledgeable guide, who makes a point of customizing the day to your preferences.

The First Stops: Sydney’s Iconic Views and Bridges

Your adventure begins with some classic Sydney sights. You’ll visit Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone ledge carved by convicts in 1810, which offers perhaps the most recognizable view of Sydney Harbour—the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline all in one frame. The 30-minute stop is a perfect introduction, and you might find it easier to appreciate these landmarks with a local guide pointing out hidden details.

Next, crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you’ll leave the city behind, heading towards a more natural setting. The experience of crossing this imposing structure, affectionately called “The Gaint Coathanger,” is a memorable way to transition from urban to wilderness.

Bushland and Aboriginal Heritage

The Berowra Waters stop takes you into Berowra Valley National Park, where a guided bushwalk reveals native flora and Aboriginal carvings that add depth to your understanding of the land. Expect a 45-minute walk through scenic native bushland, often described as a hidden treasure by visitors. Your guide might point out native plant species or share stories behind the carvings, making the experience both educational and visually rewarding.

Wildlife Encounters at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary

A highlight for many travelers will be your visit to the Walkabout Wildlife Park, where encounters with koalas, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils are on the menu. As one reviewer notes, this part of the tour is “a treasure trove of Australia’s diverse wildlife,” and the fact that admission is included adds excellent value. You’ll have about an hour here, enough time to take photos, pet some animals, and learn about conservation efforts.

Horseback Riding in Glenworth Valley

The horse riding segment is often regarded as the tour’s centerpiece. Guided through rainforests, native bushland, and rock pools, you’ll experience Australia’s wilderness on horseback for about two hours. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, the knowledgeable guides ensure safety and fun. Expect to see untouched landscapes and perhaps even catch sight of native birds or reptiles. It’s a chance to connect with nature in a very direct way—something travelers who love outdoor activities tend to appreciate.

Hidden Natural Wonders and Coastal Stops

From Glenworth Valley, you’ll head to Warrah Lookout to discover a flying fox colony—thousands of bats hanging in the trees, a spectacle that’s both astonishing and slightly eerie. The 15-minute stop offers remarkable photo opportunities, and your guide may share insights into these creatures’ role in the ecosystem.

Afterward, the tour continues to Terrigal Beach, a perfect spot to relax, take photos, or even dip your toes in the surf. This beachside stop also offers opportunities for whale watching, depending on the season, and is a favorite among guests for its stunning coastlines.

Aboriginal Art and Local Tastes

Next, you’ll visit the Bulgandry Aboriginal Engraving Site, where ancient rock art tells stories from thousands of years ago. The 30-minute visit unveils sacred sites with well-preserved engravings—an ideal way to gain cultural insight into the region’s original inhabitants.

For those interested in local flavors, a visit to Distillery Botanica offers a complimentary gin tasting. Surrounded by three acres of gardens, you can sample handcrafted spirits, gain insight into botanical infusion processes, and appreciate Australia’s burgeoning artisan distilling scene.

Scenic Vistas and Wineries

The tour also offers optional stops at Blues Point Reserve for sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, and Firescreek Fruit Wines for a complimentary organic wine tasting—an opportunity to sample unique wines made from fruits and flowers, not grapes. These stops are perfect for relaxing, enjoying scenic vistas, and sampling local delicacies.

Concluding the Day

If you choose, your final moments might be spent at Avoca Beach, where a relaxed meal at a beachfront café caps off your adventure. Alternatively, if time permits, a visit to Pearl Beach could offer a quiet refuge for unwinding with local chocolates and wine.

Authentic Experiences and What Travelers Love

Based on reviews, travelers frequently praise the knowledgeable guides—particularly how they go out of their way to make the day special. One said, “Matt showed us many sights and even took pictures of us,” highlighting personalized attention. Guests also love the stunning views, from Sydney Harbour to native rainforests, which provide both excellent photo opportunities and a true sense of wilderness.

The wine and gin tastings are another crowd favorite, especially because they’re included in the tour—adding a gourmet touch without extra cost. Travelers also appreciate the flexibility to customize stops, allowing them to focus on wildlife, scenery, or cultural sites.

Value for Money

While the price might seem steep at first glance, the all-inclusive nature—wildlife park entry, professional photos, a private vehicle, and tastings—means you’re getting a lot of value. The fully guided, private tour ensures a relaxed pace and personalized insights, often making the experience feel more intimate and rewarding.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is the length of the tour—a full day with multiple stops can be tiring for some. Also, weather conditions can affect outdoor activities, so flexibility or alternative plans might be needed if bad weather hits. But the tour provider offers full refunds if canceled due to weather, ensuring you don’t risk your investment.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want an immersive day in nature while enjoying the comfort of a private guide. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers, history buffs interested in Aboriginal carvings, or anyone eager to see Sydney’s natural beauty beyond the city. It also suits those who value gourmet experiences—like the included tastings—and appreciate flexibility in their sightseeing plans.

If you’re visiting Sydney and want to combine wildlife encounters, scenic vistas, and cultural insights into one seamless day, this tour offers a comprehensive, well-paced, and memorable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, you’ll be transported in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, making it easy to relax and focus on the scenery and stops.

Can I customize the stops during the tour?
Absolutely. The tour is private and offers the option to choose which locations you want to visit, tailoring the day to your interests.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You’re likely to encounter koalas, kangaroos, and possibly see the flying fox colony, which features thousands of bats hanging in a scenic valley.

How long is the horse riding portion?
The guided horse riding lasts about two hours, taking you through rainforests, native bushland, and rock pools.

Are there age restrictions for riding horses?
Yes, the minimum age for horse riding is 7 years old, and there’s a maximum weight limit of 220 pounds (100 kg).

What is included in the price?
Admission to the wildlife park, professional photos, a fully guided private tour, transportation, and complimentary wine or non-alcoholic beverages are included.

What about meals?
Lunch at a beachside restaurant is not included, but there’s an option to enjoy a delicious meal at Avoca Beach afterward. Takeaway snacks and coffee are not part of the package but can be purchased separately.

Final Thoughts

This private tour from Sydney offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that captures Australia’s wild beauty, wildlife, and cultural richness. It’s perfect for those who want a guided, customizable adventure, where comfort and authenticity go hand in hand. Whether you’re an animal lover, keen photographer, or simply eager to see more of Aussie nature, you’ll find plenty to love here.

While it requires a full day’s commitment, the combination of scenic vistas, wildlife encounters, and gourmet tastings makes it a standout choice for travelers seeking depth and quality. The private aspect ensures an intimate experience, making it ideal for couples, families, or small groups wanting to explore with personal attention.

If you value knowledgeable guides, scenic variety, and the chance to learn about Aboriginal art and conservation efforts—all while enjoying Australian produce—this tour is a rewarding way to spend a day outside the city.