Join our New Years Eve expedition and welcome in the new year on the Bogong High Plains. We camp at Bogong Jack’s hideout, climb Mount Fainter and traverse the aptly named Pretty Valley. Spend two nights camped at the wild and remote Young’s Tops, home of the brumbies. We visit High Plains Creek on New Years Day for a dip in the pristine waters below the waterfall. The expedition continues on to finish at Falls Creek where our horses will stay for a week or two providing daily trail rides. All transfers including bringing you back off the mountain is arranged by us and included in the price. Wind up the week and enjoy a testimonial dinner back at Spring Spur 'your country home away from home”, swapping your beloved swag for a comfy bed.
Bogong Horseback Adventures’ pack horse expedition program commences annually in the late spring when the peaks of the Victorian High Country shake off their winter snows and alpine life starts to stir. For thousands of years the Aboriginal peoples of the surrounding country embarked on their annual migration to the High Plains, and until recently the mountain cattlemen, following their time honored ways pushed their cattle up to the 'tops'. Along with gold seekers, bushrangers and early adventurers, they all helped create a rich heritage, woven into the rugged fabric of the High Country. Much of the High Country remains un-roaded today, and packhorse expeditions offer a traditional and practical means of exploring this vast landscape. The horses are a feature of this expedition, each of them our own bred and trained mountain horse, expertly matched to the rider. Each day the camp is packed up, loaded onto the pack horses and the journey continues. Riding is between 15 to 25km per day with opportunities for loping canters across open plains. Camps are selected for their beautiful settings, some in traditional stock camps featuring huts, but often secluded bush camps maintained by Bogong Horseback Adventures. With swags rolled out dinner is prepared and enjoyed around a warming fire, with a cold beer, a local wine and a meal prepared from local fresh produce on the coals. All expeditions include a night before and a night after at Spring Spur, where you can join the family for a meal and enjoy your comfortable en-suite room.
DATES
Arrive on Sunday 28th Dec 2014 for a Monday 29th Dec morning departure, finishing on Saturday 3rd Jan 2015.
INCLUSIONS
Experienced, knowledgeable guides
Spring Spur accommodation before and after expedition
All group camping equipment
Quality locally bred and trained horses
Quality Australian saddlery
All meals as per the itinerary
Beer and table wine with evening meal
Helmets and oilskin coats
National Park fees
First aid and emergency communications
Packing lists and travel information

OPTIONS
Transfers to and from Albury NSW
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive at Spring Spur homestead afternoon/evening
Evening Supper - Spring Spur Accommodation
Day 2
Pre ride information, horsemanship basics in the yards at BHA and packing check. Climb the Mount Fainter Spur via the Big Hill Cattle Track to camp at Bogong Jack’s Hideout.
B L D - Camping
Day 3
Climb Mount Fainter for some spectacular views of nearby Mount Feathertop and the distant ridges and valleys of North East Victoria, then drop down into the tree line for a special night camping at the sheltered Tawonga Huts.
B L D - Camping
Day 4
Traverse Pretty Valley, brumby country, Mount Jim and on to camp at Young’s Tops for a New Year’s Eve to remember.
B L D - Camping
Day 5
Leave Camp set up for a day of exploring the remote Young’s Tops and a visit to High Plains Creek Waterfall.
B L D - Camping
Day 6
Last day riding across Pretty Valley and on into Falls Creek for transfer back to Spring Spur.
B L D - Spring Spur Accommodation
Day 7
Mid morning checkout.
B

Steve Baird had a rough introduction to the packhorse after being invited as a young bloke to join Clive Hodge, Tiger Ripper and Archie Timms on a re-enactment of the gold pack horse train from Walhalla to Rosedale for the Sesquicentennial celebration of the settlement of Victoria in 1984. Rather than truck the horses into the start of the event they rode for 2 days and nights on the back roads and mountain tracks of Gippsland arriving in Walhalla in time to load up with “gold”. They went on to rewrite history by avoiding the bushranger at Toongabbie! Somehow the hard miles and big loads sparked a lifelong interest and Steve went on to form Bogong Horseback Adventures with Kath in 1986 and have been running packhorse tours into the Bogong area of the Victorian High Country for over 25 years. Over that time the Bairds and their horses have covered about 552,000 kilometers in total, climbed about 23,000 vertical kilometers, worn out about 11,500 horse shoes, loaded about 11,500 pack loads, spent 1800 days on the track and 1400 nights in the swag. The next generation of Bairds, Lin and Clay have led 28 day expeditions in the Sierra Nevada's in Northern California with up to 20 pack mules, every northern summer, for the past 10 years and combined with their experience of the last 10 years at B.H.A they can claim to be experienced packers. The Baird blokes have judged the Harrison’s Pack Horse challenge at The Man From Snowy River Challenge competition at Corryong for over 10 years.This Packing School has been developed to be informative and very relevant to the horsemanship in the 21st century combined with the traditional heritage of the Australian pack horse.
Although all Bogong Horseback Adventures rides include basic Natural Horsemanship, these clinics are an opportunity to observe brumbies, focus on horsemanship, the traditions of using packhorses, bush skills, camping with horses, problem solving the challenges of horses in remote landscapes.
Bogong Horseback Adventures’ pack horse expedition program commences annually in the late spring when the peaks of the Victorian High Country shake off their winter snows and alpine life starts to stir. For thousands of years the Aboriginal peoples of the surrounding country embarked on their annual migration to the High Plains, and until recently the mountain cattlemen, following their time honored ways pushed their cattle up to the 'tops'. Along with gold seekers, bushrangers and early adventurers, they all helped create a rich heritage, woven into the rugged fabric of the High Country. Much of the High Country remains un-roaded today, and packhorse expeditions offer a traditional and practical means of exploring this vast landscape. The horses are a feature of this expedition, each of them our own bred and trained mountain horse, expertly matched to the rider. Each day the camp is packed up, loaded onto the packhorses and the journey continues. Riding is between 15 to 25km per day with opportunities for loping canters across open plains. Camps are selected for their beautiful settings, some in traditional stock camps featuring huts, but often secluded bush camps maintained by Bogong Horseback Adventures. With swags rolled out dinner is prepared and enjoyed around a warming fire, with a cold beer, a local wine and a meal prepared from local fresh produce on the coals. All expeditions include a night before and a night after at Spring Spur, where you can join the family for a meal and enjoy your comfortable en-suite room.
DATES
Arrive on Sunday 9th Nov 2014, for a Monday morning departure finishing on Saturday 15th Nov 2014
INCLUSIONS Experienced, knowledgeable guides Spring Spur accommodation before and after expedition All group camping equipment Quality locally bred and trained horses Quality Australian saddlery, including pack saddles All meals as per the itinerary Beer and table wine with evening meal Helmets and oilskin coats National Park fees First aid and emergency communications Packing lists and travel information
OPTIONS
Transfers to and from Albury NSW
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive at Spring Spur homestead afternoon/evening
Evening Supper - Spring Spur Accommodation
Day 2
Pre ride information, pack horse introduction and practice in the yards at BHA and preparation to pack out for a 4 day expedition.
B L D - Spring Spur Accommodation
Day 3
Ride through the West Kiewa gorge via Dungey’s Track to camp on the second crossing flats.
B L D - Camping
Day 4
Climb up to the High Plains via Blair’s Hut, Weston Spur, through brumby country and Pretty Valley to camp at Tawonga Huts.
B L D - Camping
Day 5
Climb Mount Fainter for some spectacular views of nearby Mount Feathertop and the distant ridges and valleys of North East Victoria, then drop down into the tree line for a special night camping at Bogong Jack’s hideout, on the North Fainter Spur.
B L D - Camping
Day 6
Return to Spring Spur via the Big Hill Cattle Track.
B L D - Spring Spur Accommodation
Day 7
Pack horse gear check and de-brief, mid morning checkout.
B

Following on from our 2 day Colt Start at Spring Spur, our four day traveling clinic combines the rewards of a remote packhorse expedition with the the extra dimension of horsemanship skill building in a working environment. Our experienced horse masters offer ongoing advice and ideas throughout the expedition. Although all BHA rides include basic Natural Horsemanship, these clinics are an opportunity to focus on horsemanship, observe brumbies in there natural wild herd environment, learn the traditions of using packhorses, bush skills, camping with horses and problem solving the challenges of horses in remote landscapes. On these expeditions there is an opportunity to bring your horse or use one of our own bred and trained mountain horses. Offering one on one mentoring, our Natural Horsemanship mobile clinics will be run this year by Lin and Clay Baird.
Bogong Horseback Adventures’ pack horse expedition program commences annually in the late spring when the peaks of the Victorian High Country shake off their winter snows and alpine life starts to stir. For thousands of years the Aboriginal peoples of the surrounding country embarked on their annual migration to the High Plains, and until recently the mountain cattlemen, following their time honored ways pushed their cattle up to the 'tops'. Along with gold seekers, bushrangers and early adventurers, they all helped create a rich heritage, woven into the rugged fabric of the High Country. Much of the High Country remains un-roaded today, and packhorse expeditions offer a traditional and practical means of exploring this vast landscape. The horses are a feature of this expedition, each of them our own bred and trained mountain horse, expertly matched to the rider. Each day the camp is packed up, loaded onto the packhorses and the journey continues. Riding is between 15 to 25km per day with opportunities for loping canters across open plains. Camps are selected for their beautiful settings, some in traditional stock camps featuring huts, but often secluded bush camps maintained by Bogong Horseback Adventures. With swags rolled out dinner is prepared and enjoyed around a warming fire, with a cold beer, a local wine and a meal prepared from local fresh produce on the coals. All expeditions include a night before and a night after at Spring Spur, where you can join the family for a meal and enjoy your comfortable en-suite room.
DATES
Arrive on Monday 28th November 2016 for a Tuesday morning departure, finishing on Saturday 3rd December 2016
INCLUSIONS
Experienced, knowledgeable guides
Spring Spur accommodation before and after expedition
All group camping equipment
Quality locally bred and trained horses
Quality Australian saddlery
All meals as per the itinerary
Beer and table wine with evening meal
Helmets and oilskin coats
National Park fees
First aid and emergency communications
Packing lists and travel information.
OPTIONS
Transfers to and from Albury NSW
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive at Spring Spur homestead afternoon/evening, or if you have just completed our 2 day Colt start you are already checked in.
Evening Supper - Spring Spur Accommodation

Day 2
Pre ride information, horsemanship basics in the yards at BHA and packing check. Ride through the West Kiewa gorge via Dungey’s Track to camp on the second crossing flats
B L D - Camping

Day 3
Climb up to the High Plains via Blair’s Hut, Weston Spur, Pretty Valley and on to camp at Tawonga Huts.
B L D - Camping

Day 4
Climb Mount Fainter for some spectacular views of nearby Mount Feathertop and the distant ridges and valleys of North East Victoria, then drop down into the tree line for a special night camping at Bogong Jack’s Hideout.
B L D - Camping

Day 5
Descend on the Big Hill Cattle Track to Spring Spur Stables
B L D - Spring Spur Accommodation

Day 6
Mid morning checkout.
B

Join our New Years Eve expedition and welcome in the new year on Mount Bogong, Victoria's highest Mountain. Starting in the rich fertile valley of the Kiewa River, the tracks climb gently through the ferny mountain forests to a pretty streamside camp. Next morning with a wisp of campfire smoke curling through the morning mists, the horses are prepared for a day of climbing into the high alps. Leaving behind the lush temperate rainforest the mighty woolly-butts stand tall over our little horse team as it winds on, climbing eventually into the snow gum woodlands and finally the open herb fields of the High Plains. The blue ridges extend to the horizon, hazy with eucalyptus vapors across hundreds of kilometers. Beyond the dome of Mount Nelse is our sheltered camp at Cemetery Spur or perhaps Kelly’s Camp. Over the following days, the expedition continues to reveal new and different landscapes, along with heritage tracks built on the hopes and dreams of gold miners and distant views of surrounding mountains. The final camp is in the tree-line on Mount Bogong, Victoria’s highest mountain. On your last day, you climb to the highest place you can take a horse in Australia, and nestled in the valley far below is Spring Spur, your destination at day’s end.

All transfers including bringing you back off the mountain are arranged by us and included in the price. Wind up the week and enjoy a lively communal dinner back at Spring Spur with your new friends your country home away from home”, swapping your beloved swag for a comfy bed.

Bogong Horseback Adventures’ pack horse expedition program commences annually in the late spring when the peaks of the Victorian High Country shake off their winter snows and alpine life starts to stir. For thousands of years the Aboriginal peoples of the surrounding country embarked on their annual migration to the High Plains, and until recently the mountain cattlemen, following their time-honored ways pushed their cattle up to the 'tops'. Along with gold seekers, bushrangers and early adventurers, they all helped create a rich heritage, woven into the rugged fabric of the High Country. Much of the High Country remains un-roaded today, and packhorse expeditions offer a traditional and practical means of exploring this vast landscape. The horses are a feature of this expedition, each of them our own bred and trained mountain horse, expertly matched to the rider. Each day the camp is packed up, loaded onto the pack horses and the journey continues. Riding is between 15 to 25km per day with opportunities for loping canters across open plains. Camps are selected for their beautiful settings, some in traditional stock camps featuring huts, but often secluded bush camps maintained by Bogong Horseback Adventures. With swags rolled out dinner is prepared and enjoyed around a warming fire, with a cold beer, a local wine and a meal prepared from local fresh produce on the coals. All expeditions include a night before and a night after at Spring Spur, where you can join the family for a meal and enjoy your comfortable en-suite room.
DATES
Arrive on Friday 27th Dec 2019 for a Saturday 28th Dec morning departure. Finishes on Friday 3rd Jan 2020.
INCLUSIONS
Experienced, knowledgeable guides
Spring Spur accommodation before and after the expedition
All group camping equipment
Quality locally bred and trained horses
Quality Australian saddlery
All meals as per the itinerary
Beer and table wine with evening meal
Helmets and oilskin coats
National Park fees
First aid and emergency communications
Packing lists and travel information

OPTIONS
Transfers to and from Albury NSW
ITINERARY

Day 1
Arrive at Spring Spur homestead afternoon/evening
Evening Supper - Spring Spur Accommodation

Day 2
Pre ride information, horsemanship basics in the yards at BHA and packing check. Ride following the East Kiewa River track to our camp at Bogong Creek.
B L D - Camping
Day 3
Climb up to the High Plains via Timms Spur, a traverse of Mount Nelse and onto camp at Cemetery Spur or Kelly’s.
B L D - Camping
Day 4
Follow the hand cut Track 107 down to an early camp on Big River in the Mount Wills Heritage Area.
B L D - Camping
Day 5
We ascend Mount Bogong via the Long Spur, a full day of riding the ridge up to our camp below the tree line near Cleve Cole Hut. Spending New Year's Eve around the campfire.
B L D - Camping
Day 6
We spend the first day of the New Year taking it easy while the packhorses have a rest. Relax among the soft grass, head out for a hike, find the waterfall or go for a leisurely ride - the choice is yours.
B L D - Camping
Day 7
Traverse the magnificent Mt Bogong before descending the legendary Eskdale Spur to the head of Mountain Creek returning back to Spring Spur Stables.
B L D - Spring Spur Accommodation
Day 8
Mid-morning checkout.

Get a little saddle grease on your trouser seat over the Australia day weekend. Join our three-day Packhorse expedition and experience a truly Australian experience. Traveling in a time-honored way you ride into the belly of the clouds to the 'mountain dreaming place' the High Country. The pack horse load will surprise you with the 'magic pudding' quality, delicious campfire meals served one after the other! We are proud to combine the heritage of the High Country Horse with modern comforts and cuisine. This expedition takes in Mount Fainter and Bogong Jack’s Hideout. An iconic short Australian break. We make it easy for the casual weekend rider or the beginner rider, by camping two nights at Bogong Jack’s Hideout camp. On day two you ride out over Mt Fainter and unload the lunch pack at Little Plain. After your billy boils and the cake washed down with a pannikin of tea it's up onto Mount Fainter Bluff for a few good canters, let the wind blow out the cobwebs and stresses of your busy lives.
Bogong Horseback Adventures’ pack horse expedition program commences annually in the late spring when the peaks of the Victorian High Country shake off their winter snows and alpine life starts to stir. For thousands of years the Aboriginal peoples of the surrounding country embarked on their annual migration to the High Plains, and until recently the mountain cattlemen, following their time-honored ways pushed their cattle up to the 'tops'. Along with gold seekers, bushrangers and early adventurers, they all helped create a rich heritage, woven into the rugged fabric of the High Country. Much of the High Country remains un-roaded today, and packhorse expeditions offer a traditional and practical means of exploring this vast landscape. The horses are a feature of this expedition, each of them our own bred and trained mountain horse, expertly matched to the rider. Most days the camp is packed up, loaded onto the packhorses and the journey continues. Riding is between 15 to 25km per day with opportunities for loping canters across open plains. Camps are selected for their beautiful settings, some in traditional stock camps featuring huts, but often secluded bush camps maintained by Bogong Horseback Adventures. With swags rolled, out dinner is prepared and enjoyed around a warming fire, with a cold beer, a local wine and a meal prepared from local fresh produce on the coals. All expeditions include a night before and a night after at Spring Spur, where you can join the family for a meal and enjoy your comfortable en-suite room.
INCLUSIONS
Experienced, knowledgeable guides
Spring Spur accommodation before and after the expedition
All group camping equipment
Quality locally bred and trained horses
Quality Australian saddlery
All meals as per the itinerary
Beer and table wine with evening meal
Helmets and oilskin coats
National Park fees
First aid and emergency communications
Packing lists and travel information
OPTIONS
Transfers to and from Albury NSW
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive at Spring Spur homestead afternoon/evening
Evening Supper - Spring Spur Accommodation
Day 2
Pre-ride information, horsemanship basics in the yards at BHA and packing check. Ride up the Big Hill Cattle Track to camp at Bogong Jack’s hideout, on the North Fainter Spur.
B L D - Camping
Day 3
We leave camp set up, and climb up to the summit of Mount Fainter with spectacular views across the deep cut of the West Kiewa River to Mount Fainter. Lunch at Tawonga Huts and an afternoon visit to Pretty Valley and brumby country before returning to Jack’s.
B L D - Camping
Day 4
Return to Spring Spur via the Big Hill Cattle Track.
B L D - Spring Spur Accommodation
Day 5
Mid-morning checkout.

Get a little saddle grease on your trouser seat over the Labour day weekend. Join our three-day pack horse expedition and experience a truly Australian experience. Traveling in a time-honored way, you ride into the belly of the clouds to the 'mountain dreaming place' the High Country. The pack horse load will surprise you with the 'magic pudding' quality, delicious campfire meals served one after the other! We are proud to combine the heritage of the High Country Horse with modern comforts and cuisine. This expedition takes in Mount Fainter and Bogong Jack’s Hideout. An iconic short Australian break. We make it easy for the casual weekend rider or the beginner rider, by camping two nights at Bogong Jack’s Hideout camp. On Sunday you ride out over Mount Fainter and unload the lunch pack at Tawonga huts. After your billy boils and the cake washed down with billy tea it's out into Pretty Valley for a few good canters, let the wind blow out the cobwebs and stresses of your busy lives.
Bogong Horseback Adventures’ pack horse expedition program commences annually in the late spring when the peaks of the Victorian High Country shake off their winter snows and alpine life starts to stir. For thousands of years the Aboriginal peoples of the surrounding country embarked on their annual migration to the High Plains, and until recently the mountain cattlemen, following their time honored ways pushed their cattle up to the 'tops'. Along with gold seekers, bushrangers and early adventurers, they all helped create a rich heritage, woven into the rugged fabric of the High Country. Much of the High Country remains un-roaded today, and packhorse expeditions offer a traditional and practical means of exploring this vast landscape. The horses are a feature of this expedition, each of them our own bred and trained mountain horse, expertly matched to the rider. Each day the camp is packed up, loaded onto the packhorses and the journey continues. Riding is between 15 to 25km per day with opportunities for loping canters across open plains. Camps are selected for their beautiful settings, some in traditional stock camps featuring huts, but often secluded bush camps maintained by Bogong Horseback Adventures. With swags rolled out dinner is prepared and enjoyed around a warming fire, with a cold beer, a local wine and a meal prepared from local fresh produce on the coals. All expeditions include a night before and a night after at Spring Spur, where you can join the family for a meal and enjoy your comfortable en-suite room.
INCLUSIONS
Experienced, knowledgeable guides
Spring Spur accommodation before and after the expedition
All group camping equipment
Quality locally bred and trained horses
Quality Australian saddlery
All meals as per the itinerary
Beer and table wine with evening meal
Helmets and oilskin coats
National Park fees
First aid and emergency communications
Packing lists and travel information.
OPTIONS
Transfers to and from Albury NSW
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive at Spring Spur afternoon/evening
Evening Supper - Spring Spur Stay
Day 2
Pre-ride information, horsemanship basics in the yards at BHA and packing check. Ride up the Big Hill Cattle Track to camp at Bogong Jack’s hideout, on the North Fainter Spur.
B L D - Camping
Day 3
We leave camp set up, and climb up to the Summit of Mount Fainter with spectacular views across the deep cut of the West Kiewa Fiver to Mount Fainter. Lunch at Tawonga Huts and an afternoon visit to Pretty Valley and brumby country before returning to Jack’s.
B L D - Camping
Day 4
Return to Spring Spur via the Big Hill Cattle Track.
B L D - Spring Spur Stay
Day 5
Mid-morning checkout.

Pioneering the High Plains & Mittagundi Bush Festival Packhorse Adventure takes you on a journey, through diverse landscapes, along a route that highlights the vertical scale, and the rich cultural heritage of the Victorian High Country.
Starting in the rich fertile valley of the Kiewa River, the tracks climb gently through the ferny mountain forests to a pretty stream side camp. Next morning with a wisp of campfire smoke curling through the morning mists, the horses are prepared for a day of climbing into the high alps. Leaving behind the lush temperate rainforest the mighty woolly-butts stand tall over the our little horse team as it winds on, climbing eventually into the snow gum woodlands and finally the open herb fields of the High Plains. The blue ridges extend to the horizon, hazy with eucalyptus vapors across hundreds of kilometers. Beyond the dome of Mount Nelse is our sheltered camp at Cemetery Spur or perhaps Kelly’s Camp. Over the following days the expedition continues to reveal new and different landscapes, along heritage tracks built on the hopes and dreams of gold miners and distant views of surrounding mountains. Mid tour we follow the spectacular Track 107 which was cut by the Mines Dept in the 1880's as access for prospectors into the remote and mysterious Glen Wills on the Big River reaches, below Mt Wills.
This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Mittagundi, a not for profit outdoor education centre established with the belief that young people, mountains, hard work and challenges are natural partners. Mittagundi is situated on a 400 acre property near the old gold mining town of Glen Valley, on the Upper Mitta Mitta River. The annual Mittagundi Bush Dance and Pioneer Skills Weekend is an opportunity to get involved in a traditional bush festivities weekend and pick up some long lost bush skills. This year is a tremendous milestone for the Mittagundi community, and Bogong Horseback Adventures commend the efforts of the volunteers and supporters that make this unique and inspiring place possible.
After our weekend at Mittagundi its time to get back into the bush for our ride up The Long Spur to our high camp on Mount Bogong, Victoria’s highest mountain. With a seldom layover camp on Mt Bogong we take this opportunity to explore the beautiful natural splendour of this magnificent mountain. Riding out to horse ridge to visit Maddisons Memorial then an afternoon trip to the crisp cascades of Howmans Falls for a quick dip. On the last day climb to the highest place you can take a horse in Australia, and nestled in the valley far below is Spring Spur, your destination at day’s end.
Bogong Horseback Adventures’ pack horse expedition program commences annually in the late spring when the peaks of the Victorian High Country shake off their winter snows and alpine life starts to stir. For thousands of years the Aboriginal peoples of the surrounding country embarked on their annual migration to the High Plains, and until recently the mountain cattlemen, following their time honored ways pushed their cattle up to the 'tops'. Along with gold seekers, bushrangers and early adventurers, they all helped create a rich heritage, woven into the rugged fabric of the High Country. Much of the High Country remains un-roaded today, and packhorse expeditions offer a traditional and practical means of exploring this vast landscape. The horses are a feature of this expedition, each of them our own bred and trained mountain horse, expertly matched to the rider. Each day the camp is packed up, loaded onto the packhorses and the journey continues. Riding is between 15 to 25km per day with opportunities for loping canters across open plains. Camps are selected for their beautiful settings, some in traditional stock camps featuring huts, but often secluded bush camps maintained by Bogong Horseback Adventures. With swags rolled out dinner is prepared and enjoyed around a warming fire, with a cold beer, a local wine and a meal prepared from local fresh produce on the coals. All expeditions include a night before and a night after at Spring Spur, where you can join the family for a meal and enjoy your comfortable en-suite room.
DATES
Arrive on Tuesday, 9th January 2018 for a Wednesday morning departure finishing on Wednesday, 17th January 2018
INCLUSIONS
All admissions to Mittagundi Pioneer Festival and Bush Dance
Experienced, knowledgeable guides
Spring Spur accommodation before and after expedition
All group camping equipment
Quality locally bred and trained horses
Quality Australian saddlery
All meals as per the itinerary
Beer and table wine with evening meal
Helmets and oilskin coats
National Park fees
First aid and emergency communications
Packing lists and travel information
OPTIONS
Transfers to and from Albury NSW
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive at Spring Spur homestead afternoon/evening
Evening Supper - Spring Spur Accommodation
D - Spring Spur Stay


Day 2

Pre ride information, horsemanship basics in the yards at BHA and packing check. Journey along the East Kiewa track riding through tall eucalyptus forests layered with misty tree fern gullies and dry dogwood spurs into Bogong Creek Camp below Quartz Ridge.

B L D - Camping


Day 3

Climb through tall wollybutt forests and snowgums onto the Bogong High Plains via Big River. Ride across the herb fields of Spion Kopje and Mount Nelse and down to Cemetery Spur.

B L D - Camping


Day 4

Follow the the hand cut Track 107 down to Mittagundi. Put on your cleanest dirty shirt, polish your boots and find your dancing partner for a traditional Aussie bush dance at the Glen Wills Community Hall.

B L D - Camping


Day 5

A day off riding, to attend the annual Mittagundi Pioneer Festival. Traditional bush skills workshops ranging from leather work, blacksmith and pioneer carpentry. Explore the Mittagundi grounds - veggie garden, stables and traditional bush buildings. Get involved in a BHA packing demonstration.
In the evening pick a spot under a peppermint gum to enjoy a feast prepared in the Mittagundi bush kitchen, then dance off dessert with performances from two amazing singer song writers, Sally Dastey and Sal Kimber.

B L D - Camping


Day 6

We ascend Mount Bogong via the Long Spur, a full day of riding the ridge up to our camp below the tree line on near Cleve Cole Hut.

B L D - Camping


Day 7

We spend the day exploring Victoria's highest mountain, a ride out to Maddison's camp with a walk into Howman's Falls and out towards Horse Ridge to visit the Maddison Memorial. Return to our Mount Bogong camp for another night.

B L D - Camping


 Day 8

Descend the legendary Eskdale Spur to the head of Mountain Creek and continue down the creek to Spring Spur Stables

B L D - Spring Spur Stay


Day 9

Mid morning checkout.

B


The Mount Bogong expedition takes you on a journey, through diverse landscapes, along a route that highlights the vertical scale of the Victorian High Country. Starting in the rich fertile valley of the Kiewa River, the tracks climb gently through the ferny mountain forests to a pretty streamside camp. Next morning with a wisp of campfire smoke curling through the morning mists, the horses are prepared for a day of climbing into the high alps. Leaving behind the lush temperate rainforest the mighty woolly-butts stand tall over our little horse team as it winds on, climbing eventually into the snow gum woodlands and finally the open herb fields of the High Plains. The blue ridges extend to the horizon, hazy with eucalyptus vapors across hundreds of kilometers. Beyond the dome of Mount Nelse is our sheltered camp at Cemetery Spur or perhaps Kelly’s Camp. Over the following days, the expedition continues to reveal new and different landscapes, along with heritage tracks built on the hopes and dreams of gold miners and distant views of surrounding mountains. The final camp is in the tree-line on Mount Bogong, Victoria’s highest mountain. On your last day, you climb to the highest place you can take a horse in Australia, and nestled in the valley far below is Spring Spur, your destination at day’s end.
Bogong Horseback Adventures’ pack horse expedition program commences annually in the late spring when the peaks of the Victorian High Country shake off their winter snows and alpine life starts to stir. For thousands of years the Aboriginal peoples of the surrounding country embarked on their annual migration to the High Plains, and until recently the mountain cattlemen, following their time-honored ways pushed their cattle up to the 'tops'. Along with gold seekers, bushrangers and early adventurers, they all helped create a rich heritage, woven into the rugged fabric of the High Country. Much of the High Country remains un-roaded today, and packhorse expeditions offer a traditional and practical means of exploring this vast landscape. The horses are a feature of this expedition, each of them our own bred and trained mountain horse, expertly matched to the rider. Each day the camp is packed up, loaded onto the packhorses and the journey continues. Riding is between 15 to 25km per day with opportunities for loping canters across open plains. Camps are selected for their beautiful settings, some in traditional stock camps featuring huts, but often secluded bush camps maintained by Bogong Horseback Adventures. With swags rolled out dinner is prepared and enjoyed around a warming fire, with a cold beer, a local wine and a meal prepared from local fresh produce on the coals. All expeditions include a night before and a night after at Spring Spur, where you can join the family for a meal and enjoy your comfortable en-suite room.

INCLUSION
Experienced, knowledgeable guides
Spring Spur accommodation before and after the expedition
All group camping equipment
Quality locally bred and trained horses
Quality Australian saddlery
All meals as per the itinerary
Beer and table wine with evening meal
Helmets and oilskin coats
National Park fees
First aid and emergency communications
Packing lists and travel information

OPTIONS
Transfers to and from Albury NSW
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive at Spring Spur homestead afternoon/evening
Evening Supper - Spring Spur Accommodation
Day 2
Pre-ride information, horsemanship basics in the yards at BHA and packing check. Ride following the East Kiewa River track to our camp at Bogong Creek.
B L D - Camping
Day 3
Climb up to the High Plains via Timms Spur, a traverse of Mount Nelse and onto camp at Cemetery Spur or Kelly’s.
B L D - Camping
Day 4
Follow the hand cut Track 107 down to an early camp on Big River in the Mount Wills Heritage Area.
B L D - Camping
Day 5
We ascend Mount Bogong via the Long Spur, a full day of riding the ridge up to our camp below the tree line near Cleve Cole Hut.
B L D - Camping
Day 6
Traverse the magnificent Mt Bogong before descending the legendary Eskdale Spur to the head of Mountain Creek returning back to Spring Spur Stables.
B L D - Spring Spur Accommodation
Day 7
Mid-morning checkout.

This expedition starts with a night at Spring Spur. Packing out next morning we follow Dungey’s Track into the upper reaches of the West Kiewa River, camp at Second Crossing and continue upstream to Blair’s Hut. Ascending Weston’s Spur we break out onto the High Plains at the aptly named Pretty Valley, before heading out to the remote Young’s Hut for our second camp. This is the heart of brumby country and expect close encounters. Next we move onto the sheltered Tawonga Huts camp, then traverse Mount Fainter before descending into Bogong Jack’s hideout for a final night beneath the snow gums and stars. The expedition then descends back into the Kiewa Valley via Big Hill Cattle Track to the comforts of Spring Spur swapping your swag for a luxurious bed and delicious home-cooked dinner!
Bogong Horseback Adventures’ pack horse expedition program commences annually in the late spring when the peaks of the Victorian High Country shake off their winter snows and alpine life starts to stir. For thousands of years the Aboriginal peoples of the surrounding country embarked on their annual migration to the High Plains, and until recently the mountain cattlemen, following their time honoured ways pushed their cattle up to the 'tops'. Along with gold seekers, bushrangers, and early adventurers, they all helped create a rich heritage, woven into the rugged fabric of the High Country. Much of the High Country remains un-roaded today, and packhorse expeditions offer a traditional and practical means of exploring this vast landscape. The horses are a feature of this expedition, each of them our own bred and trained mountain horse, expertly matched to the rider. Each day the camp is packed up, loaded onto the packhorses and the journey continues. Riding is between 15 to 25km per day with opportunities for loping canters across open plains. Camps are selected for their beautiful settings, some in traditional stock camps featuring huts, but often secluded bush camps maintained by Bogong Horseback Adventures. With swags rolled out dinner is prepared and enjoyed around a warming fire, with a cold beer, a local wine and a meal prepared from local fresh produce on the coals. All expeditions include a night before and a night after at Spring Spur, where you can join the family for a meal and enjoy your comfortable en-suite room.

INCLUSIONS
Experienced, knowledgeable guides
Spring Spur accommodation before and after the expedition
All group camping equipment
Quality locally bred and trained horses
Quality Australian saddlery
All meals as per the itinerary
Beer and table wine with evening meal
Helmets and oilskin coats
National Park fees
First aid and emergency communications
Packing lists and travel information
OPTIONS
Transfers to and from Albury NSW
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive at Spring Spur homestead afternoon/evening
Evening Supper - Spring Spur Accommodation
Day 2
Pre ride information, horsemanship basics in the yards at BHA and packing check. Ride through the West Kiewa gorge via Dungey’s Track to camp on the second crossing flats.
B L D - Camping
Day 3
Climb up to the High Plains via Blair’s Hut, Weston Spur and on to camp at Young’s Hut.
B L D - Camping
Day 4
From Young’s Hut we ride out across the aptly named Pretty Valley, before descending into the sheltered camp at Tawonga Huts.
B L D - Camping
Day 5
Traversing below Mount Jiatmathang, we climb Mount Fainter for some spectacular views of nearby Mount Feathertop and the distant ridges and valleys of North East Victoria, then drop down into the tree line for a special night camping at Bogong Jack’s hideout, on the North Fainter Spur.
B L D - Camping
Day 6
Return to Spring Spur via the Big Hill Cattle Track.
B L D - Spring Spur Accommodation
Day 7
Mid morning checkout.
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