Yippee, the moment has finally come – you’re off to the glorious Shoalhaven for five days of what can only be described as total bliss! This morning you will be collected from Sydney Airport at 10am (or a location south of Sydney on request) and transferred to Crooked River Winery in Gerringong (unless you’re self-driving, in which case, please arrive at the winery by 12pm). Here you’ll have a meet and greet with your ride host and guide Tiffany Gale, over a wine tasting and sumptuous two-course lunch.

You’ll trit-trot through Bugong National Park, winding through quintessential Australian bush in the aptly named Shoalhaven Sandstone Forest. If you’re lucky, hidden amongst the banksias, grass trees, turpentines and hard-leaved scribbly gums, you may spot an echidna, yellow bellied glider, yellow tailed black cockatoo or a goanna. The park’s unspoilt nature, combined with the nearby escarpment and Shoalhaven River, creates a strong sense of peace and solitude.

After a canter along the open tracks, you’ll arrive at a breathtaking cliff edge overlooking the Shoalhaven Gorge – a view you won’t forget in a hurry! You’ll then trot on along bush-fringed tracks, with the opportunity to pop over a log or two if you wish. Finally, arriving at the awe-inspiring Coolendel Lookout, you’ll be met with a high tea with Prosecco scones, served upon rock formations overlooking the Shoalhaven River, Morton National Park and into the Ettrema wilderness. Once everyone’s bellies and eyes are satisfied, you’ll mount up and meander back through the park before breezing through the vineyards of Lyrebird Organic Winery for a wine tasting of Chambourcin (red) and fortified wines (port).

First up, you’ll be driven to Bangalay Luxury Villas at Shoalhaven Heads, where you’ll savour the region’s best coffee and a breakfast made with local and native ingredients. You’ll then start the day’s winery trail at the award-winning Two Figs Winery, where you’ll be treated to a personalised and informative wine tasting experience.

Next up is Coolangatta Estate Winery, where you’ll enjoy an adventurous climb up Mt Coolangatta onboard Bigfoot (a huge 4WD open sided tractor-bus), from where you’ll get to enjoy some of the best views of the South Coast. Then it’s back down to the winery for another tasting followed by a regional lunch plate with matching wines. You’ll be kept entertained with live music while you eat, then with your cheeks tickled pink and your belt buckle loosened, it’s on to the highlight of the day: the riding.

After tiptoeing across a golf course, you’ll reach a pristine beach as long as the eye can see. Now’s your chance to canter on a loose rein for as long as your heart desires – a true highlight of the trip!