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Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures Horse Riding

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Glenworth Valley Horse Riding

Regarded as one of Australia's leading horse riding centres, Glenworth Valley has over 200 quality horses catering to riders of all abilities. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff will select a horse to suit your riding ability, from gentle horses for beginners to more challenging horses for experienced riders. Individual instruction is given to all riders prior to departure, and roving supervisors are on hand to assist if required. Visitors to Glenworth Valley have the option of free-range riding without a guide (experienced riders only) or guided riding (suitable for all abilities). Rides are available for two, four, or six hours and are suitable for ages seven and over. Alternatively, join their Cattle Drive Ride and experience the unique thrill of mustering a roaming cattle herd on horseback, before unwinding with a delicious complimentary barbecue lunch at Glenworth Valley's homestead — perfect for sharing your new stories over ice-cold drinks. Their Gourmet Picnic Ride offers a more laid-back riding experience, finishing with a freshly prepared picnic lunch enjoyed under the shade of swaying gum trees. Horse riding lessons are also available for children and adults. Lead pony and horse rides are available for children aged three to twelve, with 30-minute rides offered on weekends and one-hour rides available mid-week.

Glenworth Valley NSW

0.1 km away

Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures

Natural Attractions

Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures

Glenworth Valley is one of Australia's largest horse riding and outdoor adventure centres, located in the hinterland of the New South Wales Central Coast, located an hour's drive from Sydney. Escape and explore 3,000 acres of the finest unspoilt wilderness and immerse yourself in the great outdoors for a day full of adventure. Horse riding options are free-range or guided rides along unspoilt wilderness trails. Glenworth Valley caters to riders of all abilities and ages. Quad biking, kayaking and abseiling are exhilarating ways to explore the valley and Glenworth Valley offers fully guided tours of all of these experiences. Take on your friends in an epic outdoor battle with state of the art laser skirmish facilities set in a natural outdoor challenging environment. The Valley Events Centre is the Central Coast's most exciting venues, offering breath-taking views over two spectacular levels. Perfect for conferences or private events with a full food and beverage team at hand. Glenworth Valley also provides a unique camping experience under the stars alongside Popran Creek with open powered and unpowered camping areas, and tents and glamping tipis for hire. Corporate groups also love glamping at Glenworth Valley with all your needs catered for.

Glenworth Valley NSW

0.1 km away

Mount Olive lookout

Natural Attractions

Mount Olive lookout

Mount Olive lookout is only a short walk from Ironbark picnic area in Popran National Park and offers scenic views over Popran Creek. It’s a short, steep climb to the lookout, but you’ll be rewarded with great views when you arrive. Besides the wonderful views, make sure to look for our native wildlife, like honeyeaters, spinebills and glossy black cockatoos. Spring is an amazing time of the year to visit, with magnificent wildflowers coming into bloom.

Glenworth Valley NSW

2.2 km away

248 Trail — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

248 Trail

Aptly named 248 trail because it's 248 metres above sea level, this is a fantastic trail for mountain biking, horse riding and walking. The ride is relatively short so it’s a great one for kids. If you need a break along the way, there are areas to rest and admire Ironbark Creek and the surrounding forests. Starting with dry open woodland, it soon transforms into a forest of ironbarks and imposing blue gums. Keep your eyes open for wildlife among the trees – you are bound to catch a glimpse of some of park’s many glossy black cockatoos.

Glenworth Valley NSW

2.4 km away

Mount Olive Trail — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

Mount Olive Trail

Starting at Ironbark picnic area, Mount Olive trail is the ideal way to see magnificent views of Glenworth Valley and Popran National Park. Whether you're walking, mountain biking or horse riding, the songs of kookaburras and black cockatoos will encourage you along the way. Once you're on the trail, you can take a short detour to Mount Olive lookout - although this is not a long walk, it's a steep climb as you approach the summit. But once you're there, take a deep breath, and enjoy the superb views over surrounding forests and distant ridgelines. The trail continues past Mount Olive for 3.5 kilometres for more spectacular views over Hawkesbury River.

Glenworth Valley NSW

2.5 km away

Ironbark picnic area

Natural Attractions

Ironbark picnic area

Ironbark picnic area in the Popran National Park is the starting and finishing point for many of the park's walking, mountain biking and horse riding tracks. Although it has limited facilities, it's a convenient and shady spot to relax before or after your outdoor adventure. Popran National Park on the NSW central coast protects Aboriginal sites and offers great walking, kayaking, mountain biking, horse riding and fishing.

Glenworth Valley NSW

2.5 km away

Hominy Creek Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

Hominy Creek Walking Track

Go walking along Hominy Creek walking track in Popran National Park to the picturesque crystal clear waters of Emerald Pool. Branching off Mount Olive trail, Hominy Creek walking track is a picturesque detour which would make any postcard jealous. The track is lined with ferns and partially shaded by majestic eucalypts, so it’s the ideal place to stroll and also to have a picnic. Along the track, you'll have the opportunity to stop and witness the beauty of Emerald Pool. The areas around this creek are picturesque, and it's the perfect habitat for the green and golden bell frog, as well as the red-crowned toadlet.

Glenworth Valley NSW

2.6 km away

Koala ready to meet the audience — Image credit: Tourism Central Coast

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary

Step into the animals' world. Visit a natural bush wildlife sanctuary where they have been caring for rescued wildlife since 2005. Animals that can live independently, free-range through 80 acres of natural habitat. Animals that need more support live in camps around the "animal loop" walk close to the Visitor Centre. Walk with the gentlest wild kangaroos, wallabies and emus. Visit Australia's iconic animals like koalas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, flying foxes, pythons, cockatoos (and so many more). You can also meet meerkats, servals and small farm animals. For an extra special experience, book a private ranger-guide, or reserve a cabin and stay overnight. Your visit funds the sanctuary's critical conservation work, including 'breed-for-release' programs to help re-establish wild populations of animals that have been driven close to extinction by bush-fires, land clearing and introduced predators like foxes, cats and dogs. The rangers love to introduce visitors to the bush and the animals that live in it. You can also learn about Bushtucker, how to throw a boomerang. Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary is on Heritage Listed land. The team cares for 4000+ year old Aboriginal sites, as well as more than 400 rescued animals.

Calga NSW

2.9 km away

Popran National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Popran National Park

Take a step back in time and visit the incredible Popran National Park. From hiking to mountain biking, and horse riding to fishing, there's plenty to do in this iconic Australian setting. Boasting 4km of Hawkesbury river foreshore, you can paddle through the mangroves, enjoy a spot of fishing and smell the coastal banksia. The park is steeped in Aboriginal heritage so you can't help but get in touch with the history of the land. Popran National Park, on the Central Coast, is just an hour and a half north of Sydney, so it makes for an excellent daytrip or weekend getaway.

Glenworth Valley NSW

2.9 km away

Toddler in orange orchard

Agritourism

Meliora Farm

Meliora Farm is located at Peats Ridge on the NSW Central Coast. The farm was established in 1925, and the family has been farming here ever since. Come and experience a pick-your-own fruit adventure. Avocados and a variety of citrus, including oranges, lemons and lime,s are available to be picked during the harvest season. The farm opens three weekends every month from June to November. Come and enjoy some outdoor fun on this working farm. Bring a picnic as there is plenty of space to sit and take in the scenery. It is a fun immersive experience to share with family and friends.

Peats Ridge NSW

6.0 km away

Somersby Falls picnic area

Natural Attractions

Somersby Falls picnic area

Somersby Falls picnic area is the perfect place to escape from everyday life. Enjoy your meal amidst lush rainforest that feels a million miles away, but in reality is so close to home. It's a great place to picnic, with free barbecues and picnic tables and plenty of space to set up your own rug and chairs. There are also accessible walking tracks nearby, and it's a short walk to view 3 levels of the cascading waterfalls. Whether you picnic under the shade of tall trees at the far end of the carpark, or next to Floods Creek before it descends over the cascades, you're bound to see a bird or two. Make sure you look out for the industrious brush turkeys that might be keen on sharing your lunch. In the warmer months, you might also see water dragons, skinks and goannas around lunch time. If you're there early in the morning, keep an eye out for lyrebirds. When you've enjoyed a tasty barbecue and feel like stretching your legs, try Somersby Falls walking track. It's an 800m return walk through rainforest that takes in views of the top and bottom waterfalls.

Somersby NSW

6.0 km away

Mooney Mooney nature walk

Natural Attractions

Mooney Mooney nature walk

Mooney Mooney nature walk links Mooney Mooney and Girrakool, leading through some of the most picturesque parts of Brisbane Water National Park. This challenging walk passes through diverse landscapes, including rainforest, grassy woodlands, waterfalls, casuarina forest and cave-like rocky overhangs. Climbing steeply, perfectly positioned lookouts offer the chance to rest and take in the exquisite NSW Central Coast vistas. Crossing the scenic Piles Creek suspension bridge, pause to soak up serene views in all directions. In spring, you’ll see carpets of colourful wildflowers, including red darwinias, yellow acacias and orange banksias. If you’re keen on birdwatching, you’ll love having the opportunity to see lyrebirds and kookaburras. Observant walkers may even spot a koala or two, along with native orchids clinging to moss-covered boulders. You can also start this walk from the Girrakool end of the track.

Kariong NSW

6.4 km away

Somersby Falls walking track

Natural Attractions

Somersby Falls walking track

Starting at one of the most spectacular and popular rest stops on the NSW Central Coast – Somersby Falls picnic area – Somersby Falls walking track winds down to the bottom of the falls along a graceful 100 metre path, with lookout stops along the way. This is a great walk at any time of year, but it really shines in the summer months, when the cool spray offers a respite from the heat, and after heavy rains, when the falls are particularly striking. Be sure to bring your camera and keep an eye out for local wildlife, including water dragons, frogs and goannas. If you look up, you may even spot a kookaburra – birdwatching is terrific here, so don’t forget binoculars either. After visiting the bottom of the falls, return to the picnic area and pass the remainder of the day in the cool shade of a tree over a long lunch.

Somersby NSW

6.7 km away

Girrakool loop track

Natural Attractions

Girrakool loop track

Girrakool loop track is a short and easy walk that starts and finishes at Girrakool picnic area. It offers scenic views over waterfalls and is full of colourful wildflowers during late winter and early spring. At the start of the walk, be sure to check out the Aboriginal rock engraving site, take care not to walk over it though. From here, you’ll wind down into bushland, past views of forest, waterfalls and the creek. Make sure you stop at Illoura lookout and the shady waterfall at Andamira lookout for a photo or two.

Somersby NSW

6.9 km away

Piles Creek loop

Natural Attractions

Piles Creek loop

If you’re looking for a hike with a chance to unwind afterwards, head to Girrakool for Piles Creek loop. Wandering through dry eucalypt forest, this day walk follows the deep gorge of Piles Creek past waterfalls and scenic clearings, so make sure you bring your camera. It even crosses a suspension bridge and reaches the Illoura lookout, with stellar views over the forest canopy, which offers a good opportunity for birdwatching. At Illoura, the trail also crosses the Girrakool loop for a longer walk that takes in a fascinating Aboriginal site with carvings in Hawkesbury sandstone. Eventually, all roads lead back to the large grassy Girrakool picnic area, where you might like to fire up the free gas barbecues for a lazy afternoon in the shade of eucalypts.

Somersby NSW

7.1 km away

Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park

Natural Attractions

Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park

Built in 1988 to celebrate Australia’s bicentennial year, Great North walk is a 250 kilometre bushwalking track linking the Sydney CBD with the Hunter Valley and Newcastle. The track passes through a number of national parks, including Brisbane Water National Park (for 34 kilometre), and is undoubtedly one of the best walks in NSW. The walk offers something for everyone. If you’re walking with children you can choose an easy section of the track, and if you’re feeling energetic you can choose an overnight walk, or a more challenging section to hike. Whichever way you choose to walk this iconic track, you will definitely enjoy spectacular views, a scenic landscape and the sounds of native birds and wildlife.

Somersby NSW

7.3 km away

Entry to The Australian Reptile Park — Image credit: The Australian Reptile Park

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park, located on the Central Coast of New South Wales and awarded Australia's best major tourist attraction, is renowned for being a great family fun day out, only one hour from Sydney and Newcastle. Get up close with native Australian wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils and wombats. Admire cassowaries, dingos, Komodo dragons, and walk with Hugo, their giant Galapagos tortoise. Learn about the venom program in the reptile show and catch the awe-inspiring Elvis the saltwater crocodile, plus the 40 American alligators in the lagoon. Kids of all ages will enjoy the playground and interactive exhibits, including the Lost World of Reptiles, Spider World, Frog Hollow and Weigel Venom Centre. Pack a barbecue lunch and enjoy the complimentary barbecue facilities in the picnic grounds surrounded by kangaroos or enjoy a variety of food from the cafe.

Somersby NSW

7.3 km away

Girrakool picnic area

Natural Attractions

Girrakool picnic area

Looking for a place to picnic? Girrakool picnic area is well equipped with free barbecues, picnic tables and plenty of parking and it is conveniently located for those travelling from Sydney or Newcastle, all together making it a great place for a family gathering. The main picnic ground next to the carpark is a large grassy area with plenty of room to kick a ball around with the kids, while a bushland picnic area at the far end of the carpark provides a more rugged bush setting for those who like to get in the thick of it. You might be lucky enough to share the experience with a wallaby or two, and if you feel like stretching your legs, try the easy Girrakool loop walk that takes you past Aboriginal rock engravings, through forest and past waterfalls. Make sure you take your camera; there are some great photos to be taken.

Somersby NSW

7.4 km away

Brisbane Water National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Brisbane Water National Park

Brisbane Water National Park is on the central coast near Gosford, north of Sydney. The park offers a range of wonderful experiences, making it a great daytrip or weekend away from the city. Come to see colourful spring wildflowers, ancient Aboriginal engraving sites and scenic views from the park's lookouts. There are great fishing spots to discover, along with walking and cycling trails that cross rainforest and rugged sandstone country. The park's waterways are a great place to spend a day on the water, so don't forget your kayak. Head to one of the coastal towns, like Umina Beach to organise your lunch before finding your own scenic picnic spot, or make a stop at Patonga for some tasty fish and chips and a beach view.

Kariong NSW

8.2 km away

Pick Your Own Sunflowers at The Bloom Barn Farm — Image credit: Bloom Barn Farm

Agritourism

Pick Your Own Sunflowers at The Bloom Barn Farm

Get ready for a day filled with sunshine, smiles, and endless blooms! Stroll through vibrant sunflower fields, capture the perfect shot, and take home a fresh-picked bundle of blooms! Perfect for all ages – bring family, and friends, or come solo to enjoy a peaceful day in nature. Bring a picnic, as there is ample space for everyone to relax and enjoy. Secateurs Provided: Cutters are included with your booking for easy picking. The farm is located just a 30-minute drive north of Hornsby and one hour south of Newcastle.

Peats Ridge NSW

9.4 km away

Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place

Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place in Brisbane Water National Park is a special landscape, rich in ancient Aboriginal rock art. There's a wide range of well-preserved engravings to see; most of them are more than 200 years old with many perhaps ten times that age. Please treat this site with respect and do not walk on or touch the engravings. The name Bulgandry belongs to the large engraving of a man thought to represent an ancestral hero, depicted with an impressive headdress. You'll also see engravings of wallabies, fish, a dolphin and what's thought to be a canoe and a bird. Keep walking to see some stone tool sharpening grooves nearby, or simply take in the site's beautiful bush surroundings. Indigenous sites such as Bulgandry provide valuable insight into Aboriginal traditions, past lifestyles and previous interactions with the environment. These sites are an important part of present-day Aboriginal culture, so please remember to tread carefully and with respect.

Kariong NSW

9.5 km away

Tommos loop and Rocky Ponds cycling loop

Natural Attractions

Tommos loop and Rocky Ponds cycling loop

Pack a bit of adventure into your day and take your bike for a spin along this mountain biking loop. The trail starts opposite the impressive Staples lookout with pretty views of Brisbane Water, it then heads off to explore the ridge. Set your own pace, either tackling the trail like a mountain biking pro, leaving a cloud of dust in your wake, or going a little slower for a gentle ride to look for wildlife and admire the scenery. Tommos loop trail is great for older kids and beginner adults, and it’s a good idea to take sunscreen and plenty of water. Remember to wear protective equipment, including a helmet and take care on the steeper sections towards the end of the Rocky Ponds trail.

Kariong NSW

10 km away

Staples lookout

Natural Attractions

Staples lookout

If you’re looking for a scenic place to gaze across the expanse of Brisbane Water and Woy Woy Bay, Staples lookout is the spot. Built right on the side of Woy Woy Road, this vantage point offers views in several directions. Look southwest, for instance, and you can see all the way to Mount Wondabyne, the highest point in Brisbane Water National Park. Several rare bird species live here, so you’ll want to bring binoculars. Try to find a spotted-tailed quoll or a yellow-tailed black cockatoo. Then break out the picnic for a relaxing lunch at one of the picnic tables, with outstanding views of this national park as your backdrop.

Kariong NSW

11 km away

Strickland Falls — Image credit: Forestry Corporation of NSW

Natural Attractions

Strickland Falls Track

Strickland Falls Walking Track is a 1.6 kilometre loop track of medium grade. Commencing from the Banksia Picnic Area carpark, this walking track takes visitors through diverse plant communities, ranging from wildflower-rich heath on ridge tops, to tall eucalypts on slopes and creeks lined with lush rainforest. As the track descends towards Strickland Falls, visitors will notice a change in humidity, temperature and the size of the trees. Spectacular cliffs, mossy rocks, ferns, palms, moist eucalypt forest and gully rainforest are features of this stunning walk. Walking tracks in Strickland State Forest are maintained by a group of volunteers, The Friends of Strickland, with support from Forestry Corporation of NSW. New members are always welcome - see Forestry's website for more details.

Niagara Park NSW

11 km away

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