Snowy Range Horseback Tours - Tamboritha, Victoria

Yasmin H.

Incredible experience in the Victorian high country. Well trained horses, incredible views, hot water & hearty home cooked meals. An all round true Australian experience. The scenery itself deserves 100 stars!

Karen G.

Horseback riding through the Victorian High Country to Craigs Hut has been on my bucket list for more years than I can remember. After saving my pennies and convincing my best friend to join me and paying $3,000 for the privilege, I was finally able to book and experience a 7-day ride with Snowy River Horse Tours/Snowy Range Horse Back Tours/Snowy River Tours (all the same company). Sadly, I still haven’t been to Craigs Hut. The experience was a terrible one, from beginning to end. There were no introductions when we all arrived at base camp, no housekeeping (i.e. where the toilets are, how the camped worked, when we were expected for breakfast, what the plan was for the seven days, no information or communication at all. In fact, communication was sadly lacking for the entire trip, no one really knew what we were doing from one day to the next. My friend and I both paid extra to hire a sleeping bag for the week, however the first night I slept using my towel as a blanket and when we chased up our sleeping bag hire, we were treated with disdain, like we were an inconvenience. By the end of the 7 days, I couldn’t wait to leave and get away from being yelled at regularly. I should also advise that the yelling consistently included swearing. The host, Kev, spent most of his time yelling at the guests, yelling at the paid staff, yelling at the volunteer staff and yelling at horses, as well as kicking the horses, hitting the horses in their face with his hands, or flogging the horses with a bridle and reins (prior to being applied to the horse’s head). I have to say that the horses were very well behaved under saddle, never put a foot wrong, which surprised me, considering the way Kevin treats the horses.
I conducted extensive research prior to booking my trip with Snowy River Tours, going back to 2019, and only found one negative review. This also surprises me, after my experience, how is it that only one guest has provided a negative review. It was clear to me that Kevins behavior, attitude and lack of customer service was not a one off, what I experienced is the norm for Kevin and Snowy Range Horse Back Tours. It was suggested by one of the other guests in our group that maybe all the guests suffer from Stockholm Syndrome after attending a tour with Kevin.
Another guest had the misfortune of being left behind on the mountain, when Kevin was trucking horses down from Hewitt Plains to Guys Hut and had to stay up there for three hours, missing out on dinner with all the other guests, with only a long sleeve shirt for protection from the elements. He was finally brought back to camp at 9:30 pm, and not surprisingly, he left the tour the next day, two days early.
75% of the tour guests had booked the tour for the opportunity to visit Craigs Hut on horseback. Guests who had travelled from New Zealand, Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland, specifically to visit Craig’s Hut. It seems there were always excuses as to why we couldn’t go, no matter how many times guests made suggestions or requests to work around the issues advised by Kevin for why we couldn’t go to Craig’s Hut. Eventually Kevin organized a helicopter to fly those who wanted to, to visit Craigs Hut, at an additional cost of $600.00. As I did not have the additional funds for a helicopter ride, and had already paid $3,000 for the opportunity to ride to Craig’s Hut, as promised on Snowy River Horse Tours Website, I wasn’t able to/didn’t get to Craig’s Hut.
Kevin made it very clear that he didn’t see the attraction to Craig’s Hut, always providing negative information such as, “there is no view now as all the trees have grown”, “the place is crawling with tourists”, “it isn’t the original hut, the original hut burnt down”, etc… Kevin clearly didn’t understand the reason why Craig’s Hut was crawling with tourists, or the reasons behind why 75% of the group’s guests wanted to visit Craig’s Hut.

I could go on, but I think I’ve made it clear, I 100% DO NOT recommend The Snowy River Horse Tours/Snowy Range Horse Back Tours/Snowy River Tours.

Claire D.

My friend came across the reviews for this company and I felt obliged to write one myself because the negative reviews mirrored our experience perfectly. I went on a 3 day ride a few years ago now. Having done multiple rides across the high country with another company (High Country Horses- of whom I strongly recommend), my friend and I signed up for a ride with Snowy Range/snowy river horseback. We chose this business because it was significantly cheaper than others - THERE IS A GOOD REASON FOR THIS. From the moment we arrived it was truly the worst hospitality and tourism experience I have ever had. We were told nothing upon arrival, in fact Kevin and his wife went out of their way to avoid us and not talk to us. They treated their horses horribly- hitting and kicking them. Whilst out on the rides we were constantly yelled at and treated with utter disrespect. We bonded with the other guests on the ride largely over conversations about how awful the experience was. The only reason I believe there aren’t more negative reviews is because there wasn’t a google review availability for some reason. I considered and probably should have reported them to the Consumer Affairs and the Victorian Ombudsman. I am not big on writing reviews but I truly believe everyone should be warned before booking a ride with Kevin and his family. Spend your money and go to a reputable business where you and your horse won’t be abused!

Brett M.

We just finished the most incredible ride with Snowy River Tours and Kevin and Melissa Higgins! It was the most authentic Snowy River experience I could have hoped for. The horses were amazing and well trained, and Kevin is the real deal. He is an authentic Australian horseman who is an expert at his craft and an incredible fountain of knowledge of the Victorian Highlands. I could not have asked for a more amazing experience! It was truly one of the most incredible and beautiful adventures of my life. Thank you Kevin and Mel!

Joanne M.

If you’re after stunning views of the high country paired with a truly miserable time, Kevin’s 7-Day Horse Riding Tour is the experience for you. The scenery is breathtaking—towering peaks, winding tracks that belong in a postcard—but that’s where the joy ends. Kevin, the redneck operator, was as friendly as a barbed-wire fence, barking orders at both his staff and the poor horses, who looked one insult away from mutiny. The schedule was a joke, meals were reheated too many times and the flies were relentless, outnumbering us 10 to 1. Kevin’s customer service? Think grunts, poor excuses, and downright refusals when anyone dared to ask a question or point out an issue. By Day 4, I was ready to eat the map and take my chances in the bush with the button man. 2/5 stars—My horse Ned was a star, the views deserve one star, Kevin doesn’t.

Naomi S.

I had an absolutely fantastic time riding and moving some cattle with Kevin and Mel Higgins.
Got to ride Mt Tamboritha, Mt Trapyard and up to Mt Howitt and other surrounding areas. The scenery and rides were amazing!
Kevin is very knowledgeable and down to earth and Mel is lovely and extremely helpful.
Both checking gear etc before we took off and throughout the day.
They obviously have a love of the bush and horses. Their horses are in great condition and were rugged and well fed.
I had the pleasure of riding a few different horses which was fun, and all were great, however I did happen to fall in love with Ned!
The camp kitchen, bathroom and bunkhouse were both very clean warm and comfortable.
The food was delicious,thank you Mr Walker!
We had roast pork with a massive spread of veggies, curries, desserts and lots of yummy lunches and cooked breakies every day, for 5 days.
This rider level for this ride was specified in the ride specifications. If people are honest about their riding ability a great time can be had by all.
A straight foward and honest company that I would definitely book with again.
Thank you, I had an absolute ball !!!!!

Jodie H.

We absolutely love it! I have recommended to friends and family and are looking forward to heading back!!
Honestly loved it! Was a great atmosphere awesome food and excellent horses #dave. Yes it rained yes it was sunny yes it was a true experience of the Australia High country!
Kevin, Mel, Jess, Estella & Mort were all lovely.

Sophie A.

I recently visited Snowy range horseback tours and it was absolutely incredible! From start to finish, the experience exceeded all my expectations. The staff were warm, professional, and made me feel completely at ease, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider.

The horses were clearly well cared for and well-trained, making the ride enjoyable and safe. The trails were breathtaking, offering stunning views of mount tamboritha, mount how it and Craigs hut. It felt like an escape into nature, and the guides shared fascinating insights about the area along the way.

I especially appreciated how they matched each rider with the perfect horse based on skill level and personality. Their attention to detail and genuine passion for what they do really stood out.

If you’re looking for a fun, relaxing, and unforgettable outdoor adventure, I can’t recommend Snowy range horseback tours enough. I’ll definitely be coming back soon!