October Long Weekend Adventure – 90km Loop Around Mt Perry
Over the October long weekend, we embarked on a local adventure, mapping out a 90km loop along the stock routes around Mt Perry. It was hot, it was hilly (400m up and down), but most of all—it was fun!
We were joined by two other riders, giving them a chance to experience what slow, recreational travel along Australia’s Stock Routes is all about.
Day 1: 19km
With the company of our other rider, we set off from Wolca Reserve, following the stock route northwest along Bania Rd. We climbed steadily into the mountain range, and the breeze was a welcome relief as we made our way up. The route combined bitumen, dirt roads, paddock tracks, and bush corridors. Along the way, we had to navigate a few gates and cocky gates.
We crossed a couple of creeks, which provided perfect spots to water the horses and take a quick meal break. Along the way, we encountered curious cows and several feral pigs.
We were lucky with our overnight rest stop. A local farmer allowed us to use his stockyards just outside the stock reserve, though they lacked troughs. The nearby creek made up for it, offering an ideal spot to take the horses for a drink. We stumbled upon an old cabin draped in grapevines, with citrus, pome and loquat trees growing nearby.
With no light pollution, the night sky was stunning, and we were serenaded by the howls of dingoes passing through the creek. A tip: don’t camp in creek beds here, as the dingoes move through at night.
Day 2: 29km
We left camp and headed southwest, climbing again along the ridgeline. Once more, the breeze was our friend. We crossed paths with a dingo and spotted signs of brumbies along the southern edge of Bania National Park. About halfway through, we encountered a problem: the stock route was fenced off with no gate in sight. The scrub was rough, and though I usually forge a path through, time was short. We had a rider waiting near the main road and our support crew standing by, so we followed the fence line as closely as possible, navigating creek crossings along the way.
After 4.5 hours of travel, we reached the main road where our new riding companion and support crew eagerly awaited us. We also met a retired drover who had worked all over the area. He shared his knowledge of the local stock routes and was excited to help us map out future local stock route treks.
With our new companion, we continued another 12.5km along Bilboolan Rd to meet the support crew at our campsite. There were plenty of gates to open and close on horseback, giving everyone a chance to practice. That evening, the sounds of frogs from the local dam and curlews in the surrounding bush provided the perfect soundtrack.
Day 3: 15km
A small miscommunication and some distance miscalculations meant that the support crew had set up camp a bit farther along than anticipated, making today’s ride shorter. The path took us through open forest with small undulations before we popped back out onto the main road.
We met another friendly local who shared stories about the stock routes and the area. Our planned rest stop hugged Mungy Rd, and we followed it to the end at the cattle grid, setting up camp near the creek. The shallow rock pools were a treat, providing the perfect spot for a refreshing dip in the afternoon.
Day 4: 18km
We kicked off early to ensure we’d reach Mt Perry by midday, giving everyone enough time for their drive back home. This section of the stock route follows the bitumen Monto Mount Perry Rd. There are some tight sections along this leg, with guard rails, cuttings, and a steep 4km descent into Mt Perry. Though it’s narrow, there’s always some form of shoulder, but you’ll need to switch sides a few times to stay visible to traffic.
Before the steep decline, there’s an option to take Towns Creek Rd, an 8km dirt road that loops around to the north side of town, though it’s not part of the stock route. We navigated the downhill section carefully, meeting up with the support crew at the showgrounds without any issues.
One of the local farmers, whose land the stock routes pass through, stopped by to share details about more scenic riding tracks that branch off from the routes. He’s also part of the showground committee and mentioned they’d be opening again soon, encouraging more people to enjoy the stock routes around Mt Perry.
All in all, it was a fantastic adventure. The horses performed beautifully, the riders did well, and the locals we met along the way were warm, welcoming and keen to chat. Traveling the stock routes gave us the perfect chance to experience Australia’s incredible landscapes and connect with the communities that live alongside these historic cultural paths.
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