Avoca Park Equestrian & Farmstay (Macclesfield)
Avoca Park Equestrian & Farmstay is a horse-riding centre set on a 30-acre property in the rolling hills of Macclesfield, between the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley. Established in 1991, the centre offers horse-riding lessons, pony experiences, donkey encounters, school holiday programs, birthday parties and farmstay accommodation.
The centre caters for children and adults, including complete beginners and experienced riders. Riding instruction is provided by Equestrian Australia qualified coaches or trainee coaches under supervision.
Horse Riding:
Avoca Park offers riding lessons using its school horses, with options for people who have their own horses.
Activities include:
- Private riding lessons lasting 30 minutes or one hour
- Semi-private lessons for two riders who can trot independently
- Casual and regular riding lessons
- Guided trail rides around the property
- One-hour couples rides
- Casual children's rides to Memorial Reserve
- Pony Club Australia group sessions
- Riding clinics and educational courses
Donkey Experience:
Families can meet Avoca Park's resident donkeys, Johnny Simpson and miniature donkey Jenny Simpson, affectionately known as Cuddles.
The experience lasts approximately one to two hours and includes:
- Meeting and patting the donkeys
- Giving the donkeys treats
- Helping groom and care for the donkeys
- Leading the donkeys on walks
- Learning about donkey behaviour
There is an undercover picnic area, and pony rides may be available as an optional extra.
Bookings require at least two participants. Standard sessions accommodate up to eight people, with larger groups possible by arrangement.
School Holiday Programs:
Avoca Park runs horse-riding activities during the school holidays for children with different levels of riding experience, including beginners who do not own a horse.
Programs include full-day and half-day experiences involving riding, horse care and hands-on activities.
Overnight horse camps are also offered, with programs for different riding abilities.
Some activities include morning tea and lunch. Check the individual program details when booking.
School holiday programs and bookings
Facilities:
Facilities at Avoca Park include:
- Olympic-size 20m x 60m covered riding arena
- 20m x 40m outdoor riding arena
- Horse stables and undercover yards
- Riding trails and obstacle course
- Memorial Reserve with walking tracks and seating
- Donkey enclosure
- Farmstay accommodation
- Onsite parking
Farmstay Accommodation:
Avoca Park offers accommodation for visitors wanting to extend their stay and enjoy more time around the horses.
Accommodation options include rooms, a self-contained bunkhouse and camping arrangements. Riding holidays and packages combining accommodation with equestrian experiences are also available.
Accommodation and holiday packages
Opening Hours:
Session availability and riding lesson bookings
Cost:
Horse-riding lesson prices
Donkey experience prices
School holiday program prices
Birthday Parties:
Avoca Park offers pony-themed birthday parties for children, including beginners who have never ridden before.
Party options include two-hour, three-hour and sleepover packages.
Depending on the package, activities can include pony rides, introductions to the ponies, traditional party games, food and birthday celebrations.
Qualified instructors supervise the riding activities.
Birthday party packages and prices
Review:
Avoca Park is an appealing destination for families interested in horses, particularly children who would like to learn to ride or spend more time understanding how horses are cared for.
The donkey experience is an interesting alternative for younger children and families who prefer hands-on animal interaction without committing to a riding lesson. The school holiday programs offer a more involved experience, combining riding with practical horse care.
The indoor riding arena is another advantage, while the surrounding countryside provides an attractive setting for equestrian activities.
This is a working equestrian centre offering organised experiences, so arrange activities in advance rather than expecting a general walk-in animal farm.
Location
411 Tschampions Road, Macclesfield 3782 View Map
✆ 0422 561 126
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ avocapark.com.au
→ Avoca Park Equestrian on Facebook
