Launch of Guide to Horse Riding Tracks

Sunshine Coast Council launched the Guide to Horse Riding Tracks at Maddock Park Recreation Area in Mooloolah today.

Chair of the Recreation Trail Reference Group, Division 8 Councillor Debbie Blumel said that horse riders now have access to a wide range of information about where to horse ride on the Sunshine Coast in one handy guide.

"The guide includes the location of where to park horse floats, and where to find facilities such as barbecues, toilets and taps," Cr Blumel said.

"This guide is the final one of a three part series – the first two guides provide information about walking trails and mountain bike riding trails.

"I am delighted that we now have the third guide in the series – a Guide to Horse Riding Tracks.

"Horse riding is a great way for locals and visitors to explore and enjoy the Coast’s natural environment and council has now made it easier for people to find out where horse riding trails are located.

"Council has taken the lead in promoting recreation on the Coast by producing comprehensive guides for the whole region."

Owner of Equathon Horse Riding Business Alex Watson said he is pleased that council is putting resources into horse trail riding on the Coast.

"The Sunshine Coast is recognised nationally for great horse riding as our tracks are accessible all year round," Mr Watson said.

"Development of the three recreation trail brochures is a very positive council initiative to promote walking, cycling and horse riding.

"Horse riders love the diversity of trails they can experience here as the terrain is so varied and ranges from beaches to eucalypt and subtropical forests.

"Our trails are renowned for being well equipped with infrastructure specifically catering to horse riders as we provide float parking areas, hitching rails, troughs and camping facilities where horses are welcome."

The Guide to Horse Riding highlights both signed and unsigned trails that pass through and along council road reserves, Conservation Parks, National Parks, State Forests, Plantation Forests and on land managed by SEQ Water.

On the Sunshine Coast signed trails suitable for horse riders are located on the Noosa North Shore, throughout the Noosa Hinterland on the Noosa Trail Network and at Ewen Maddock Dam, Dularcha Conservation Park and Mapleton National Park.

As part of the implementation of the Recreation Trail Plan council is developing a link between Ewen Maddock Dam and Dularcha Conservation Park for use by walkers, horse riders and mountain bike riders that is expected to be completed by the end of July.

Copies of the Guide to Horse Riding Tracks are available from Visitor Information Centres and Customer Contact Centres, or by phoning council on 5475 8501.