Activities in & AROUND Turon Gates
When you feel like you are ready to drag yourself away from your gorgeous glamping tent or log cabin, there are many things to do at and around Turon Gates:
HORSE RIDE up the river. Mountain Bike along the fire trails. The Turon Valley is famous for its BIRD WATCHING. CANOES are available for hire or bring your own kayak or canoe. WRITE that book or song or PAINT the scenery or - enjoy the time to explore your creativity. Try your hand at GOLD PANNING in a real gold rush historic region. Take a day trip and explore the fun country towns - there are so many THINGS TO DO NEARBY. If you have a FISHING license and it's the fishing season there are trout and carp in the river so bring your fly rod with you. Connect with family and friends with simple activities like BUSHWALKING, SWIMMING in the river, roasting marshmellows around the fire and GAZING AT THE STARS... Or simply do nothing...
BUSH WALKING
Bushwalking is one of the best things to do at Turon. There's something about walking and talking together that brings loved ones closer.
All city stresses and worries disappear from thought as you walk in the bush, crossing rivers, listening to birds and spotting wildlife.
Take some sandwiches and fruit and follow our marked trails. We have trails for an hour, 2 hours, half day and even full day hikes for all levels of fitness and ability. Check our maps for hiking trails and details - printed copies are available in your cabin/tent or from the manager. The trails have coloured markers so you won't get lost.
Devils Climb is great if you would like a challenging walk uphill or if you prefer a lighter type of amble, there are many trails on level ground.
SWIMMING
HORSE RIDING
A favourite activity at Turon Gates, for people over 10 years old who would like to go for a scenic trail ride, you can experience Turon by riding up river, crossing it several times on horse back.
For those aged 3 and up we offer lead around pony rides.
Read on below for more details about horse riding.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Steep hills, river crossings and challenging tracks taking you across mountain ridges, where views are breathtaking. Bring your bike! There are thousands of acres of great back country to explore.
Please note Turon Gates does not have dedicated purpose built bike tracks and does not offer bicycles for hire at this time.
Swim in wonderful deep bush swimming holes against a sheer cliff backdrop - the shaded river banks are a lovely way to keep cool in summer.
CANOEING & KAYAKING
BIRD WATCHING
The Capertee Valley is recognised internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and one of the 50 top birdwatching locations in the world.
A diversity of habitats has resulted in a proliferation of bird species finding refuge here. Surrounded on all sides by spectacular sandstone cliffs, the valley is in transition zone where the forests of the Blue Mountains give way to the woodlands of the NSW western slopes.
Vegetation varies from semi-rainforest to open forest, grassy woodlands and farmland grasslands.
Not as heavily cleared as many other rural areas, the valley retains large areas of the critically endangered White Box–Yellow Box–Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland. Many woodland bird species, whose populations have fallen alarmingly elsewhere, remain relatively common and easily seen here.
Enjoy from your cosy log cottage balcony or go for a hike through the Capertee Valley nearby. For more details on bird watching and birds in the area click here.
WRITE
Canoes are available on request and are lots of fun to hire for 3 hours for $30.
Click here to find out more about hiring a canoe.
GOLD PANNING
There's gold in them thar hills. Ask at the Manager's Cabin to borrow some gold pans and give it a go. There is often a reward. Make sure you ask us about the best places to look and how to do it!
TROUT FISHING
The crystal clear Turon River is a freshwater trout stream and perfect for all dedicated fly fisherman. The season extends from the October to June long weekends. Please bring your own fishing gear and license.
STAR GAZING
Far away from city lights and smog, the crystal clear skies at Turon Gates show you stars as you have never seen before.
Find that solitude and focus to write that book, play, film or autobiography you have been wanting to write for ages.. let us know how it goes!
PAINT, DRAW & CREATE
Bring your favourite paints, brushes, pencils and enjoy capturing the scenery, your loved ones or even the animals on canvas... we'd love to see what you create - please tag us and share on social media!
horse riding
Take a scenic ride along the Turon River, cross rivers and enjoy the magic of the Australian bush. Our scenic river rides are a wonderful way to explore the beauty of Turon Gates.
Young children can be walked on our ponies. Acorn and Bertie are our little shetland ponies for the children aged 3 to 5 and Mac and Mixy are our ponies for the older kids. For adults, all our horses are quiet and can be led around.
PRICES
1 Hour Trail Ride: $95
1.5 Hour Trail Ride: $130
Lead around pony ride: $30
The rides vary each day - not all ride types are offered every day.
Please make sure you book your rides advance before your arrival to avoid disappointment.
We refund if riding is not possible.
