general faq's and
information
General
Glenworth Valley is open for activities 363 days a year, including being open on Public holidays, including Anzac Day, Easter weekend, the King’s Birthday long weekend, and the October Long Weekend. We are open on Boxing Day. We are closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
From 8.30am to 5pm, each day, for tour bookings. Cabin Check-in time is from 3pm and Check-out time is 10.30am.
We advise that guests arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their adventure and check-in at reception. The long driveway can cause a delay, which is why we recommend arriving 45 minutes beforehand to avoid undue stress. No refunds are provided for late arrivals.
Glenworth Valley is only 20 minutes from Hornsby and 15 minutes from Gosford. The distance is 50km from Sydney CBD (68km by road), which is a 1 hour drive. The location for Google maps is 69 Cooks Road, Glenworth Valley, 2250.
Directions to Glenworth Valley from Sydney…. head north on the M1. Cross the Hawkesbury Bridge and after Mount White you’ll see the Peats Ridge Road exit. Stay on Peats Ridge Road for 3 minutes and you’ll see the Glenworth Valley driveway on your left.
Directions to Glenworth Valley from Gosford…. head south onto the M1. After 3 minutes the road descends steeply and passes over Mooney Mooney creek before ascending up the other side. Take the first exit left onto Calga / Peats Ridge Road exit. Follow the road as it bends to the left then take a left turn at the intersection. Follow the road as it bends left onto Peats Ridge Road. Stay on Peats Ridge Road for 3 minutes and you’ll see the Glenworth Valley driveway on your left.
Yes, tours proceed as normal in wet weather. Often these authentic outdoor experiences are even more fun! It’s a good idea to bring a wet weather raincoat and a Dry Bag that has a towel and change of clothes for the journey home. Ponchos and Coveralls are available to buy on the day.
Canceling your tour, or failing to attend, because of bad weather is not a refundable event. However, if adverse weather causes Glenworth Valley to postpone the tour due to safety concerns, then you’ll be notified on the morning of the tour, and your account will be credited in full, allowing you to reschedule the tour at another date.
Refunds not permitted. If you fail to attend, or cancel with less than 24 hours notice prior to the tour commencing, then 25% of the original booking value may be transferred to another date, person or activity, or reissued as customer credit or provided as a gift voucher that is valid for 3 years, with no loss of fees. If you cancel within 24-48 hours of your tour commencing, then 50% of your original booking valve will be available for you to use. And notifying us more than 48h before your tour commences, means 100% of the original booking value is available to you as credit.
Glenworth Valley has over 200 horses. Each horse works an average of 2 days per week, spending their remaining time free range in paddocks.
It takes an average 7 years to train a Glenworth Valley horse for our adventure tours
Although we love your furry, four legged friends, unfortunately our horses can find dogs irritating and spooky. No matter how small or large, Glenworth Valley exercises a strict no dog policy.
Glenworth Valley is owned and operated by the Lawler family. It has been in operation since 1969
Smoking is prohibited in many areas, including inside buildings and cabins. Designated smoking areas are available.
To eliminate credit card fraud, it is a condition of making a booking that any credit card used in an online or phone transaction, is physically presented to Glenworth Valley staff for verification, along with Photo ID.
The booking fee covers the merchant fee for the credit card transaction that is paid to the banks, as well as the fees associated with placing a booking on the Customer Management software application.
The Glenworth Valley cafe is open from 8am to 3pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is also open 7-days per week during the school holidays from 8am – 3pm. The cafe sells Barista-made Coffee, Doughnuts, Danish pastries, Bacon & Egg Rolls, Gourmet Sandwiches, Pies, Burgers, Hot Chips and more.
Yes, family BBQs, picnics and outdoor birthday parties are welcome; please arrange for a ‘day-pass’ for you and your guests by calling 02 4375 1222. For more lavish indoor birthday parties, anniversaries and special events with reception space and catering can be arranged by speaking with our Events Management Team.
Walk-ups accepted. However, many tours sell-out in advance and pre-booking is recommended.
In conjunction with the NSW Government Office of Energy and Climate Change, 4 x electric vehicle chargers have been installed and will soon be available for use at Glenworth Valley. Chargers are located in the main carpark opposite reception. As an eco-certified tourist destination, it’s another way Glenworth Valley is helping the environment – one visit at a time.
Camping
Yes, trailers, caravans and motor homes are welcome. Please mention in your booking notes so we can accommodate you in the designated areas.
Yes, camp fires and BBQs are welcome. However, please be mindful of NSW fire ban guidelines. Camp fire wood is available for purchase. Please extinguish all fires and be considerate of the health and wellbeing of other guests around you.
Glenworth Valley has an onsite shop selling BBQ food packs, artisan cheese and picnic items, camping essentials, personal hygiene products, ice-creams, snacks, bags of ice and firewood. The closest major supermarket is Coles in West Gosford, approx 12 minute drive.
Peats Ridge Shops is an approx 8 minute drive where’ll you will enjoy food from Asian Kitchen takeaway and Corrugated cafe.
Glenworth Valley has a variety of designated camp grounds that are family friendly. With onsite management /security providing comfort. There is a noise curfew of 10pm
Yes, Glenworth Valley has natural underground spring water
Yes, WiFi is available close to the reception building. Phone signal in the Valley varies depending on where you are located. Telstra is generally fine but the Optus and Vodafone networks can struggle in places.
Yes, Hot showers, amenities and picnic tables are available
No. You must check-in at reception and collect your camping permit, where you are allocated a designated camp ground.
We believe in sustainability and in the beauty of our natural environment. If you leave your camp site untidy, a cleaning fee of $150 will be charged to your account.
Yes, you can swim at Glenworth Valley. The creek is seawater and tidal with fresh clean water constantly moving through. Waterholes allow you to splash around and cool off. Some guests have been known to set up rope swings in the deeper areas.
We do not have specific camp sites, instead you are welcome to set up camp anywhere in your designated campground, where you are free to sprawl out rather than be squished together.
No. You must book your camping stay before you arrive, either online or by phone.
Yes, fallen trees away from designated horse trials may be used for firewood. Cutting down trees or disturbing wildlife is prohibited. Chainsaws and Axes are not permitted.
No. They spook horses and are not permitted on the property.
No. Glenworth Valley provides family-friendly bush-camping where safety and nature are the heart of what we do. We are not a caravan park. Our setting is rustic and natural.
Horse Riding
Yes. Bring your Australian Standards approved helmet (AS/NS 3838) for inspection. If approved, the helmet hire hire shall be deducted from your tour.
Yes, it is compulsory to wear an approved horse riding helmet.
Tours are generally up to 1.5 hours in duration, plus 30 minutes for horse allocation and guide instruction.
Horse Riding is a relaxing tour taken at a slower pace. All guests are expected to ride within their capabilities. Galloping is not permitted. Guides may allow Cantering for experienced riders who are able to demonstrate the required safety and skill levels required.
Please tell our staff if you have a horse preference and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request. However, please note, that horses are allocated based on the suitability for the riders of each individual session, and therefore such requests are not guaranteed.
Any fully enclosed footwear is permitted. Riding boots and flat-sole shoes are recommended as they provide protection. Trainers are permitted but not recommended. Thongs, sandals and open-toe footwear is not permitted. Shoes with a bulky or excessive tread (some steel-toe workboots) are not permitted. Riding Boots can be hired – however, availability and sizes are limited, so we recommend that you bring your own.
Riders over 100kg are more likely to cause injury or distress for horses, so for safety and welfare reasons we have a strict 100kg limit. We weigh riders who are close to the limit as natural weight variation and the wearing of heavy clothes and boots can cause some riders to creep over the threshold. If you are unable to participate in the ride, you shall be offered an alternative tour or refund.
We have a limited number of horses who are suitable for Riders 90+kg. We will make every effort to allocate a suitable horse for your ride, however it is not guaranteed.
The minimum age for Glenworth Valley horse riding is 7 years old. Riders between 3-7 can enjoy Lead Pony/horse Rides instead.
Free Range Riding is limited in availability. It is for experienced riders who have ridden 50+ times who can display adequate competence and safety knowledge.
Quad Biking
Yes. Bring your Australian Standards approved motorcycle helmet (AS/NS 1698:2006) for inspection. If approved, the helmet hire shall be deducted from your tour.
Yes, it is compulsory to wear an approved motor cycle helmet.
Guide instruction and safety training takes approx 15-30 minutes depending on group size. The Bush Tour and Track Experience takes approx 60 – 75 minutes.
Our 250cc quad bikes are designed to go as fast or slow as your capabilities allow. They are happy crawling along at 5km/h on the scenic bush tour or faster on the purpose-built track.
Any fully enclosed footwear is permitted. Boots and flat-sole shoes are recommended as they provide protection. Trainers are permitted but not recommended. Thongs, sandals and open-toe footwear is not permitted. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dusty or dirty. Wear something that covers your shoulders – singlet tops are not permitted. It’s a good idea to bring wet weather clothes to change into. Don’t forget gloves and warm clothes in Winter.
Many people love to quad bike when its raining and the track has mud and puddles of water. It’s impossible to stop smiling
Yes, coveralls and rain ponchos can be purchased to keep your dry.
Minimum age is 12 years. Participants aged 12-16 years must be accompanied by a participating adult on the quad biking tour.
Damages must be paid for. A pre-authorisation of $500 is held prior to your arrival for group bookings with 6 or more guests. Please note – it can take up to 7 business days for your financial institution to return the funds back into your account.
No, access to our track is only permitted by experienced Glenworth Valley Tour Guides. Only Glenworth Valley tours and equipment are permitted.
Training is provided before the tour begins, which includes performing a series of drills in a wide open space. If the rider does not feel comfortable proceeding with the tour, or they are not able to perform basic skills to a adequate level to take part in the tour, they will be offered a 50% refund.
No, only one Rider per bike is permitted.
No Free Range Quad Biking is not permitted, only guided tours.
Awards & Partners
Nominated best Australian tourist destination by international provider Kayak Tourism.
Favorite Horse Riding destination for premium Australian provider of horse riding good and supplies aussiesaddlery.com.au.
so close
right on your doorstep!
Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures is an award-winning destination renowned for our unforgettable adventure experiences. Our experiences take place on our scenic 3000 acre wilderness property situated in the Central Coast’s beautiful hinterland region, just one hour’s drive from Sydney.
Escape the ordinary with an unforgettable adventure experience at Glenworth Valley.
