Colonial Way Horse Drawn Caravans, Vic
In his classic poem, "Clancy Of the Overflow", Australian poet A. 'Banjo' Paterson wrote:
"And the hurrying people daunt me and their pallid faces haunt me as they shoulder one another in their rush and nervous haste
And I sometimes rather fancy. That I'd like to change with Clancy. Take a turn at drovin' while the seasons come and go!
And he sees the vision splendid. Of the sunlit plain extended. And at night the wondrous glory of the everlasting stars"
Thoough they were written over 120 years ago, those words still ring true today. And though it might not be possible or practical to take a turn at drovin' while the seasons come and go, we can do the next best thing and head for the bush on a Colonial Way holiday. What makes a Colonial Holiday different from most others is that you leave your motor vehicle behind, turn the clock back a century and hit the road in a horse drawn gypsy caravan.
If that sounds a bit daunting, you have no need to worry. Colonial Way Caravans, who are based in the Victorian Goldfields town of Rheola, do everything necessary to ensure your adventure holiday goes as smoothly as possible.
Your Colonial Way holiday begins when you arrive at Rheola and load your gear into one of their freshly prepared wagons. After a discussion of your interests, they'll map out your first day's travel. Routes are flexible and centred around the riverland, bushland, farmland of the richest gold area in Australia. Then you're on your way. One of them will ride with you for the first few kilometres to show you the ropes (reins) and as soon as you feel comfortable they'll leave you to enjoy the day.
They'll meet up with you as you near your first campsite and help you unharness, settle the horse and make camp. They will call on the second morning (and each morning until you're comfortable starting off by yourself) to assist you get started. Each evening when they call they'll bring food for your horse and any shopping you need as well as collect the garbage. They'll help plan the next day's travel and give you a few pointers as to what to look for along the way.
By the end of the week you'll return a wagon driving expert, completely relaxed and refreshed and you might just not want to go home.
Hire rates are for one week (7 days/6 nights), though short term hires from 3 days are available except during school holidays.
The Colonial Way offers an ideal year-round holiday, no petrol, no entertainment or amusement entry fees, no take-aways, no new clothes needed, no boarding fees for pets. They have been hiring out horse drawn gypsy caravans for over 25 years, so they are very experienced in providing a holiday that will be unique, enjoyable and hassle free.
The Wagons
Designed by The Colonial Way, these horsedrawn caravans are the ideal way to explore the countryside. With a strong steel chassis, low centre of gravity and unique steering system, they offer excellent stability and safety. Each wagon features 5 Berths (one double and 3 single bunks which convert to couch, table and bench seats for day use); Gas stove including grill (plus all your cooking utensils); Gas refrigerator; Gas lantern; Crockery, cutlery and glassware; Broom and cleaning materials; Barbecue plate; Bush toilet (portable seat and a shovel); Bush shower; Heaps of storage space; A detailed map of the area, and of course, a horse and everything required to keep it happy.