In The Bush And On The Water With My Mates Tours

Whether on land or at sea, you can be sure to get the most out of a My Mates Ultimate Aussie Adventure. Looking at two completely different activities, we delve into what you can expect in the bush and on the water.

Jackaroo & Jillaroo

Located an hour east of Tamworth in the rugged New England Ranges is Leconfield Jackaroo & Jillaroo, a school that teaches passengers all about working with horses and true Australian heritage. For one full day, you get the opportunity to witness a natural horsemanship demo and a working dog demo, as well as learn whip cracking, lassoing and shearing. You also get to meet local Indigenous Australians to learn about Aboriginal Culture.

As the day’s activities can prompt hunger pangs, morning tea, lunch and a campfire dinner are supplied with homegrown meat, vegetables, salad and wraps. After dinner, passengers are encouraged to sit around the campfire for some good conversation and enjoy the Aussie bush. Then it’s time to roll out the swag and sleep under the stars.

The location of the school only improves the experience. Leconfield boasts beautiful scenery for which there are great possibilities to take photographs, a chance to get to know people sitting around the campfire, and the opportunity to take a break from the rest of the world as there is no mobile reception or internet service. The experience really enables you to have a go at the time honoured skills found throughout Australia’s Outback history, and appreciate the horse and human partnership built on trust and understanding.

The visit to Jackaroo & Jillaroo with My Mates includes all of these activities, meals and accommodation. It is one of the most traditional experiences of inland Australia, and one you won’t forget in a hurry.

Go Sea Kayak Tour

With the chance to sea dolphins, whales and turtles, Byron Bay is one of the most perfect places to go kayaking. The beautiful marine park holds a lot of local history with Indigenous stories, views of Cape Byron lighthouse, and an array of wildlife. You can enjoy it all with a Go Sea Kayak tour, where you will be provided with all equipment including a sit-on-top style kayak, safety equipment, wetsuits and snorkelling gear. So all you need is a partner and your swimming costume, ‘cause it’s about to get
seriously wet.

Operated by local surf lifesavers, you can be sure to be in safe hands, with safety being of the upmost importance and plenty of local knowledge. This means that you can sit back, paddle away and enjoy the scenery around you. On your tour, you get to view the The Pass surfing Mecca, Wategos millionaire row and Walgun, Australia’s most easterly point. As you travel, you will be kayaking over volcanic reef, tropical fish and the clearest water you’ve ever seen.

Whilst you’re taking in all that stunning scenery, make sure to keep an eye out for a few special ocean residents, as you never know who you might come across. You’re very likely to see a cheeky dolphin or three, and a variety of turtles will pop up for some air. If you travel at the right time of year, you may also be in with a chance of capturing a glimpse of the whales when they migrate between March and November.

If your arms get tired or the heat gets too much, you can take a break with a refreshing swim, or surf your kayak back to shore with the help of your guide.

Both Go Sea Kayak Tour and Jackaroo & Jillaroo are activities you’ll experience with My Mates Tours. For full details and bookings visit www.mymatestours.com.