Welcome to Garrawilla—home of Jackaroo Jillaroo Downunder

Set on 3,000 acres and home to Jackaroo Jillaroo Downunder,Garrawilla is a working property nestled in beautiful hillside country beside the Gwydir River in Bingara—a historic gold- and diamond-mining town with a population of 1,250 people. The town, surrounded by cypress- and ironbark-covered mountains, is situated in the New England area of northern New South Wales, Australia—150km north of the Country Music Capital Tamworth, on the Fossicker's Way; 604km north of Sydney. Bingara is a favourite with anglers and fossickers alike, with gold and sapphires occasionally discovered in the river and local creeks. The region produces fine wool, beef cattle and mixed farming.

Around 250 head of cattle are run on Garrawilla, and 220 horses (give or take a few) at any given time. Horse-breeding is a significant part of Garrawilla's business with stock consisting of Shire, Percheron and Clydesdale cross-breeds—known for their exceptionally quiet nature and being easily broken and educated. The breed has become extremely popular for eventing, competitive dressage and jumping, pony club mounts, trail-riding and carriage horses. 125 foals will be born this Spring on Garrawilla, with these horses used in Jackaroo Jillaroo Downunder's trail-riding activities or offered for sale.

Early beginnings

Jackaroo Jillaroo Downunder is an offshoot of the renowned Gwydir River Trail Rides, established more than 17 years ago by local identities John and Cathy Wade—famous for the quality of horses and horsemanship, and the beauty of Bingara's natural environment. In its infancy, Gwydir River Trail Rides offered half-day guided trail rides for novice or experienced riders along the scenic Gwydir River in Bingara. Such was the outfit's success,

that in 2006, Jackaroo Jillaroo Downunder was born to cater to a rise in guests demanding short and even longer-stay adventures that combined trail-riding with other outdoor adventure activities. Today, Gwydir River Trail Rides operates in partnership with Jackaroo Jillaroo Downunder to provide guests with an unrivalled range of packages to suit any taste.

Time honoured horsemanship and hospitality

Born and raised in Bingara, John Wade began riding horses before he could walk and working properties just as soon as he was tall enough to raise a whip. John has been teaching people from across the globe the art of horsemanship for over 17 years and he is well known and respected for his patience, humour and good nature in teaching riders of all ages, nationalities and levels of experience.

A partner both in and out of the saddle, Cathy Wade is an accomplished horsewoman in her own right. Cathy provides home-cooked meals each day, using fresh local produce and time-honoured recipes with a distinctly Australian flavour. On a Jackaroo Jillaroo Adventure Experience, a little luxury goes a long way, and Cathy ensures that guests enjoy a well-stocked pantry and menu that includes daily essentials from the local, award-winning bakery.

Climb into the saddle

John and Cathy invite you to climb into the saddle and take part in an authentic Jackaroo Jillaroo Experience where you'll have an unforgettable time exploring Australia in a uniquely Australian way. Kick off your boots and stay awhile, most people do... but before you leave, visit our extensive online gallery to see for yourself what lies in store on an adventure holiday you're guaranteed to remember for the rest of your life.