Article by Ruby Halloran | Images Courtesy of Alex Townsend
The first time I visited Wallaby Hill was six years ago, when I attended a clinic there with my high school equestrian team. It was a foggy, Southern Highlands morning; dew springing from the grass underfoot as the mist slowly lifted.
There was an undeniable ambience and stillness to the entire property. But as I would find in my visits in years to come, an atmosphere erupts from that stillness. As trucks and floats roll in, old friends reunite over G & T’s and horses settle, the atmosphere evolves into a hum of camaraderie, competition and celebration. Above all, it’s the spirit; the quiet magic that makes Wallaby Hill a true hidden gem.
Alex and Derek, felt the beginning of that same magic when they came upon the property in 2002. A blank canvas and cattle farm at the time, hidden away on what Alex describes as “the end of the world”, sitting on the escarpment between Robertson and Kangaroo Valley. Originally, Alex and Derek slowly started developing the property primarily for private use.
The vision transformed when Judy Fasher, head of the NSW High Performance Squad at the time, suggested that Wallaby Hill host a few development clinics and the venue’s contribution to the equestrian community & calendar grew from there. Building the outstanding facilities we know and enjoy today was no small feat, and the ongoing upkeep continues to face various challenges. The Southern Highlands weather to blame for the last-minute, heartbreaking cancellation of the 2024 Wallaby Hill Young Event Horse Festival.
The weather continues to be an unpredictable battle for the entire Wallaby Hill team to combat. But Alex has invested countless hours and dollars into the footing and drainage of all the competition surfaces to preserve them through every season.
Additionally, being somewhat “out in the sticks” as Alex describes, creates its own obstacles when it comes to hosting events. So Alex likes to “keep things local”, feeling incredibly fortunate to have Centennial Vineyards of Bowral contributing to their hospitality. In particular, the beautiful VIP picnic baskets that can be bought with a ring-side seat. It’s thoughtful additions such as these that bring the event culture to life for everyone and attract spectators to enjoy our sport (an area that could certainly use more focus in our industry!). “I think it’s really important that when you go to an event as an official, competitor or spectator that you enjoy it and feel welcome, and that’s the philosophy here” Alex shares, a commitment made possible by the “army of volunteers” and team behind the scenes.
“I think it’s really important that when you go to an event as an official, competitor or spectator that you enjoy it & feel welcome… that’s the philosophy here” – Alex Townsend
The ultimate standout feature of Wallaby Hill is that it’s one of the very few “privately owned venues” in Australia. Essentially, you are riding in Alex and Derek’s backyard. “We try to look after Wallaby Hill to the best of our ability and as a result I look out every day and feel very lucky to live in such a beautiful place”, Alex adds, “and I hope people enjoy coming here for the same reason”. Offering their home to the equestrian community, which has become the backdrop to so many successful events and continues to provide a warm, welcoming venue for all involved in our sport. Events which will continue to be supported by the expansion and popularity of the Southern Highlands, particularly the expanding Thoroughbred Industry in the area. Although gone are the days of the extravagant 3DE, in its place, the Young Horse Festival is set to take place on the 6th & 7th of December 2025. “Sponsorship from the local Thoroughbred Industry will help run the Thoroughbred classes”, Alex shares.
As the Southern Highlands continues to flourish, so too does its equestrian community. Although I doubt it’s the weather that has seen a mass migration of Sydneysiders and other out-of-towners to the region, it bodes well for the future of equestrian in the area. Alex comments on Wallaby Hill, helping to promote equestrian sport for the local council.
I’d encourage horsey and ‘non-horsey’ folk alike to see for themselves the influence and standard Wallaby Hill has set for equestrian in the Highlands and beyond.
Alex describes the event atmosphere as “organised chaos and fun that hopefully everyone is able to enjoy”. It’s that blend of precision and playfulness that defines Wallaby Hill. From the hum of preparation in the stables to the laughter from beside the ring, there’s an energy that feels both electric and welcoming. Every detail, from footing maintenance to food and wine, reflects the team’s deep care for the experience of everyone who sets foot on the property. It is clear that the Wallaby Hill team are dedicated to persevering through a host of obstacles including weather, logistics and the ever-evolving demands of the sport, to ensure that magic remains.