Cattle Drive Vacation

Droving history

Cattle droving has been a fascinating part of Outback culture and legend. Drovers had a hard and demanding job. Moving thousands of cattle through the dry and dusty Outback was a challenge. The boss drover was responsible for men, horses and the cattle. After all, the beasts should arrive in good, or even better, condition at the markets.

The romance of Outback life has been kept alive ever since in movies, poetry and stories. "Clancy of the Overflow" by A. B. Paterson is one of the most famous poems.

How it all began - The first Australian Outback cattle drive

The idea to revive the culture of cattle droving was born over a bottle of rum by Eric Oldfield and Keith Rasheed. Both are well-known local characters in the South Australian Outback.

2002 was announced to be the "Year of the Outback", with more than 500 events scheduled across the country. The idea of getting 600 head of cattle and 170 horses on the track again became reality. The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive 2002 became one of the most successful events of the year of the Outback.

The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive 2002 took place along one of the oldest stock routes, the Birdsville Track. From Birdsville to Marree locals were excited and involved in this epic horse journey. Boss drover was Eric Oldfield. In 1949, at the age of 16, he took his first mob of cattle down the Birdsville Track. The last cattle drive on the Birdsville Track was in 1972, so the revival in 2002 brought back many memories to Eric.

For guests the 515 km (320 mile) journey was divided into several legs of different length. International visitors from all around the world merged with Australian city slickers to experience an unique adventure. Many guests were lost for words to describe their feelings. The beauty of the Outback, the friendliness of everyone involved, and the perfect organisation contributed to an outstanding cattle drive vacation. Truly a magical event!

The story continues - The Australian Outback cattle drive 2010

Owing to the huge success of the first Australian Outback cattle drive, it was repeated as a stand alone event in 2005 (Birdsville Track) and 2007 (Oodnadatta Track).
Baz Luhrmann joined the 2005 event to get inspirations for his epic Outback movie "Australia".

The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive 2010 invites you to live the adventure and join one of the six outstanding tours. Get ready for your cattle drive vacation of a lifetime.

You know I am fascinated by the Australian Outback, and especially the Oodnadatta Track means a lot to me.
You will see and learn a lot about the Oodnadatta Track during the next cattle drive event.

A typical cattle drive vacation itinerary used to be

• When you arrive at your Anna Creek campsite there is the official welcome. Then you settle into the camp and have lunch. After lunch you'll meet the droving and farrier teams, and are introduced to your horse. No worries, you don't need to be a perfect rider! Actually, riding skills are not required at all. You'll be matched to a horse and a group that suit your skills. Horses are ridden at walking pace anyway.
• Each morning after a hearty cooked Australian breakfast you'll be transferred to the horses. Cattle will be driven about 14 km each day, about 4 hours in the morning, and another four hours after the lunch break.
• Chat to the drovers during the day. They will tell you about the sights you come across which include remains of the original Ghan railway track and the Overland Telegraph Station. Even if the cattle drive tours don't follow the entire Oodnadatta Track, you will see some of its highlights. It is one of the most interesting Outback areas in my humble opinion.
• When you return to the camp after an exciting day, hot showers and cool drinks are waiting for you. A two course dinner either buffet style, or a camp-oven meal will be served each night. Enjoy the campfire, listen to Outback tales and get to know your group members. Don't forget to appreciate the milky way and the stars. You hardly find anything as amazing as the Outback night sky. It is awesome.
• Are you tired of sitting on horseback every day? No problem. On days 3 and 4 you can join complimentary coach tours to explore more highlights and history in the surrounding area. You can also take a scenic flight to Lake Eyre, the painted desert, or over the vast Anna Creek Station at an additional cost.
• The Australian cattle drive campsite provides a luxury tent village for guests, bathrooms, toilets & hot showers included. Accommodation is on a twin share basis, all camping equipment is provided. If you travel alone, you'll be matched to a person of the same gender. Tents have a canvas divider to give you privacy. A limited number of single supplements are available at additional cost.

Rails of the abandoned Ghan railway

Useful tips for your cattle drive vacation

• What to bring? - Casual, comfortable clothes for warm and cold weather, a wide brimmed hat for sun protection, enclosed riding shoes, a rain-jacket. Personal toiletry & medication, a small first aid kit. Pack a dust proof soft bag, leave your valuables at home, and don't forget your camera!
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended, including cancellation insurance.
  In case of severe illness of a participant on the cattle drive, the Royal Flying Doctor Service can take you to hospital.
• Weather - August is still winter in Australia. Be prepared for sunny mild to warm days and cold nights.
• Money - There won't be any banking facilities in the cattle drive camp. As all meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the tour price, you only need money to purchase souvenirs, beer and wine (available at the camp), or optional scenic flights. You can use your credit card.
• Communications - You'll be out of reach for the five days of your tour. There is no mobile phone coverage in most Outback areas. Most Outback towns have public phones, but the cattle drive camp has no public phones. Remember, the camp is in middle of a vast cattle station. :)
  However, for your own safety, the campsite is equipped with a HF radio to call the Flying Doctors. Staff on tour have satellite phones, but these are not for personal use. Isn't it great to be away from it all?