Sunday 10 June 2007

The sun has set on another Outback adventure and another chapter in the story that is The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive. The 2007 event departed the Anna Creek campsite on 21 May 2007, finishing in Marree on 10 June 2007.

The event invited guests to come and experience the journey of a lifetime in the Outback. A place that is rich in colour, not only by landscape, but also by the heroes and Outback identities it has created over the years. The men and women of the Outback define the very best in the Australian character: resourceful, resilient, colourful and friendly.

More than 300 guests moved 500 heard of cattle 217km over the last three weeks. Visitors joined the event from all over the world (New Zealand, USA, UK, Europe, France, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Netherlands, Singapore), Australia (mainly Victoria and New South Wales) and of course, South Australia. International and national media all sampled the best the Outback had to offer.

The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive 2007 event has been hailed a success by al involved, providing the opportunity for participants to escape from the noise and stress of modern day city life. It is an avenue to experience the space, silence, wonder and beauty of the Australian Outback: the geographical and spiritual heart of South Australia, and one of the world's truly unspoilt areas.

Saturday 9th June

Knowing that the stock was only 7 kms from Marree, there was a sense of anticipation in the air during breakfast!  Due to a big night at the Finale Concert, we were out at the Stock camp at 9am, ready to finish the final day of droving on 'The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive 2007'.

It was a perfect day with clear blue skies and a light breeze. We all mounted up and started heading off, by now, everyone knew what to do, the feeling of satisfaction was soon to be experience by all. With only a few k's to travel, we pulled up just within the final fence leading into the Marree Racecourse.

What a surprise when we arrived at lunch camp to meet Maggie Beer, husband Colin, the ABC crew who joined us for lunch - where once again the Volunteer Hosts did a wonderful job setting up for lunch with water on the boil for a nice cuppa.

After a bite to eat, Daryl Bell and his team thanked us for assisting him so well during this tour, Gary Beelitz returned the thanks to Daryl on behalf of the event organisation, and Simon Garnett added a few words on behalf of the guests.

We then had the choice of watching the cattle or spending a few hours at the Marree Picnic Races, as an added bonus, Joe Ahern also gave us the opportunity to go on a town tour of Marree, conducted every hour, on the hour. It was nice to see a lovely country town with community pride. Within the town precinct, they even have bitumen roads!

For those that watched the cattle were real busy keeping the mob together. It was amazing to think that we were now experienced enough to be trusted by Daryl to do the job. He allowed us maintain and keep the herd together, what great responsibility!

Before the last race, we drove the cattle and horses over the racetrack and into the yards at the Racecourse. Huge cheers from the droving team were shared for a job well done. It was an extremely emotional experience and great to see the huge smiles on everyone's faces. We had been successful in maintaining the condition of the cattle and able to hand the cattle back to their owners with pride. 

At the end of the day, we boarded the bus and headed back to camp for a hot shower and cold beer before dinner. During dinner, our resident merchandise salesman come auctioneer “Wozza” conducted

the final auction of two saddle blankets and a stable latch made by our very own Farrier, Carl O'Dwyer. Once again, all proceeds going to the very worthwhile RFDS.

The final night round the campfire with our Entertainers - Rohan, Anthony and Pat was just superb rounding off our final night together.

Friday 8 June 2007

A scenic flight over Lake Eyre and the Marree Man, saw the first guests leaving camp in the early hours of the morning. The remaining guests had some extra time around the fire before boarding the buses and heading out to the stock camp.

After a cold, dusty afternoon the previous day, guests were treated to warm weather and a slight breeze (much better conditions for riding was the general consensus amongst the group). With all guests now seasoned professionals, we sent some rather nervous event personnel out to see what all the fuss was about. Meeting up with fellow crew members at lunch, all could be heard telling of their many adventures during the morning.

Over lunch, guests were treated a history lesson about the area from Daryl Bell and his droving team, and Stuart Nunn, before heading out to explore once again. For those who were a little saddle sore, there was the option of a scenic flight or heading out with Reg Dodd for an Aboriginal Cultural tour.

With the Marree Community putting on a concert with performers Rohan Powell, Anthony Thyer and Patrick McMahon, dinner was brought forward and the majority of the guests loaded back onto the bus and headed for Marree. The concert was held in the Marree Community Hall with all proceeds supporting the hospital. The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive guests mixed with drovers and locals and danced the night away.

Thursday 7 June 2007

A crisp, cool morning awoke the guests on what was to be their first full day of droving. After a hot breakfast provided by Steve Marcus and team, guests were eager to head out and reaquaint themselves with their horses from the previous day.

A full morning of droving meant guests had plenty of tales to share with each other over lunch. In particular Gary from Arizona (USA), who had come to Australia for the first time with his two children, could be heard telling people that even after only a day, the event "was the most amazing life experience and best holiday they had ever been on".

After a windy and dusty afternoon, guests somewhat reluctant to leave their horses headed back to camp for an evening of great food, stories and musical entertainment.

Roast dinner settled everyone in for the night and after a few housekeeping messages, the evening was kicked off with Keith Rasheed (Event Ambassador) speaking about how the concept  for the event had come about, "over a bottle of rum", and the significance it has to the people in the Australian Outback.

After an evening of singing around the campfire with Rohan, Anthony and Patrick, under a blanket of stars, guests one by one trundled off to their tents to prepare themselves for the tomorrows droving adventures.

Wednesday 6 June 2007

Today marked the beginning of Tour 7, the final tour of The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive. One by one the 70 apprentice drovers descended on the Finniss Springs Campsite, eager to start their adventure.

With so many new guests arriving, the stories from Leslee (now on her third tour) along with Simon and Paul continuing on from Tour 6, put guests at ease about what lay ahead.

Once they were settled into their new Outback home, guests were transferred out to the stock camp to meet Daryl Bell and his droving team, and to spend an afternoon getting to know their horses.

Full of energy, guests returned to camp to a hearty Italian style dinner and settled in for their first evening in what will be their new home for the next 5 days.