The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive

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The Droving Story

The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive celebrates the history of legendary Australian cattle drives.

Droving has been a means of living for many people in the Australian Outback.

On Australian cattle drives, the boss drovers were responsible for their staff, cattle and horses. The aim of droving cattle was to take cattle from one point to another and have them arrive in better - or at least the same - condition as they were at the beginning of the drive. Maintaining the health of the horses was also an important aim of any drive. For these reasons, stock were always walked.

In 2002, a series of events and festivals were held as part of the Year of the Outback. A highlight was the re-creation of the legendary cattle drives - a 515 kilometre (320 mile) journey down the Birdsville Track - the first event known as 'The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive'.

Following the success of the 2002 event, cattle drive was held as a stand-alone event in 2005 and 2007.

The journey along the Birdsville Track in 2005 and Oodnadatta Track in 2007 were led by some of Australia's most famous and experienced drovers and involved 500 head of cattle and 120 horses, with participants living and breathing the Outback experience each day.

Now, the Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive continues to showcase the wonder and beauty of the Outback.

Join us as we travel the rugged terrain of the Outback in 2010. See our Tours page for all the dates and details.

For more information, or help with your individual travel itinerary, contact the South Australian Visitor and Travel Centre or your travel agent