Drovers on Stock Routes

keiron · Senior Member

Drovers on Stock Routes

hako · Guru

I'd pick a road - as you suggest 'the Kidman way", then look at it on a map, take note of the major towns along the road, and ring stock and station agents in those towns who will know the local gossip.
You may need to be a bit diplomatic in your approach and I'd suggest if you come across some drovers moving stock that you pull up maybe half a kilometre in front of them and wait till they pass you....this is the time to strike up a conversation.
Good Luck.

Cruising Granny · Guru

There are some grazing on the long paddock in NSW. I don't know if there is any tourist organised droving going on. I don't think you could just drop in on a muster.
You'd have to organise it with a participating station. Sheep or cattle?

Happywanderer · The Master

I passed through the middle of some on the way from Grenfell to Ariah Park a few weeks ago. Quite a large contingent with horses, dogs, motorbikes, caravans, the works. Really is worth sitting watching them for a while as I did.

Gerty Dancer · Guru

From my own experience, the people who take their cattle out into the "long paddock" are doing it out of desperation, no feed for the cattle left on their own farm, usually due to drought. Whilst we might think of it with nostalgia for the "old days", its a stressful and worrying job. Don't be surprised if a drover tells you to go away (in the vernacular!). You might find one who is glad of your company, but be tactful when you approach them.

Its not droving per se, but you could have a look at Farmstay Camping.

http://www.farmstaycampingaustralia.com.au/listings.php?controller=Listings&action=search&listing_search=1&state_id=3&city_id=&page=2

-- Edited by Gerty Dancer on Friday 2nd of August 2013 02:54:02 PM

Radar · Guru

Keiron hi

That is a awsome idea, hope the kids like it. If not post a message some of us older kids will be there in a flash.

I remember in the early seventies I was bringing timber down out of Chincilla to Sydney regularly around the Gums slowed up for some sheep over a number of weeks got to know the drover a bit learnt to drink tea without milk, some silly talk, was promised a pup from his best dog but things went pear shape with the Brisbane floods, 4 weeks gap between loads lost track of him, but I will never forget those moments that I spent before I climbed back in the truck and drove away, great time.

I hope you do find a drover, I be watching this forum with anticipation.

spida · Guru

I do wonder if the drover has enough to worry about keeping his stock safe from impatient drivers etc - may not appreciate having someone wanting to chat all day - let alone a convoy of caravans. Did a bit of droving in NZ and had so much to contend with including an idiot who didnt see us waving to slow him down so that when he finally slammed on his brakes he went up a bank and ended upside down on the road! Was in a hurry to get the family to the ski fields!!!!

Nelly · Guru

Hello Keiron - We live on a property and have had a bit to do with droving - I think if you approach the drover perhaps during the day when he is holding the cattle or sheep up so they feed he may have more time to talk but if it is morning or afternoon when he needs to put the stock in or out of holding paddocks he may not have a lot of time to chat. I have heard that there are big mobs of cattle moving south since the government (in their wisdom!!) cut off a lot of graziers at the knees when the live export was stopped overnight. The stock were moving south but they may have arrived already to their destinations. I think QLD is still dry so there should be cattle walking around the roads. Happy camping .

Keith19837 · Senior Member

These types of posts have that 'Australiana' feel. It makes me recall those books by Colin THIELE and Neville SHUTE. I was beginning to despair that the Australia of old was gone, but reading these various posts I am glad to see that it's still out there. I wasn't born here and lived in many countries whilst growing up. But when I read these sorts of comments and 'tips', it brings a tear to the eye and makes me wish I was a dyed in the wool Aussie.

bill12 · Guru

Its sad to say that 70% of QLD is drought declared as the wet season failed in the Gulf country and further south. You only have to drive west of Charters Towers to see how dry it is and a lot of graziers are doing it tough.The state govt has opened up sections of Nat. parks because there is no feed on a lot of properties, and rain isn,t usually here til December. So a lot of stock are on the long paddock, or if they can afford it , sent south.Pretty sad , really. Bill

keiron · Senior Member

Thank you for all the replies and suggestions.

I am aware of the difficulties that these poor buggers face and endure day in and day out. I am from the country years ago.

It was only ever my hope that I / we may be welcome around the camp-fire to chat, swap stories, real and imagined, and have a cup of Billy. I am sure that the real Aussie is still alive amongst many of our country cousins. Thanks again. KB

Nelly · Guru

I think it is a very good idea that the state govt. in Qld are opening up sections of the national parks for lots of reasons - apart from the fact that the cattle will get a feed whilst at the same time they are getting rid of that undergrowth that has been building up for years and years - lets face it the fires in these parks are horrific and what of all the native animals they must get burnt to a crisp as there is no where to go. Apparently a council member in Coffs Harbour wanted controlled burns around the parks as he said if a fire came towards Coffs there would be a lot of little communities/homes burnt - lets hope someone has some commonsense on these issues - happy camping