The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive

The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive (every two years)

The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive has finished the 2010 drive and unfortunatley you will have to wait until 2013 for the next one! Five hundred head of cattle and a swag of adventure stories on one of the most evocative desert trails in Australia, the Oodnadatta Track, located in the northern part of South Australia.

You'll be riding with some of Australia's finest horsemen to re-live a very real part of Australian history, the droving of cattle through the Outback. And whether you're an experienced rider, a happy hacker or someone who has never been in a saddle, you'll be matched with a horse to suit your abilities.

You can join one (or more) of six tours. Each lasts four nights and five days and each has its own distinct highlights. Each evening you'll return to a village of superior tent accommodation at Anna Creek Station. Enjoy excellent facilities including a bar, a library, hot showers and flushing toilets, superb catering and most importantly the roaring campfire beneath a canopy of desert stars.

We are awaiting dates for the 2013 ultimate outback experience.

Located on Anna Creek Station, you have the rare opportunity to enter the world’s largest cattle station, measuring some 26,000 square kilometres (5.5million acres), which is roughly the size of Belgium. The station has been continuously occupied since it was located in 1872, resisting the effects of drought, flood and adverse economic conditions - the only property in the region to have done so.

On your first afternoon, you'll be a part of the 'handover and counting of cattle', the official start of the Drive. Next morning it's down to business. The scenery is spectacular with sandy dunes & wide flat corridors covered with native plants such as hopbush and horse mulga. You will follow the remains of the original Ghan railway track as well as what’s left of the Overland Telegraph line - critical in the settling of Australia’s interior. Hear stories of the settlers, their successes and failures along with historical accounts by descendants from original inhabitants; the indigenous people.

You'll do as much or as little of this cattle drive as you wish; optional coach tours on days 3 and 4 are available to show you further regional highlights and histories. Experience the Outback from a unique vantage point and join a scenic flight at an additional cost.

Cattle droving is thirsty business. So the outpost of William Creek - complete with roadhouse, campsite, racetrack, airport and ‘rocket park’ will make for a very special stop. With a population of less than 10, it’s often claimed to be Australia’s smallest town. What’s beyond dispute is the fact it’s home to one of Australia’s most isolated pubs. What can we say about the William Creek Hotel? It’s probably best left as a surprise - but suffice to say, it’s like no other!

Over your 50-odd-kilometre journey you will experience diverse landscapes. Watch as the scenery changes from gravelly clays with scattered river red gum and coolibah above lemon scented grass to undulating stony tableland and then into deep red to yellow sand dunes with sandy clay swales.

You can do as much or as little of this cattle drive as you wish; optional coach tours on days 3 and 4 are available to show you further regional highlights and histories. Experience the outback from a unique vantage point and join a scenic flight at an additional cost.

Located on Anna Creek Station, you have the rare opportunity to enter the world’s largest cattle station, measuring some 26,000 square kilometres (5.5million acres), which is roughly the size of Belgium. The station has been continuously occupied since it was located in 1872, resisting the effects of drought, flood and adverse economic conditions - the only property in the region to have done so.

Begin your tour in a town home to one of Australia’s most isolated pubs- William Creek. With a population of less than 10 it is often claimed to be Australia’s smallest town. Departing from William Creek you will have an opportunity to explore the land that makes up the world’s largest cattle station, Anna Creek. As you travel across deep red sandy dunes keep you eyes out for historic farm relics left by the drovers of the past. Although the creeks are dry, seasonal rains often leave the desert vibrant with plants and animals.

You will be crossing the historical Oodnadatta Track following the remains of the original Ghan railway track as well as what's left of the Overland Telegraph line - both critical in the settling of Australia's interior. You'll hear the stories of the settlers, their successes and failures along with historical accounts by descendants from original inhabitants, the indigenous people. Their stories will be told - stories of survival, of trade and of the sacred dreaming.

You'll do as much or as little of this cattle drive as you wish; optional coach tours on days 3 and 4 are available to show you further regional highlights and histories. Experience the outback from a unique vantage point and join a scenic flight at an additional cost.

Day 1, Friday - Arrive 11:00am at Anna Creek Campsite. Enjoy the official welcome briefing, settle into the camp and have lunch. Transfer to the herd and meet the droving and farrier teams before being matched with your horse. After you get acquainted, you'll spend your first afternoon droving cattle! Return to the camp, where your evening meal will be served. The open fire will be a great place to get to know the members of your group.

(Meals - Lunch and Dinner)

Day 2, 3, 4, Saturday, Sunday & Monday - Each morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the horses where your droving will commence. The cattle will move some 14km each day, so your droving departure and pick-up points will change. Lunch is delivered to you as the cattle rest and feed.

Take the opportunity to chat to the drovers and farriers during the day. Upon returning to camp in late afternoon, you'll find hot showers, the camp library, and cold drinks at the bar (alcohol is available for purchase). The evening meal will vary from buffet style (served in the on-site marquee) to camp-oven meals cooked on the campfire. Dinner is often accompanied by tales from the outback - including yours!

On days 3 and 4 you are invited to join a complimentary coach tour to take in more of the highlights and history of the surrounding area (optional). Scenic flights are also available at an additional cost. (Meals - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 5 Tuesday - Enjoy breakfast then say farewell your outback home of Anna Creek Campsite at 10:00am. (Meal – Breakfast)

Departure Dates: we are awaiting departure dates for 2013

Cost: From £1750pp - TBC

Not Included: Flights and Travel Insurance

Single Supplement: £100 for hotel

Accommodation: Superior tented accom (camp bed, sheets, duvets, pillows and towels) , all meals, all non-alcoholic drinks (alcohol can be bought at an extra cost)

Meeting Point: Anna Creek Station

Transfer: Not included but can be arranged

Hours In Saddle: 2-6 per day

Max Weight: 90kg

Group Size: Alot!

Additional Info: Experienced staff including doctor, professional drovers, farriers, and vets.  The campsite is fully maintained with bathroom facilities (hot showers, hair dryers and flushing toilets). At time of booking please state any special dietary requirments.

Call us on +44 (0)1225 424413 or email contact@redlandsequestrian.com to check the ride availability and dates, once we have confirmed availability you can download and fill in a booking form:

• UK Rides Booking Form
• Worldwide Rides Booking Form

Each rider in the party must also complete a riding ability questionnaire before we can complete the final confirmation of your holiday booking.