The Great Australian Cattle Drive Tour, Oodnadatta Track, Australia is a breathtaking experience and part of Australian life for almost 200 years. Cattle droving is a unique experience that can be enjoyed anyone who is adventurous enough to try it. Therefore, you will get to join in this enthralling journey of transporting cattle through extensive distances by propelling them while riding a horse.
Things to Do
You do not have to be an experienced rider to join cattle herds and complete the Australian Cattle Drive. Although these are carried at pace. The main objective, first of all, is that you enjoy the ride and the view. Above all, to return home with happy memories of the event. The horses that they provide you are extremely docile and accustomed to people. Most noteworthy, if you are a novice, we guaranteed you will enjoy this experience to the fullest.
Before starting your Journey.
You will be officially welcomed to the camp when you arrive at Ana Creek. In addition, you’ll get to know the areas of the place. Above all, you will have a delicious lunch.
The grazing team that has been assigned to you. They will introduce you to your horse. This horse will be your driving horse for the rest of the whole trip. Above all your safcattle sssety is first, and the guide will be with you all times.
After that, you will fulfill this event in one of the most evocative desert trails in Australia. Oodnadatta Track, in southern Australia. First of all, you will cross arid landscapes and dunes with amazing lakes that will leave you open-mouthed, with dates palm trees and birds abound. The horse ride follows the old railroad route in South Australia, offering you the most fascinating sceneries of the country.
Back at Camp
Every day after breakfast, you will go with your horse to drive the cattle for a distance of 14 km. Four hours in the morning and another four hours in the afternoon.
Upon returning to the campsite at night, a relaxing bath with hot water and a cold beer awaits you. As a result, of a long hard day droving, You will also have a well-deserved buffet-style dinner.
Enjoy the campfire. There will be old stories of Outback and make friends of the members of your group. After that, the night sky and the stars of the place are really something magical, and with no city lights nearby, they shine as bright as they can.
At the Australian cattle camp, you will be provided with a luxury camping tent, access to the bathroom, showers and toilets, a bar and for the book lovers, there is a well-stocked library too. However, the stay is on a double basis, and if you travel alone, you must share the space with another person of the same sex.
How to get there
Cattle droving effectively takes place throughout Anna Creek Station. There are a number of bus transfers you can take here. Depending on your tour agency most meeting points will vary. Above all, if you book in advance your travel arrangement locations will be disclosed by your tour agency.
When to go
Currently, the cattle drives are held every other year, early May through the end of June.
How long
The drive is split up into sections of fours nights and five days. Tourists can joy for any of the sections. Allow a few extra days for South Australia’s capital, Adelaide, as the city has a lot to offer.
Opening and Closing Hours
Most tour agencies do cattle droving as a 5-7 day trip. However, depending on your tour agency the starting dates during the week will vary.
Planning
Book well ahead to secure a place-only 70 people are allowed on each trip. Due to droughts, some trips have had to be cut back. Above all, follow the guidelines on clothing and personal safety (everyone has to wear a riding helmet). Take along strong insect repellent.
Inside Information
A sing along around the campfire can be a great way to unwind and get to know your fellow riders and droves. If you play a (portable) instrument take it along. Furthermore you will develop a thirst on these rides, so make sure you have cash or credits cards with you-the bar accepts both.
In addition, these are some additional things to be aware of:
- What to bring – Comfortable and casual clothes for hot and cold weather. Do not forget sun protection.
-
Communications – You will have no signal for most of your trip. If you have any urgent calls to make please make sure these are done before hand.
-
Have a relax open attitude – You do not have to be an experienced rider, to have a great time!
History
The year 2002 was announced as the “year of the Outback”, with more than 500 events throughout Australia. The Australian Cattle Drive 2002, was carried out through the old routes of Birdsville Track, The beauty of the event and the kindness of all the attendees is what attracts a large number of visitors every two years. It is a unique adventure to enjoy in Australia if you are interested in the collection of livestock, for instance.
The idea is to get heads of cattle and horses on the race track, and today it is one of the most successful events on the country. In other words, if you are a horse lover you will love this part of the trip.
However, even though the old droving method might have been lost. In contrast, the Great Australian Cattle Drive allows you to go back in time. Above all, you get to experience the life of the real drovers of the past. Ride on your horse and learn the exquisite techniques of moving livestock. Certainly, you will appreciate and enjoy the most beautiful landscapes of Australia.
Websites
- www.cattledrive.com.au
- www.southaustralia.com
Other nearby attractions
While on your trip there a couple of amazing things to look out for:
- Exploring the Aboriginal Culture, including crafts, stories, and bush tucker.
- Lake Eyre is the largest salt-pan lake in the world. Extending over 463,320 sq miles. In conclusion, you will be an amazing opportunity for pictures!
If you loved this article or found it useful, don’t forget to share it with your adventurous and travel-hacking friends! If you want more posts like this, follow us on Youtube, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter Facebook or Reddit and subscribe to our newsletter!