THE EXPERIENCE
Join us as we drove 500 head of cattle by horseback through the twists of the ragged Redford trail and reliving one of the world’s greatest cattle duffing drives known to man.
The journey covers over 200km of the most distinctive terrain in the Aramac Area. You will discover the secrets of horsemanship and droving knowledge passed from generation to generation. You will witness the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets and star gaze each night as you sleep under a blanket of stars. If listening to true blue Aussie yarns around the campfire isn't authentic enough, add some delicious camp oven meals to your experience. To top it all off, get involved in true outback hospitality with the community of Aramac as you join in on a number of festivities over the course of the drive.
To see a snippet of the Harry Redford Cattle Drive, check out this YouTube link - Back In The Saddle - Harry Redford Cattle Drive - YouTube
WEEK ONE (FULL WEEK)
The 2024 Harry Redford Cattle Drive has been cancelled.
SATURDAY 11 MAY 2024
Arrive in Aramac via your own vehicle or be picked up in Barcaldine or Longreach by our Harry Redford curtesy bus. Transport to the Desert Recreation Club Grounds, Lake Dunn (approximately 68km North of Aramac).
SUNDAY 12 TO FRIDAY 17 MAY 2024
Start your droving journey on Sunday 12 May 2024 from the Ballyneety yards (Lake Dunn). Experience six days in the saddle and sleeping under the stars. Camp meals and great outback hospitality. Conclude your journey on Friday 17 May 2024 at Aramac.
FRIDAY 17 MAY 2024
Be treated to a BBQ dinner and a game of barefoot bowls with the locals at the Aramac Bowls Club.
SATURDAY 18 MAY 2024
Transport back to Barcaldine or Longreach to catch your plane, bus or train.
$660.00 per day. In total $3960.00. A deposit of $990.00 is required. Payment plans are available once the deposit is received.
WEEK ONE (FIRST THREE DAY RIDE)
SATURDAY 11 MAY 2024
Arrive in Aramac via your own vehicle or be picked up in Barcaldine or Longreach by our Harry Redford curtesy bus. Transport to the Desert Recreation Club Grounds, Lake Dunn (approximately 68km North of Aramac).
SUNDAY 12 TO TUESDAY 14 MAY 2024
Start your droving journey on Sunday 12 May 2024 from the Ballyneety yards (Lake Dunn). Experience three days in the saddle and sleeping under the stars. Camp meals and great outback hospitality.
WEDNESDAY 15 MAY 2024
Transport back to Aramac, Barcaldine or Longreach to pick up your car or catch your plane, bus or train.
$660.00 per day. In total $1980.00. A deposit of $495.00 is required. Payment plans are available once the deposit is received.
WEEK ONE (SECOND THREE DAY RIDE)
TUESDAY 14 MAY 2024
Arrive in Aramac via your own vehicle or be picked up in Barcaldine or Longreach by our Harry Redford curtesy bus. Transport from Aramac to camp.
WEDNESDAY 15 TO FRIDAY 17 MAY 2024
Start your droving journey on Wednesday 15 May 2024. Experience three days in the saddle and sleeping under the stars. Camp meals and great outback hospitality. Arrive in Aramac on Friday 17 May 2024.
$660.00 per day. In total $1980.00. A deposit of $495.00 is required. Payment plans are available once the deposit is received.
SATURDAY 18 MAY 2024
Transport back to Barcaldine or Longreach to catch your plane, bus or train.
WEEK TWO (FULL WEEK)
SATURDAY 18 MAY 2024
Arrive in Aramac via your own vehicle or be picked up in Barcaldine or Longreach by our Harry Redford curtesy bus. No transport to camp required as you will be riding out from Aramac.
SUNDAY 19 TO FRIDAY 24 MAY 2024
Start your droving journey on Sunday 19 May 2024 from the Aramac Camp. Experience six days in the saddle and sleeping under the stars. Camp meals and great outback hospitality. Conclude your journey on Friday 24 May 2024 at Kismet Station.
FRIDAY 24 MAY 2024
Be treated to a BBQ dinner and droving celebrations at Kismet Station to conclude the fantastic event.
$660.00 per day. In total $3960.00. A deposit of $990.00 is required. Payment plans are available once the deposit is received.
SATURDAY 25 MAY 2024
Transport back to Aramac, Barcaldine or Longreach to pick up your car or catch your plane, bus or train.
WEEK TWO (FIRST THREE DAY RIDE)
SATURDAY 18 MAY 2024
Arrive in Aramac via your own vehicle or be picked up in Barcaldine or Longreach by our Harry Redford curtesy bus. No transport to camp required as you will be riding out from Aramac.
SUNDAY 19 TO TUESDAY 21 MAY 2024
Start your droving journey on Sunday 19 May 2024 from the Aramac Camp. Experience three days in the saddle and sleeping under the stars. Camp meals and great outback hospitality.
WEDNESDAY 22 MAY 2024
Transport back to Aramac, Barcaldine or Longreach to pick up your car or catch your plane, bus or train.
$660.00 per day. In total $1980.00. A deposit of $495.00 is required. Payment plans are available once the deposit is received.
WEEK TWO (SECOND THREE DAY RIDE)
TUESDAY 21 MAY 2024
Arrive in Aramac via your own vehicle or be picked up in Barcaldine or Longreach by our Harry Redford curtesy bus. Transport from Aramac to camp.
WEDNESDAY 22 TO FRIDAY 24 MAY 2024
Start your droving journey on Wednesday 22 May 2024. Experience three days in the saddle and sleeping under the stars. Camp meals and great outback hospitality. Arrive at Kismet Station on Friday 24 May 2024.
SATURDAY 25 MAY 2024
Transport back to Aramac, Barcaldine or Longreach to pick up your car or catch your plane, bus or train.
$660.00 per day. In total $1980.00. A deposit of $495.00 is required. Payment plans are available once the deposit is received.
CAMP MAP
WHAT TO EXPECT
DROVING BY DAY
The full cattle drive takes 12 days in the saddle, a well-worn route approximately 160km. You will select a package which will allow you to experience a section of this ride. A ride orientation will be provided upon arrival. Your average daily rides will range between 10 and 18 kms per day, so be prepared for some tender spots!
MEALS
All meals on the drive are provided. Breakfast and dinner will be at the campsite. Lunch will be provided along the stock route throughout the day.
ABOUT THE CAMPSITE
We generally aim to arrive at our overnight campsite in the mid to late afternoon and we depart early the next morning. You are responsible for setting up your own swag. A bush toilet with privacy walls will be at each campsite. Mobile phone coverage ranges between limited and non-existent and there is no facility for recharging phones on the drive. A back up battery is recommended. There is no shower. We recommend bringing along baby wipes for personal hygiene. Each campsite will be equipped with a satellite phone for emergencies only. All campsite meals are prepared and served by our camp cooks.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE
Transfers to and from Aramac, Barcaldine or Longreach and the Cattle Drive campsite
A true-blue experience in the saddle and sleeping under the stars.
Camp meals per day, also including morning smoko and refreshments throughout the day
Refreshments per night (limited alcohol included)
Riding helmet. *Please note, a riding helmet must be worn at all times while on a horse. The option of a sun visor will be available.
Camp chairs
Toilet at camp, no showers and;
Your horse of course and all the tack to go with it.
REQUIREMENTS CHECK LIST
Must be a capable rider
Please bring your own swag and bedding
Water bottle/camelbak (water will be supplied)
Sun safety (hat, sunscreen etc)
Appropriate clothing (jeans, long sleeve shirt, closed in shoes, vest and jumper, waterproof coat for chilly May mornings and the chance of rain)
Torch
Gloves - riding or leather
Insect repellant
Baby wipes (suffice as quick refreshers)
Must be 18 years or older.