OUTSIDE, the extensive gardens, sculptures, windmills and dams bear mute testimony to its geographical location.

Inside, the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame is a brilliant combination of exhibition galleries, theatre audiovisuals, store and cafeteria.

This year’s highlights will be a combination of both. Bringing the stockman’s skills to life outside is the R.M. Williams Outback Stockman’s Show, with stockman, sheep, dogs and horses. The show runs twice a day (11.00am and 2.00pm) from Monday to Saturday from May to early October.

Within the hall, the new theatre presentation commemorates the early pioneers and celebrates the bush.

Most people come for at least four hours, but you could spend all day here wandering through the galleries that lead from the discovery, exploration and settlement of Australia through the challenges of pioneering life as pastoral empires were formed to life in the outback and the world of Australian stockworkers.

While there, purchase a light snack from the Stockman’s Rest Cafe and pick up something special from the Outback Store, which has a range of gifts and souvenirs, books and music. R.M. Williams gear is also available.

The complex is open daily (closed Christmas Day) from 9.00am to 5.00pm and hosts a number of events throughout the year. (See next page.) Check the website for more details.

Events at the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame

Drovers get together
The Drovers’ Reunion and Outback Muster will be held from May 5 to 7 at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame complex.

Since the first Drover’s Reunion in 1990, this has become an annual pilgrimage for drovers, stockmen and other outback workers. It’s a chance rekindle the spirit of the days gone by and enjoy friendships, old and new.

There are outback games like whipcracking, making damper and boiling the billy plus special commemorations made in the Drovers’ Grove. At night, there are campfire dinners, yarn telling and other entertainment around the campfire.

Rodeo riders in action
The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame Pro Rodeo will happen on Saturday, July 28. See all the action as some of the top rodeo riders from around the country ride to win at this rodeo, which is part of the circuit including Cloncurry and Mount Isa.

The sport of shearing
The Longreach Diamond Sports Shears will be staged on Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28. The original Diamond Shears ran for more than two decades and was one of the nation’s most prestigious shearing events. The Hall of Fame has committed itself to bringing the event back to its former glory.