Stockman’s Hall of Fame - Longreach

Had a day at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach, and it’s an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand the outback pastoral industry that built inland Australia.

The museum tells the story of the pioneers, drovers, and station owners who opened up this country - everything from Aboriginal stockmen to the Flying Doctor Service that made remote living viable. The exhibits are comprehensive and give you a proper appreciation for just how tough life was for those early settlers and the people who continue to work this country today.

What struck us was the breadth of the story they tell. It’s not just about cattle and sheep - it’s about the infrastructure, the isolation, the ingenuity required to survive out here, and the cultural impact of the pastoral industry on Australian identity. The droving stories alone are fascinating, imagining those massive cattle drives across hundreds of kilometres of unforgiving country.
The building itself is impressive, purpose-built to house the collection with plenty of space to properly display everything from stockman’s gear to historic photographs and personal stories from the people who lived this life. Tribute is also paid to the often unsung contribution of women on this frontier.

The live Stockman’s show is entertaining and gives an idea of how horses and dogs are used out here. It also touches on the contribution of the country men to Australia’s efforts in WW1 through the use of the Australian Stock horse in the cavalry. Be prepared for plenty of bad dad jokes.

Allow a few hours - there’s too much here to rush through. If you’re in Longreach, it’s a must-visit to understand the history and ongoing importance of the pastoral industry in outback Queensland.Read more