As the Eidsvold charity cattle drive nears organisers and community members are keen for the event to truly capture the history of the occasion.
Former North Burnett Mayor Don Waugh, Gayndah, said he was proud of his community’s efforts to make the drive as true to history as possible.
“This event is really capturing people’s attention and we hope to attract tourists and interested people from surrounding areas to take part,” he said.
“It’s one for all ages and it’s such an important part of the history of Eidsvold, it will really help tell the story of this agricultural area of Queensland.”
At the Eidsvold cattle sale last week, Dot Hamilton said the younger generations had “lost touch” with their community’s background.
“In years gone by, the cattle at this sale would have been walked in by men on horseback but that idea is quite foreign to our young people,” she said.
“It would be sad to see the memory of the old drovers lost because they were the backbone of the Burnett’s development.”
To address this the Eidsvold cattle drive will rekindle history and take riders along the track of well known cattleman Martin Snelling, who lit campfires from Camboon Station to the Eidsvold saleyards in 1926.
Starting on April 3, participants will cover 15 to 20 kilometers each day on the six day ride with the option to purchase a package for one, three or six days on offer.
Two experienced drovers will lead the group through open ironbark country and ridges of spotted gum, for nights spent under the stars with a hearty camp oven dinner.
Riders will arrive at the Eidsvold Showgrounds on the final evening before an eager crowd for a night of celebration and reflection.
To experience the true spirit of traditional cattle droving phone 1300 696 272 or email amanda.hope@northburnett.qld.gov.au.