The Azadi Far Ride to the Murray
Imagine a journey that took you back in time, to the days of the pioneers. A journey by foot, cycle, or horseback, that followed the footsteps of the drovers who once drove livestock across the Australian back country.
This was the Azadi Far Ride to the Murray. A 1,100km horseback ride along the NSW Livestock Highway and Traveling Stock Reserves, from Goondiwindi to Tocumwal.
This journey raised awareness of the importance of preserving this asset and the opportunities of Australian stock routes for eco-tourism & slow travel.
You can follow in our footsteps using the map below and support our Australian stock routes and heritage, through promoting a diversified purpose!
The annotated map features our rest stops, water sources, hazards, points of interest, alternative routes and any other relevant notes.
Why?
These routes, with wide grassy verges on either side of the road, much wider than ordinary road networks, allowed livestock to graze as they traveled. Fenced Reserves were created at strategic droving distances for overnight camping with water for stock. The local towns accommodated these strategic distances and provided resource resupply points for the drovers.
These stock routes, towns, and facilities remain an under-utilised resource, with local artisan, art, locally-grown produce, cafes, country stores, and pubs.
Not only was there a dedicated route for safe slow travel, but also resources, things to see, and communities to connect with along the way.
The Azadi Far Ride to the Murray passed through some of the most beautiful back country parts of Australia. We saw the Murray River and the Australian outback. We met the people who lived in these towns and experienced their culture, collecting stories from locals and other travelers.
We filmed and photographed our journey, promoting the natural wonder and connections created, so we could share this knowledge and inspire those who wished to follow our footsteps.
The Azadi Far Ride to the Murray was an adventure of a lifetime. It was a journey that challenged us physically and mentally but grounded us through the meditation of slow travel and we look forward to more adventures!
When?
We departed Goondiwindi mid-March 2024 and 7 weeks later reached the Murray River in Tocumwal in the first week of May.
The map of the route can be found here.
Map Notes:
– Yellow denotes where the stock route deviates from the main road or isn’t on a road (Public Liability Insurance required, if riding horses and not along route-adjacent roads).
– Some sections we deemed inappropriate but scouted better alternatives and these are marked and noted on the map.
– Rest areas have been marked. Red denotes a Stock Reserve and a permit is required. Green denotes others.
– Water sources are also noted.
What?
It covers a total distance of over 1,100km in 7 weeks, covering an average 25km a day.
Rules:
- You must contact Local Land Services prior to beginning your journey and contact each relevant ranger atleast 1 week in advance before entering their LLS region.
- You must have Public Liability Insurance* if you are planning to;
– Ride horses in a stock reserve that is not along route-adjacent roads.
– Camp with horses in a stock reserve. - Maximum 5 individuals (inc. us) can camp on stock reserves, without toilet facilities.
- If required, you must arrange your TSS Permit with Local Land Services for traveling with horses in NSW.
- Stay informed on Biosecurity regulations.
- No Hay, Chaff or unprocessed whole grains permitted to be fed on the stock routes. Pelleted/cubed fibres and cracked, rolled, flaked or pelleted grain only. Horses must be fed in an enclosed container (recommend nose bags).
* Many Horse Associations include Public Liability in their membership so please check. Otherwise Affinity Horse Insurance is an option.