The Horse Heritage of the Northern Territory

Horses have played a vital role in the history of the Northern Territory for more than a century. Long before highways and road trains connected remote regions, stockmen relied on horses to move cattle across vast distances and establish some of Australia's most iconic cattle stations.

One of the first recorded droving expeditions into the Northern Territory was led by Nat Buchanan in the early 1880s. Buchanan and a team of seven stockmen drove approximately 20,000 head of cattle from St George in Queensland to Glencoe Station, now known as Delamere Station, located around 145 kilometres south of Katherine. The journey was completed entirely on horseback, highlighting the endurance and skill required to work the land in Australia's remote north.

Today, horses remain an important part of station life across the Territory. Many pastoral properties continue to use horses for mustering cattle, allowing stock to be moved calmly and efficiently across large distances. On some of the region's biggest stations, cattle may still be walked for days from remote paddocks to the yards.

Visitors can experience this rich horse culture firsthand at the Katherine Outback Experience. Created by local entertainer and horseman Tom Curtain, the show celebrates the spirit of the Australian outback through live music, working dog demonstrations, horse starting and entertaining bush stories. It provides a unique insight into the lifestyle and traditions that continue to shape the Northern Territory today.

For those wanting to immerse themselves even further in station life, a stay at Manbulloo Homestead Caravan Park offers a genuine rural experience just 13 kilometres from Katherine. Set on a working cattle property, visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while watching and interacting with the resident Brahman cattle and buffalo during feeding times.

Whether you're attending a live outback show, exploring a working station or simply learning about the region's remarkable history, Katherine offers visitors an authentic connection to the horse culture that helped build the Northern Territory.