Central Australia Pastoral Bus Tour
Are you keen to explore the research, innovation, deep knowledge and practical solutions shaping Central Australia while building meaningful networks and gaining inspiration to bring back to your property and community?
If you answered yes, then we want you aboard the Central Australian Pastoral Bus Tour.
Beginning in Coober Pedy and heading north, the tour will visit livestock production businesses in Central Australia and meet with like-minded people involved in a range of projects and programs to manage grazing country in a highly variable climatic zone.
Learning from experienced pastoralists, you will see first-hand how pastoral enterprises are implementing innovative technology and adding value to existing production systems. You will observe how family-run businesses navigate management challenges like climatic variability and succession.
The tour will also showcase the Old Man Plains Research Station where you will hear from researchers who have been involved with the long-term studies on cattle production including breeding efficiencies and sustainable grazing management.
When: 25 October to 1 November 2026
Where: Meeting at Coober Pedy and travelling to Alice Springs and back. Pick up stops can be organised.
Cost: $200 for a tour valued at $4500. Attendees will also need to cover some evening meals and any travel and accommodation pre and post bus tour. Cancellations less than one month prior to the tour will forgo the co-contribution.
Tour highlights:
Mt Riddock Station - Located north-east of Alice Springs, Mt Riddock has been under the careful management of the Cadzow family since 1986. We will meet with property owners Steven and Rebecca Cadzow and see first-hand how they have invested in developing infrastructure to implement a rotational grazing program. Take a sneak peak at the work being undertaken at Mt Riddock on this Central Station podcast,
Old Man Plains Research Station - Located 20km south-west of Alice Springs, this property has been trialing and showcasing cattle management practices and best practice rangeland management techniques since 2004. The long-term research trials underway here encompass a large range of seasonal conditions and are revealing interesting results in native pasture management practices.
Curtain Springs - We'll be learning from hosts Lyndee and Ashley about streamlining their business and how they have diversified.
De Rose Hill
| Date | Itinerary | Information |
| 25 October | Bus departs Adelaide | Pick up locations available between Adelaide and Coober Pedy |
| 26 October | Bus departs Coober Pedy | Pickup location available between Coober Pedy and NT border |
| 26 October – 30 October | Bus tour locations TBA | Accommodation at Alice Springs |
| 31 October | Bus returns to Coober Pedy | Drop off locations available between NT Border and Coober Pedy |
| 1 November | Bus returns to Adelaide | Drop off locations available between Adelaide and Coober Pedy |
Apply at https://landscape.smartygrants.com.au/2026NTbustour
Applications close 5pm Tuesday 30 June 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by Wednesday 15 July of their position.