In 2024 a group of enthusiasts embarked on a journey across 1000 km of stock routes by horseback and on foot from Goondiwindi to Tocumwal under the banner “Azadi” with a view to publicising the value of the stock route network for outdoor recreation. They have produced an account of their ride Azadi Far Ride to the Murray 2024 in the form of a feasibility study for development of the stock route network for livestock and tourism.
“This feasibility report explores the potential of recreational slow-travel eco-tourism initiatives along Australian stock routes. Drawing insights from the successful completion of the Azadi Far Ride… the report assesses the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting slow travel along these historic cultural pathways. By leveraging slow travel as a sustainable approach to tourism, the report aims to enhance cultural preservation, support local economies, and ensure the long-term preservation and viability of Australian stock routes.”
Author Shané Steffen has advised QSN that “The award winning documentary and feasibility report we created from that journey became reference documents for the next five year NSW Stock Route State Management Plan”. The documentary has been uploaded to Youtube – it is an unlisted link (can’t search for it) but anyone with the link can view it. https://youtu.be/p5qNtPJ8Zvc.
Also that the group proposes four forthcoming expeditions including a dedicated geotrail focusing on the values stock routes bring: environmental significance; geotourism potential; cultural heritage (both pastoral and First Nations; and economic impact.
The group has also written a submission to the Queensland Government (Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport) titled Destination 2045.
“The Azadi Far Ride project is an initiative dedicated to promoting slow travel tourism in Australia, with a particular focus on leveraging the state’s unique cultural, historical, and natural asset – the stock routes. Our submission provides feedback on the development of Queensland’s next 20-year
tourism plan, with a focus on the key areas of ecotourism, 2032 legacy, investment attraction, tourism experience development, access and connectivity, and events delivery.”