IMAGINE draught horses, camels, bullocks and donkeys all working together in teams and you've got an idea of a unique tribute idea that will soon come to life in Barellan.
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Teams of all of these animals will head off on an eight-day drive to celebrate the draught teams which built the nation.
Aside from bringing Australia's pioneering heritage to life, the Tribute to the Teams Drive on September 22 to 29 will also raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease research and awareness.
Some of the most experienced teamsters in the country are heading the drive and a limited number of people will be allowed to experience the campfires, swags, bush tucker and yarns.
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Participants can either spend a couple of days or an entire week with the wagons.
The Tribute to the Teams Drive will leave Barellan showground on September 22 and will travel about 100km following the old stock routes.
The first stop will be Moombooldool, then on to Kamarah, Ardlethan, the former site of Mrs Hilton's Inn, several private properties and return to Barellan showground on September 29.
Among those taking part will be Central Australian cameleer and founding father of the Alice Springs Camel Cup, Chris Hill, will bring a camel team and drive alongside master horseman Bruce Bandy, of Barellan, with his eight-horse team.
Previous Tribute to the Teams Drives have involved horse and bullock teams and were held to Yenda and Kamarah, raising several thousand dollars for MND.
Mr Bandy is also the drive co-ordinator and said this was the first time the event would accommodate paying passengers.
"This may be a one-off opportunity for people to join one of the most unique drives ever seen in modern times around the nation," he said.
"In the past, we have been on smaller drives with the horse teams to increase the horse's fitness for taking part in the Good Old Days Festival.
"We will be following the stock routes away from the main roads, sleep under the stars and eat our meals around a campfire.
"The drive will be at slow pace allowing everyone to experience the beauty of the landscape and natural environment, and escape the pressures of modern life for a while."
The cost is $960 for the full eight days or $120 per day.
For more information contact Bruce Bandy on 0427 630 188 or Sheryl Conlan on 0429 683 246 or email sherylconlan@hotmail.com.
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