Stratford is in the elevated Desert Uplands Bioregion. These naturally open desert woodlands with native grasses and ancient red sandy soils are rich in biodiversity and intact ecosystems.
Characteristic of the southern Desert Uplands Bioregion, Stratford Station is naturally-open desert woodlands with native grasses and ancient red sandy soils. Though generally dry, these endemic, intact and naturally-functioning ecosystems are rich in biodiversity. This working cattle property boasts diverse and spectacular landscapes and environs, rich in birdlife and native fauna and flora.
Come off the now-sealed Jericho-Blackall Road, through the front gate onto the graded dirt road in. Close the gate, stop the car and get out. Take in the smells, the sounds, kick the ground, how many different trees are there?
You will be a guest on Wadjabangayi Lands, Stratford Country and where cattle freely and actively graze. Reflect on and respect all those who’ve come before you. The tall Indigenous Australians who lived here so well for so long; and left so much for you to see, touch, feel, hear and be moved by. Then over a century ago, those earlier adventurers on horseback looking for opportunities, water, grazing lands and places to safely settle and prosper.
Stratford Country is the place to truly feel and appreciate the ancient, the past and a calm and strong present/presence. Let the stories, the depth and the detail unfold as this rich tapestry is stitched-out before you by two articulate, passionate guides and hosts – Barry, a Custodial Elder and Robyn, the land and cattle manageress, both with deep knowledge of these eco-rich environs.
A vast array of flora and birdlife is on display during wet seasons, as the desert flushes and pulses, rebirthing and regenerating.
Spectacular colours of the outback then welcome you for the generally drier winter season.
As your co-host, Robyn gifts you a refreshing, contemporary interpretation of the above composite, revealing how she now monitors, manages and cares for her cattle and country through these life-giving & affirming changes.
Stratford’s herd has a Droughtmaster base, a Queensland-developed cattle breed that combines the favourable genetics of both European (Bos Taurus) and India & Africa (Bos Indicus) to proficiently grow, reproduce and make quality beef in these arid rangeland conditions. As a self-replacing breeder enterprise, the better female calves are selected to replace the cast-for-age females or those failing to either conceive, raise a calf, be quiet & calm enough or be constitutionally strong enough. With only select purchases of stud stock for genetic gains, it is considered a closed herd. Combined with control mating, this conserves that preferred typography, improves production predictibility and preserves biosecurity levels, the later explained ensuring your visitation doesn’t breach.
This self-replacing breeder enterprise is a sustainable and efficient way to manage cattle in such dry, wooded grasslands, producing high-quality grazen beef and prizewinning steers from quiet, productive cows. Considered and strategic control of cattle grazing ensures pastures continue to regenerate through the seasons. You’ll experience first-hand the joys, complexities and challenges of this rangeland production using modern regenerative land management practices; and meet some of Robyn’s near thousand cattle as they contentedly graze, browse, walk, drink, ruminate and rest.
Please note:
- Because this is the outback, the Australian critters are all around, so please make sure you have sturdy, suitable, closed-in footwear and long pants. Hats and a handy water bottle are advisable too.
- Generators are allowed. We ask that they only be operated between 9am and 6pm.
- Being remote, you may experience ‘digital detox’ time as there is very limited telephone reception.