Plan of Stock Route Hughenden to Cloncur…

Scarce large scale map of the stock routed from Hughenden to Cloncurry in north west Queensland.

Stock routes have been part of Queensland’s rural history for more than 150 years, evolving as settlers drove stock along corridors that followed river systems, indigenous trade routes and trails. Between 1860–1890, established stock routes were recognised and dedicated as roads. Use declined in the 1950s and 1960s when road improvements made road transport more convenient and efficient. Recently, increases in fuel prices and continuing drought have made the stock route network a cost-effective alternative for moving stock and a vital source of pasture for emergency grazing.