Murrurundi NSW

May 4th - 6th 2012

Copyright © King of the Ranges 2012.  

Web site design by Susan Chacksfield

Inspired by the legendary                Archie “Bung” McInnes

The inspiration for the Challenge, Archie was known throughout the Hunter Valley and Northwest Region of NSW as “King of the Ranges” for his ability to track and catch wild brumbies and cattle in the ranges around “Glenrock Station” east of Scone.

At the outbreak of World War 1 Arch joined the 1st Battalion Light Horse, was seriously wounded at the battle of Beersheba, and decorated with the Military Medal. He returned after the war and continued his life as a stockman and champion buck-jumper.

Archie was a true bush legend, and his spirit lives on in this iconic Australian event.

Murrurundi’s Bush Carnival was founded in 1932. The first rodeo was held that year together with Willow Tree and Scone, starting with Willow Tree Rodeo in October, followed by Murrurundi and then Scone. The Rodeo was always held over a Friday and Saturday.  (There were no Rodeos anywhere on Sundays). The Rodeo was held each year until the outbreak of World War Two in 1939. It was restarted in 1947 and has run until the present time.

One feature of the history is that the first Secretary was Paddy Gogarly and he held that position from 1932 to 1960. The first ever meeting to form an Association was held at the back of the camp in 1939. The next meeting never took place until 1946 when the Northern Bushman’s Carnival (N.B.C.) was formed which later became the Australian Bushman’s Carnival (A.B.C.) and then as we know today the Australian Bushman’s Carnival and Rodeo Association (A.B.C.R.A.).

Murrurundi, Willow Tree and Scone had their own team of Buckjumpers for many years until Stock Contactors were introduced. The Buckjumpers were run year round on local properties.