Sunsets, saddles & Shiraz - Cattle droving in Australia

With the Outback likely to be on many people’s wish list after seeing Baz Luhrmann's epic movie Australia, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, which hits the screens on Boxing Day, Bridge & Wickers has added a new cattle droving tour in South Australia to its stock of Down Under holiday options for 2009.

Luhrmann’s inspiration for Australia came after he joined The 2005 Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive. Thousands of cattle were herded in the legendary cattle drives of old, and these events hope to recreate the glory years. The next opportunity to experience the Great Cattle Drive is not until 2010, but for those who cannot wait, Bridge & Wickers will offer a taster of what’s to come.

The three-night itinerary, called ‘Sunsets, Saddles & Shiraz’, combines the romance of cattle droving with gourmet food and wine, native wildlife and the stunning scenery of the Flinders Ranges. Working alongside drovers, it will appeal to anyone with a degree of riding experience as well as a passion for the great outdoors. Two nights are spent camping or sleeping under the stars in a 'swag' around a campfire, another in the award-winning Parachilna's Prairie Hotel, renowned for its speciality 'feral food' including kangaroo, emu, camel, native limes and bush tomatoes.

The tour costs £1,795 per person including all meals and drinks, live entertainment and a Wallaby Watch tour with Bridge & Wickers (bridgeandwickers.co.uk). Departure dates are available in March, May, July and October.