Windorah Water Tank Art - Queensland

Completed in October 2019, this stunning artwork was brought to life by the collaboration of David W Houghton, @rc_collective, MR MUPZ, and RAAAANJS.

The mural, which adorns a water tank in Windorah, captures a scene that reflects the changing methods of cattle mustering in outback Australia, where tradition meets modern technology.

In the past, rounding up cattle on Australian outback farms was an exclusively manual and often laborious task, carried out by skilled cowboys using horses and cattle dogs. These animals played an essential role in guiding and managing herds across vast, rugged terrains. However, as time has passed and technology has advanced, newer tools have become indispensable in the process.

Today, trail bikes and helicopters have become crucial to the task of mustering cattle across the sprawling properties of rural Australia.

The mural beautifully depicts this modern mustering process, showcasing the daring and risky nature of the job.

The scene illustrates cowboys using a mix of traditional horseback methods alongside the more contemporary tools of the trade, such as quad bikes and helicopters. The artwork vividly conveys the bravery and skill involved in getting up close with stray cattle, a task that requires both precision and courage, regardless of the vehicle or method being employed.

The mural also highlights the use of small, highly maneuverable helicopters, which have become a common sight on many large stations across Australia. These helicopters are capable of flying as low as 300 feet, allowing musterers to herd cattle efficiently over vast expanses of land.

 While the helicopters have revolutionized the cattle mustering process, their use comes with significant risks. Tragically, each year, an average of ten helicopter musterers lose their lives in crashes, a sobering reminder of the dangerous nature of this profession.



Through this artwork, the Windorah water tank not only celebrates the history and evolution of cattle mustering in Australia but also pays tribute to the resilience and dedication of those who work in the industry, often under challenging and perilous conditions. The mural offers a powerful visual narrative of the changing face of Australian farming and the courage it takes to work in such an unforgiving landscape.