Goulburn provided insufficient outlets for Durack's energy, land hunger and organizing powers.

Along with his brother Michael and brother-in-law John Costello, they set out to establish a property in South West Queensland in 1863.

Drought conditions almost killed the men, but they continued around the country pegging claims to some 44,000 square kilometres (17,000 sq mi).

They left in 1879 with 7250 breeding cattle and 200 horses, heading for the Kimberley region of Western Australia near Kununurra, arriving in 1882.

The 4,800-kilometre (3,000 mi) journey of cattle to stock Argyle Downs and Ivanhoe Station is the longest of its type ever recorded.