The founder of the Hall of Fame was artist Hugh Sawrey, a well-known painter and former stockman, who had the name registered in 1974, put up the initial funding, and enlisted supporters.

[1] Longreach was chosen as the location because of its historical role as a stock route junction and because of its current transport links.

The structure was designed by Sydney architect Feiko Bouman and provides 2,500 square metres (27,000 sq ft) of usable floor space.

In 2009, as part of the Q150 celebrations, the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame was announced as one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland for its role as a "location".

[5] A restored Queen Air plane hangs from the ceiling in a display about the Royal Flying Doctor Service.