This trail runs the length of the rugged Great Dividing Range through national parks, private property and alongside wilderness areas.
It was originally intended for horses, but is these days promoted also for cycling and walking, though it is not yet entirely suited to these two activities.
The development of this idea was left to a committee led by R. M. Williams and coordinated and planned by Brian Taylor[4] in co-operation with the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association affiliated clubs, farmers, landowners and government agencies.
Seymour volunteered to ride the Trail and set off from Ferntree Gully, Victoria in February 1972 with two saddle horses, a packhorse and 'Bluey', his blue heeler cattle dog.
Dan's journey, which was regularly reported, created increased interest in the formation of the Trail.In 1978 the first mail was carried along the route, initially known as the National Horse Trail, from Cooktown by a group of registered riders.