An iconic heritage property
in the heart of the Outback, for unforgettable events.
Experience the beauty charm history romance
of Drovers
Welcome to The Drovers Place — your premier boutique events venue in the heart of Outback Queensland, Longreach.
Our unique property combines historic charm with modern luxury, offering the perfect setting for unforgettable destination events. Whether you’re planning a romantic wedding, a corporate gathering, or a special celebration, our versatile indoor and outdoor spaces can be tailored to suit your vision.
From the rustic elegance of the RM Williams-built stone cottage to the expansive open-air pavilion surrounded by native gardens, every detail at The Drovers Place tells a story. Our flexible packages allow you to choose from fully catered experiences to BYO options, ensuring your event reflects your personal style.
Experience the magic of The Drovers Place — where heritage charm meets modern sophistication. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
DISCOVER LONGREACH
The Heart of Outback Queensland
Just over two hours from Brisbane by air, Longreach is the ultimate destination for your next event. Home to iconic attractions like the Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Outback Heritage Centre and the Qantas Founders Museum, it’s where history meets celebration.
At the heart of it all is The Drovers Place — Longreach’s premier function and event centre, blending outback charm with modern luxury.
a story unlike any other
THE HISTORY OF DROVERS
Drovers is more than just a venue
—it’s a living piece of Australian history.
Drovers is a legacy of resilience, innovation, and community.
It’s the story of how a small group of people came together to create something special, something that would last for generations.
Crafting History — The Story of the Cottage
Built between 1981 and 1982 by the legendary RM Williams, the cottage is a testament to craftsmanship and dedication. At 70 years old, RM Williams personally cut each sandstone block from Leander Station, 30 km east of Winton. He even sourced marble slabs from Marble Bar, creating a truly one-of-a-kind structure. The first stone was laid by none other than Australian country music icon Slim Dusty, marking the start of an incredible journey.
One of the most fascinating tales from the construction is how RM Williams enlisted the help of “Lena,” an 80-year-old elephant from the Soul Brothers Circus, to lift the short timber beams into place. The timber itself was hand-cut with an axe by Cyril Dahl from Bundaberg. To shape the sandstone, RM Williams used a diamond-tipped rock-cutting saw, specially made for the project, which remains on display at the venue today.
Honouring a Legacy
The cottage has long been known as the Bruce Yeates Cottage, named after Dr. Bruce Yeates, the first Chairman of the Stockman’s Hall of Fame Board of Directors and a close friend of RM Williams.
Following Dr. Yeates’ passing in 2003, the cottage was officially renamed the Bruce Yeates Memorial Cottage during the 25th Anniversary of the Hall of Fame, honouring his legacy.
A New Beginning
Years later, the cottage and function venue fell into disuse, closing for nearly seven years after the days of the Cattleman’s Bar & Grill. In a twist of fate, Cody and Rachael, future part-owners of The Drovers Place, discovered the venue while planning their own wedding.
Inspired by the cottage’s rich history and undeniable charm, they envisioned The Drovers Place as a destination events venue that could be enjoyed by people from Longreach, Queensland, Australia, and beyond.
Their dream became reality, and now The Drovers Place stands as a unique and timeless venue, perfect for weddings, corporate events, and special celebrations.
Come experience property’s blend of historic charm and modern amenities that ensures a seamless and unforgettable event!
Cody & Rachael