The Bullocky’s Way
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The Bullocky Legacy
A Tribute to the Bullock Teams
Long before trucks and machinery carved paths through the ranges, it was the bullock teams that did the heavy lifting—literally. These mighty animals, guided by skilled teamsters, hauled enormous logs across treacherous terrain, shaping the timber industry and the townships that grew around it. From steep hairpin bends in Bellthorpe to creek crossings and calico camps, the bullocky’s way was one of grit, patience, and unbreakable bond between man and beast. This page pays tribute to their legacy—through rare photographs, colourful local stories, and the unforgettable names of those who drove the teams that powered a community.
Muscle, Mud and Mighty Loads
These powerful bullock teams were the true engines of the early timber industry. Through thick bush, steep terrain, and often knee-deep mud, they hauled massive Blue Gums and Ironbarks out of the forests and into the sawmills. Each team tells a story of strength, endurance, and teamwork—between the bullocks, their master, and the unforgiving landscape. Captured in these remarkable photographs are the quiet giants of our past and the men who worked beside them, shaping a region one log at a time.
Image Left: Ned Johnstone, Bill Johnstone and Ernie Eaton Archer Street Woodford. Blue Gum log measuring 2370 super feet.
Lawrence Murphy With his bullock team on Dunning’s Flat Old Cove Road
Ken Paulus loading logs with Bessie Paulus
Henry Fogg’s team early 1900’s
Harry Cannon’s team in front of his home northern end of Archer Street
George Draper and his team 1950
Ernie Eaton’s team.
In front of Harry Cannon’s home
Jackie Ahern off loading logs at D’Aguilar Railway Station.
The boy on the right is Bert Tracey.
Three teams meet at Neurum Creek
Headlines from the Tracks and Trails
These original newspaper cuttings offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily life and drama of the bullocky era—from road damage caused by heavy loads to daring tales on treacherous bends. Whether it was the controversial Wheel Tax or near disasters on Bellthorpe’s hairpin bends, these stories highlight the challenges faced by those working the land with bullocks. Slide through to explore moments of hardship, humour, and history, captured in print.
To offset the damage caused by horses and bullock wagons to public roads
Harold Mason recalls, the entire load – and his team – slide 50 yards down the embankment.
Known as ‘Calico Corner’ this was a popular bush camp where bullock drivers and timber cutters.
Bob Gentry outside his Calico Home
Known as ‘Calico Corner’ on Cove Road
A Roll Call of the Team Masters
Behind every bullock team was a master of patience, grit, and incredible skill. These men knew the land, the weight of timber, and the temperament of every animal in their care. As a tribute to those who worked the tracks and trails of the region, Doug Cannon compiled a list of the teamsters he could recall—men who helped shape the timber industry with every load hauled and every track carved.
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We’re on the lookout for local memories, photos, and memorabilia that tell the stories of our community.
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& Every 3rd Sunday
Address
109 Archer Street, Woodford, Queensland, Australia,
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Woodford Country Markets
are held on the 3rd Sunday of
each month from 7am to noon.