It all began in 2001 when Upper Hunter stockmen competed in the Man from Snowy River Stockman’s Challenge in Corryong Victoria. Enthused by the concept, volunteers formed the King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge with a mission to preserve and bring to public attention the traditional skills of Australian stockmanship and bushcraft.

The inaugural event was held in 2004 in the historic Upper Hunter township of Murrurundi and where in 2024, King of the Ranges will celebrate 20 years of heritage Stockman’s Challenges.