Mustering at McArthur River Station is a noisy mix of dust, dirt, and expert horse skills

Dust-filled nostrils and grit in the eyes are givens when rounding up hundreds of cattle in the outback. It's early morning, but the team at McArthur River Station, about 80 kilometres south of Borroloola near the Gulf of Carpentaria, is already tearing through the dusty scrubland trying to corral 400 head of cattle. McArthur River Station manager Chris Bateman says safety is a priority at the station, and he loves teaching the next generation the ins and outs of the cattle industry. While every cattle station in Australia has its own way of mustering, Mr Bateman, who's managed McArthur River Station for the past six years, prefers mustering to be done on horseback. 'We're in full swing' It's Tilly Metcalf's second year at McArthur River Station and she says it's been a great start to the season.