King of the Ranges
Our Story
Archibald 'Bung' McInnes (1885-1940)
The inspiration for the King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge is Archie ‘Bung’ McInnes. Archie was known far and wide as the ‘King of the Ranges’ for his ability to track and catch wild brumbies and cattle in the ranges around the Upper Hunter and his ability to ride a buck jumper.
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.
Tales of local stockman, Archie 'Bung' McInnes (b. 1885) inspire the King of the Ranges legend. Archie spent his life working on local cattle stations Tomalla and Glenrock had a cheeky grin with a reputation for modesty, loyalty, generosity, a great sense of humour and gameness. Only a few could match his exceptional skills in the saddle or the bush.
With a strong sense of Australian pride and adventure, Archie enlisted at the outbreak of World War 1 and saw 3 years of service as a trooper with the 1st Australian Light Horse Regiment, he was seriously wounded at Beersheba, Palestine and later decorated with the Military Medal. Although never one to brag, his citation tells of a courageous man with a cool head and great daring.
After the war, Archie continued as a stockman and champion buckjumper and was known far and wide as 'King of the Ranges' for his rodeo success and horsemanship in difficult terrain.
Archie died in 1940 on Glenrock Station exactly as he wished 'with my boots on and in the saddle.'
Barry Moss, nephew of Bung McInnes, has been instrumental in building KOTR since its inception.
Fast forward over 100 years to the stockmen and women who created and continue to build 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.
More about Archie's life can be found in the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre.
King of the Ranges is a not for profit community group, run by volunteers.
The King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge & Bush Festival was established on the 22 September 2003.
