The station’s original work ute was often a white Ford Falcon XH. With its “Barra” engine lineage (the XH used the earlier OHC six), these vehicles were famous for being driven hard and put away wet. In the show, you’d see these utes carrying everything from veterinary supplies to newly purchased calves. Their dilapidated, dusty appearance added authenticity.
No discussion of Australian station vehicles is complete without mentioning the Nissan Patrol. While the Defender and Land Cruiser got most of the screen time, the GQ Patrol (Y60) frequently appeared as a background vehicle, used by neighboring stations like Killarney or by visiting stock agents. mcleod 39s daughters cars
The Patrol was often portrayed as the “other” 4x4—slightly less refined than the Land Cruiser but equally capable. In many scenes involving mustering or boundary checks, you could spot a boxy Patrol with a distinct grille and high-mounted air intake (snorkel). It represented the diversity of real-world outback choices, where brand loyalty runs as deep as family feuds. The station’s original work ute was often a
Vehicle: Range Rover / Luxury 4WDs Driver: Tess Silverman McLeod (initially) Their dilapidated, dusty appearance added authenticity
When Tess first arrived at Drovers Run, her vehicle choice was a clear narrative device to show her separation from the land.
When the women of Drover’s Run needed to drive into town for supplies, a dance, or a crisis at the local pub (The Gungellan Hotel), they often took a Holden Commodore. Usually a base-model wagon or sedan in a faded silver or white, the Commodore represented the bridge between the rugged station life and semi-civilization. Its ubiquity on Australian roads made it a relatable, almost invisible, character—until it broke down dramatically during a rainstorm, as they often did.
The late Jack McLeod (John Jarratt) was often seen behind the wheel of a vintage HJ Holden ute from the 1970s. This model, with its curved lines and simple bench seat, represented the old guard—the generation that built Drover’s Run with sweat and stubbornness. Keeping that ute running was a matter of pride and memory.