ACTION STATION

Diversification is the key to survival in tough times for the Walker family in central-western Queensland.

- KIRSTY MCKENZIE

Diversify or die is the mantra in the bush these days, and it's an approach the Walker family has taken to heart at Camden Park, their 18,500-acre (7486-hectare) property near Longreach in central-western Queensland.

Camden Park has been owned by the Walkers since 1962, when James (later Sir James) bought the station. Today it is run by his grandsons, James and Daniel, known to all as Outback Dan. James and his wife, Mannie, and their children Sophia, Chloe and James live in the original homestead, while Dan and his wife, Brooke, live with their sons Harley and Ardie.

Dan and Brooke lost their little girl, Willow, several years ago, but with typical bush resilience and a lot of community support, they are working together to deal with the tragedy. James and Dan's sister, Tania, and her family now live in Brisbane, as do their parents, David and Lyn, but all are frequent visitors to Camden Park.

Inevitably, through the years, the Walkers have weathered many rural challenges including floods, droughts, bushfires and bovine brucellosis, which has been eradicated in Australia since 1989. More recently, in response to the past decade of drought, they've ventured into all manner of innovations, which have allowed them to stay on-farm and continue to earn a living.