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Mustering was once considered a good option for low hour pilots, it is still an option but like other areas of the helicopter industry you need ground experience first. If you do not have cattle experience not many operators will let you in the air and not many station owners will let you chase their cattle. However there is the odd station around that will put you in a helicopter straight away so it is just a matter of finding them. Some of the larger mustering operations do employ fresh CPL's and your chances are a lot higher if you have previous cattle experience. You will generally serve time in the hanger with the odd ferry or maintenance flight thrown in. Cattle experience is quite easy to find with a lot of stations even employing backpackers with little or no experience. Some of the duties as a station hand include:

• Mustering on motorbikes, horses or in vehicles
• yard work-drafting, castrating, de-horning, ear marking, branding, drenching
• fencing 
• bore runs
• vehicle maintenance

Working in the outback is a unique experience; it is not for everyone but most people look back fondly on their time in the outback. You gain not only cattle experience but many other practical skills that you would otherwise not attempt. You will work long days and can sometimes work for weeks without a day off if things are busy. Each station is different, some are quite modern and have great facilities for staff while others are more basic. It is a good idea to find out as much as information as you can before heading out so you are not too surprised or disappointed when you arrive and start work.  A lot of stations are limited in what they can get done by either the Wet season in the North of the country and the heat further South so you have to get as much done as you can.