Major aggregations, elite dairy and a Rinehart divestment

Wattle Range Portfolio offers institutional-scale opportunity in South Australia’s Limestone Coast

Size: 5,485ha
Location: Wattle Range, SA
Sale method: Expression of Interest, closing March 12, at 12pm (AEDT)
Price guide: N/A

A large-scale South Australian agricultural holding offering institutional-grade scale and flexibility has been brought to market, with the Wattle Range Portfolio listed for sale either as a single aggregation or as three separate assets.

The Wattle Range Portfolio comprises about 5,485ha of freehold land in South Australia’s Limestone Coast, located roughly 25km west of Penola.

The tightly held Wattle Range region is known for its productive soils, dependable rainfall and diversity of agricultural enterprises, including livestock, cropping, dairy, forestry, horticulture and viticulture.

The portfolio is divided into three parcels: the Northern Aggregation spanning 2,769ha, the Central Aggregation covering 1,451ha and the Southern Aggregation totalling 1,265ha.

Each aggregation receives average annual rainfall of about 656mm.

As part of the sale process, existing blue gum forestry plantations across the portfolio will be retained under leaseback arrangements, with varying timelines allowing investor possession through to 2030.

This structure enables the vendor to complete plantation harvests and undertake remediation works, with the land to be fully cleared, ploughed and transitioned back to agricultural use for the incoming buyer.

Once remediation is finalised, the portfolio is expected to comprise about 4,52ha, or 82%, of productive agricultural land, alongside 961ha of native vegetation and support land.

LAWD lead agent Danny Thomas said the leasing and remediation arrangements provided a compelling proposition for large-scale investors.

“These arrangements ensure there is a de-risked transition to agricultural use, as well as offering long-term investment flexibility for prospective buyers,” Mr Thomas said.

“Whether the Portfolio is divided and purchased separately, or acquired as a whole, investors will benefit from gaining a substantial foothold in this highly productive region.”

The land is predominantly flat to gently undulating and sits over the Gambier limestone formation, with access to an extensive unconfined aquifer supporting year-round farm production.

There is also potential to acquire additional water rights, subject to approvals, through the Lower Limestone Coast Prescribed Wells Area.

The Wattle Range Portfolio is being offered for sale by Expression of Interest, closing at 12pm (AEDT) March 12 2026.

Iconic Newbury Farm offers scale and heritage near Moss Vale

Size: 407ha
Location: Moss Vale, NSW
Sale method: Expressions of interest close March 20 at 4pm AEDT.
Price guide: N/A

One of the Southern Highlands’ most tightly held rural estates has been released to the market, with the 407ha Newbury Farm offering rare scale, history and strategic upside just minutes from Moss Vale.

Marketed by Inglis Rural Property in conjunction with Elders Real Estate, Newbury Farm is being offered for sale via expressions of interest, either as a single holding or as three separate parcels. 

The property spans across five titles and is regarded as one of the most significant rural offerings to emerge in the region in recent years.

Originally granted in 1822, Newbury Farm has remained within the same family lineage for generations and has changed hands only four times in more than 200 years. 

Its proximity to Moss Vale, less than 2km from the town’s urban boundary and around 90 minutes from Sydney, underpins both its operational appeal and long-term land banking and subdivision potential, subject to approval.

Inglis Rural Property agent Liam Griffiths said opportunities of this calibre were seldom seen in the Southern Highlands. 
“Newbury Farm is a truly iconic Southern Highlands holding,” he said.

“Opportunities of this scale, history and proximity to Moss Vale are exceptionally rare. 

“The property offers immediate agricultural strength combined with long-term strategic upside, appealing to both astute investors and high-quality owner-operators.”

The gently undulating property comprises a mix of fertile creek flats and accessible grazing land, suited to livestock production, fodder cropping, mixed farming or stud operations. 

About 82% of the land is arable, supported by an average annual rainfall of about 810mm and a strong perennial pasture base.
Water security is a key feature, with a 160ML water entitlement under the Sydney Basin Nepean Groundwater Source, frontage to the Medway Rivulet and Whites Creek, spring-fed dams, bores, reticulated trough systems, header tank storage and a town water connection. 

An established irrigation platform includes four non-commissioned centre pivot irrigators, providing future production upside.
Improvements include steel cattle yards, machinery and hay sheds, workshop facilities, efficient laneways and all-weather access. 

Accommodation is anchored by the historic Newbury Homestead, dating to circa 1820, with two additional cottages providing flexibility for family, guests or staff.

Elders Real Estate agent Chris Malone said the property stood out in the current market. 

“The combination of water security, fertile country, multiple titles and location positions Newbury Farm as one of the most compelling rural offerings we’ve seen in the region for many years,” he said.

Expressions of interest close March 20 at 4pm AEDT.

Elite Western District dairy aggregation sold to multiple buyers

Size: 1018ha
Location: Simpson, VIC
Price: NA

One of Western Victoria’s most tightly held large-scale dairy enterprises has changed hands, with the majority of the 1,018ha Hilltop Aggregation near Simpson sold to multiple buyers in a transaction that underscores continued demand for premium, infrastructure-rich livestock assets.

Located about 8.5km south of Simpson in the state’s renowned Western District, the Hilltop Aggregation has been sold following a campaign handled by Elders Real Estate in conjunction with Charles Stewart & Co. 

The aggregation was initially offered as either a whole or three contingent assets - Hilltop (307ha), Bailey Park (310ha) and Westside (401ha). 

The vendors were the Leslie Manor Trust, which is an investment trust for the O’Brien family.

They have opted to keep the majority of the Bailey Park asset, with three other buyers securing the remainder. 

The majority of the Hilltop milking herd has also sold. No sale prices for the aggregation or the livestock have been disclosed.
Charles Stewart & Co Manager Michael Stewart said the scale and level of development on the holding set it apart within the region.

“ It's pretty unique, the size and scale of the property,” he said.

“Even though it has gone to more than one buyer, the amenities of the property and the improvements on the place make it a very unique type of property for the area. It’s a very well set up and appointed property.”

The aggregation has operated as a high-performing commercial dairy enterprise, most recently milking an elite herd of 550 to 600 cows three times per day, supported by associated dry stock and followers.

Key infrastructure includes a fully automated 60-stand rotary dairy with advanced technology, two large compost barns totalling almost 25,000sq m, extensive staff accommodation, quality shedding and more than 9,000sq m of concrete silage storage.
The property also offers flexibility beyond dairy, with council permits in place for intensive livestock development, including a current licence for a 2,800-head feedlot, alongside reliable water resources, irrigated fodder production and an established pasture improvement program.

Gina Rinehart to sell Rockybank aggregation as foreign land tax costs soar

Size: 14,600ha
Location: Western Queensland
Price guide: N/A

A joint venture involving Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, and a Chinese investor has moved to sell a major cattle aggregation in western Queensland, citing the escalating cost of foreign land tax as the decisive factor.

S Kidman & Co, which is jointly owned by Hancock Prospecting and China’s Shanghai Cred, has listed the 14,600ha Rockybank aggregation near Roma, along with two associated properties in the Maranoa region.

The decision follows a sharp increase in Queensland’s foreign land tax, which applies to freehold land where there is any level of foreign ownership.

Despite Shanghai Cred holding only a one-third minority stake in S Kidman & Co, Rockybank is captured under the tax provisions, with annual liabilities projected to approach $1 million in coming years.

Rockybank is regarded as a premium beef grazing and stud breeding enterprise, specialising in Wagyu beef production and bull breeding. The property forms a key part of S Kidman & Co’s broader pastoral operations in southern Queensland.

Also offered for sale are the Holyrood (4844ha) and South Maffra (1567ha) properties, which have been used primarily for bull breeding and backgrounding within the company’s network. 

Without Rockybank as the central asset in the Roma aggregation, the loss of operational scale has made the remaining holdings commercially unviable to run independently.

The foreign land tax was introduced by a previous Queensland Labor government and was originally aimed at metropolitan residential and commercial property, but has since affected agricultural holdings. The current LNP government has not altered the policy.

The sale process is now underway, with agents and valuers engaged, and the company says it is working closely with employees throughout the transition.

Revised price brings Martins Well Station back to market

Size: 105,000ha
Location: Martins Well, SA
Sale method: Private treaty
Price guide: $6.75 million

A large-scale sheep and cattle property on the edge of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, has returned to the market with a revised asking price of $6.75 million after failing to sell at auction in November.

The 105,000ha Martins Well Station failed to sell under auction conditions in November and is now being remarketed, offering prospective buyers a rare opportunity to secure a large-scale pastoral holding with strong water security, upgraded infrastructure and scope for further development.

Located about 90km north-east of Hawker and roughly a six-hour drive from Adelaide via the Clare Valley, Martins Well Station spans 1,050sq km and is currently destocked due to dry conditions. 

Once seasonal conditions return, the property has a maximum carrying capacity of 12,900 sheep or 2,580 cattle.
The station features a mix of land systems interspersed with ranges and creek lines that create localised flood-out areas, supported by a long-term average annual rainfall of 200 millimetres.

Colliers National Director of Agribusiness Jesse Manuel said the property offered flexibility for both sheep and cattle operations. 
“Martins Well is a versatile pastoral property with quality livestock infrastructure suitable for both sheep and cattle, including a 7-stand shearing shed, cattle yards, as well as various holding yards and two crutching sheds,” he said.

Water security was a standout feature, he added. 

“A major feature of Martins Well is its water security, with its extensive supplies of quality water from multiple sources including 17 equipped bores, multiple dams and semi-permanent and permanent water holes.

“Martins Well also features Farmbot remote water monitoring units which is used across the station, offering operational efficiencies and savings on maintenance and running costs.”

General manager Wendy O’Neill said her time at the station had been deeply rewarding. “To have been able to combine our passions of agriculture, tourism and conservation on such an amazing property, in a special part of the world has been a dream come true,” she said.

Colliers National Director of Agribusiness Tim Altschwager said the revised price presented a rare opportunity.

 “The vendor’s revised asking price of $6.75 million, plus plant and equipment represents exceptional value and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to break into a very tightly held pastoral region,” he said.

Kylie Dulhunty is a journalist with more than 20 years experience covering everything from court to health. Today, Kylie loves nothing more than turning market trends, industry insights and epic property sales - residential, rural and commercial into captivating stories.