Each week, we take the pulse of rural property — from sales data to who’s making headlines.
Size:19,734ha
Location: Langlo, QLD
Price: More than $11.1 million
A significant cattle grazing property in southwest Queensland has changed hands for only the second time in more than a century, with Wadeholme Station selling in a post-auction deal.
The 19,734ha station, located near Langlo and 96km northwest of Charleville, was offered to the market by Garry Washbrook, ending 42 years of ownership by the Washbrook family.
The sale was finalised following an auction held at the Charleville RSL on Wednesday, June 18, where bidding reached $11.1 million before the property was passed in.
A deal was subsequently struck with one of the original bidders for an undisclosed sum believed to exceed the $11.1 million bid.
Wadeholme is a well-regarded grazing asset, featuring soft country types and a mix of timbers including Gidyea, Brigalow, Box, Sandalwood, and Mulga, set on red to chocolate soils.
About 8,800ha have been historically cleared, supporting well-established buffel grass, natural grasses, salines and herbages.
The property sits adjacent to the 30,759ha Noella Station, which sold in 2023 for $27 million.
That transaction saw Brangus breeders Adrian and Megan Forrest acquire the holding from Chinese company Mathew’s Farm Investment Pty Ltd.
Wadeholme’s sale comes amid a period of relative stability in the southwest Queensland property market, with buyer interest holding firm despite a moderation in overall activity.
Size: 40ha
Location: 30 south of Adelaide
Sale method: Private treaty
Price Guide: $3.2 million
A premium vineyard in South Australia’s acclaimed McLaren Vale wine region has been listed for sale, offering a rare chance to acquire a well-established holding with income potential and future development opportunities.
Owned by celebrated winemaker Chester Osborn of d’Arenberg fame, the 40ha Kangarilla Vineyard is located at the corner of McLaren Flat Road and Bakers Gully Road, just 30 minutes south of Adelaide.
The property is being offered for sale at $3.2 million.
Of the total landholding, about 26ha are under vine, planted to a mix of high-demand varieties including Shiraz, Chardonnay, Verdelho and Sangiovese.
Several grape supply agreements are already in place, including contracts with Endeavour Group and d’Arenberg, offering immediate income for prospective buyers.
“Kangarilla Vineyard presents a compelling investment in one of Australia’s most revered wine regions,” Colliers Associate Director Nick Goode said.
“It’s a significant holding in McLaren Vale, offering scale, established infrastructure and a picturesque setting that’s hard to match.
“With secure grape contracts and flexible arrangements with d’Arenberg, it’s an exceptional opportunity for wine producers, investors or lifestyle buyers looking to make their mark in a world-class region.”
The listing also includes about 14ha of vacant land, suitable for further vineyard development, a new residence, or a cellar door (subject to council approval).
A 28ML underground water licence, automated irrigation, frost protection systems and powered machinery sheds add to its appeal.
“This is not just a vineyard opportunity; it’s a lifestyle opportunity,” Woodbridge Iles Property’s Russell Iles said.
“The ability to build a home on the property, subject to council consents, provides discerning buyers the potential to create something truly special.”
McLaren Vale remains one of Australia’s most iconic wine destinations, renowned for its Mediterranean climate, soil diversity and vibrant food and wine culture.
Australia’s cotton industry is shifting north as growers grapple with softening commodity prices and a new value equation where water now outweighs land.
According to Herron Todd White’s latest Month in Review, water entitlements have become a dominant factor in determining value in irrigated cropping assets, in some cases attracting “a level of demand far higher than the land itself”, the report said.
That pressure is being felt acutely in traditional cotton heartlands, where land and water scarcity is pushing growers to explore emerging frontiers in the Queensland Gulf, the Northern Territory’s Katherine region, and the Ord River Irrigation Area in Western Australia.
“With scarcity emerging of both land and water in long-established growing regions, cotton farmers have sought out land in new geographic regions which benefits from more secure water and, on face value at least, better affordability, however comes with seasonal and logistical challenges,” the report said.
At the same time, global cotton prices have dipped over the past 24 months, with Australian prices now sitting at about $600 per bale - lower than any point during 2023 or 2024.
Despite remaining in line with the 10-year average, rising input costs mean many growers view $600 as a new baseline breakeven.
“Given the increasing cost of production, many growers now consider this price to be ‘the new 500’, with reference to the previous minimum price per bale at which growing a crop is worthwhile,” the report said.
Seasonal conditions across cotton-producing regions have also been mixed, ranging from dry in the south to wet in the north - affecting yields and quality in some areas.
Looking ahead, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting warmer-than-average conditions across eastern states for the next 12 months, although rainfall is expected to remain within normal ranges.
The combination of price pressure, climate shifts and a tight water market is accelerating structural change in Australia’s cotton landscape - one where proximity to secure, affordable water is now the most valuable asset of all.
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.
