From vineyards hitting sour notes to cattle stations primed for big moves, the rural property market is as diverse as ever. Whether you're chasing a cool-climate white or a Gulf breeding powerhouse, it's a mixed bag of fortunes for buyers.
Size: 236,000ha
Location: Bowthorn Station, Queensland
Sale method: EOI closing October 23 at 5pm.
Price guide: N/A
One of the Gulf’s premier breeding properties, Bowthorn Station, has hit the market in Queensland.
Comprising 236,000ha, the Doomadgee property is for sale via Expression of Interest closing October 23 at 5pm.
The vast Gulf breeding station, known for its reliable cattle production, offers a unique opportunity for livestock breeding, tourism, and carbon farming projects.
Located 70km from Doomadgee, 170km from Burketown, and 490km from Cloncurry, the property is well-connected with access via National Highway 1 and a 40km formed gravel road.
It boasts extensive infrastructure, including a main homestead built in 2015, two cottages, workers' quarters, and an array of sheds, stables, and yards for efficient station operations.
Bowthorn Station features an approved carbon project under the Human-Induced Regeneration scheme, offering buyers the potential to tap into environmental opportunities.
The station is capable of carrying 7,500 breeding cows, with room to expand through further development.
It has six sets of cattle yards, 27 paddocks, and multiple all-year-round water sources, including the Nicholson River.
The property is being offered on a walk-in-walk-out basis, including livestock and a comprehensive list of equipment.
Ray White Geaney-Kirkwood agent, Liam Kirkwood, has the listing in conjunction with Sam Daniels of Brodie and Co, Cloncurry.
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Vineyards skewed to red varieties are expected to sit on the property market longer, with prices set to stagnate, than their white varietal counterparts, according to new analysis from valuers Herron Todd White (HTW).
In its latest Month in Review, HTW Director Graeme Whyte said the wine grape industry was showing mixed fortunes and this was flowing on to vineyard sales.
“Producers in cool climate areas, particularly those producing white wine varieties, are enjoying good prices, often up to $4000 per tonne and showing confidence in their industry,” he said.
“There have been several recent sales of small scale vineyards in the Yarra Valley and also in Tasmania, with these sales showing strong levels.
“However, growers in the inland areas, particularly those growing traditional red varieties, have few reasons to smile.
“Wineries continue to hold large inventories and prices are unlikely to improve for several years.”
Mr Whyte said vineyards would continue to be cleared and redeveloped into other crops, with the wine grape industry expected to undergo rationalisation.
Smaller growers are tipped to exit, while established larger growers are expected to expand.
“To be a sustainable grower in an inland region currently requires large areas of predominantly white varieties, producing yields in excess of 35 tonnes per hectare,” Mr Whyte said.
“Vineyards skewed to red varieties are expected to continue to have extended marketing periods in the short term.
“A consequence of this rationalisation will be the closure of several wineries.”
Mr Whyte said a case in point was Treasury Wine Estate closing its Mildura winery in 2023.
The sale of Karadoc winery was recently confirmed, with the property set to be converted into a storage and logistics hub.
Size: 1197.6ha
Location: Green Hills Station, Adelong
Sale method: EOI closing October 31 at 5pm
Price guide: $20 million-plus
Green Hills Station, a renowned 1197.6ha livestock powerhouse in southern NSW, has hit the market and is expected to sell for more than $20 million.
Located near Adelong, the property offers prime agricultural infrastructure, making it a key player in beef production in the southwest slopes region.
With an average annual rainfall of 890mm, Green Hills guarantees year-round productivity.
Nutrien Harcourts Albury Rural agent Andrew Bell said Green Hills Station had a lot going for it.
“Certainly location, in terms of access to markets and rural infrastructure such as abbatoirs, sale yards and processing plants,” he said.
“Also rainfall and soil type make it attractive.”
Green Hills Station is well-equipped with extensive infrastructure, including high-capacity steel cattle yards, a five-bay machinery shed, and multiple hay and wool sheds.
Pasture improvements have been carefully refined over time, with a focus on perennial species for year-round grazing.
Water security is a highlight, with three permanent creeks and 27 dams ensuring excellent water supply across the property, effectively drought-proofing the station.
The property’s park-like feel is enhanced by timber such as Yellow Box and Red Gum, offering shade for livestock.
Located 10km from Adelong and just 90km from Wagga Wagga, the property features two substantial homes.
The 1840s homestead, complete with renovated bathrooms and kitchen, boasts four bedrooms, a loft, and a spacious verandah overlooking manicured gardens and an inground pool.
A second five-bedroom home provides ideal accommodation for a manager or tenants.
Mr Bell said inquiry on Green Hills station was from local, interstate and corporate buyers.
The property is for sale via expression of interest, closing 5pm on October 31, if not sold prior.
Size: 40ha
Location: Ingleby Rd, Winchelsea
Sale method: EOI
Sale price: Just over $3 million
Historic Ingleby Homestead, on the serene Barwon River, near Victoria’s Surf Coast, will get a new lease on life after selling for just north of $3 million.
CBRE selling agent Matt Childs said the property sold after a standard Expression of Interest campaign to a couple with plans to return the Circa 1860 bluestone mansion, and its grounds, to their former glory.
“They are a very experienced couple who are architects,” Mr Childs said.
“They are actually heritage architects as well, so they’re looking to restore it to its former glory.”
Set on 40ha, Ingleby Homestead features soaring ceilings, ornate details, seven bedrooms and multiple, expansive living spaces.
Historic bluestone outbuildings include stables, a coach house and staff quarters.
With frontage to the Barwon River, the productive farmland includes 40ha of alluvial creek flats and gently undulating pasture land suitable for various agricultural pursuits.
“Although it is in need of a lot of work, it is still quiet sound, with no significant risk of it falling down, but it is still important that it is restored,” Mr Childs said.
“And they (the new owners) will do a wonderful job of it too, not just the homestead but the outbuildings and gardens as well.”