Rawlinna Station: Australia’s largest sheep farm sells for $20m+

A property so large it counts as its own postcode has been snapped up by a UK buyer in a deal estimated at more than $20 million.

After almost seven months of intense negotiations, the WA government has approved the sale of Rawlinna Station – Australia’s largest sheep station – to UK-based Consolidated Pastoral Company, which already owns Isis Downs Station in Queensland

Located about 400 kilometres east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the outback lease spans across 10,463sq km of pastoral land, making it larger than Lebanon, Palestine, Puerto Rico, Brunei and even Hong Kong.

It’s also roughly the size of Sydney.

But despite it sheer size, 2021 census data shows it remains one of Australia’s smallest communities with only seven private dwellings and around 33 residents scattered across the vast desert block.

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Rawlinna Station from above. Source: Facebook

Rawlinna Station is considered Australia’s largest sheep station.

Around 30,000 sheep have been included in the sale.

Beyond its pastoral operations, the station is renowned for its Nullarbor Muster gymkhana. It also functions as a unique off-train dining stop for passengers on the Indian Pacific’s westbound journey, operating from October to March.

The acquisition, initially reported by ABC News, encompasses approximately 30,000 sheep, with plans to restock cattle on the southern end of the property.

The property also features a renowned boundary exclusion fence that spans some 400 km in length.

The sale was contingent upon several conditions, including approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board and the Western Australian government’s endorsement of the pastoral lease transfer.

CPC chief executive Troy Setter, who had previously expressed criticism regarding the Western Australian government’s slow progress, informed the ABC that settlement was anticipated in October.

The main living space in one of the worker cottages.

Dedicated kitchen staff cater for workers. Source: Facebook

Around 33 residents are said to call Rawlinna Station home. Source: Facebook

Setter stated that the company’s immediate priorities would involve upgrading staff accommodation, following significant flooding last year that caused extensive damage, and investing in new fencing.

He affirmed: “We want to get the property back to being a large and significant producer of quality wool and merino meat.”

While CPC’s current focus is firmly on agricultural endeavours, Mr Setter did not dismiss potential future opportunities for renewable energy projects, noting the region’s recognised potential for energy production.

Furthermore, future commercial expansions could attract new residents, potentially making the station their home for extended durations.

This acquisition follows an earlier interest from Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue, which had initially emerged as a prospective buyer but subsequently withdrew from the deal.

The station was established in the 1960s by its long-term owner, Adelaide-based Jumbuck Pastoral.

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