Cape York: Queensland Government buys Bramwell Station for a reported $11.5m

A surprise buyer has snapped up a potential eco-tourism mecca near the Cape York tip for a reported $11.5m.

UPDATED: The Queensland government has added to its growing Cape York portfolio by snapping up Bramwell Station for a reported $11.5 million.

The Department of Environment and Science bought the 131,900ha pastoral property with “wonderful ecological value” for the multimillion dollar sum on an online auction.

The government already owns the Springvale Station Nature Refuge, which used to be a cattle station, in perhaps a telltale sign of their plans for the Far North gem.

Australia's northernmost cattle property, the spectacular 131,900ha Bramwell Station, has been sold. It has multi-income streams from a tourist park, roadhouse and carbon credits scheme and areas of high conservation value. Picture: supplied.

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The epic Bramwell, 240km south of the Tip, already has a tourist park and roadhouse but it’s the untapped potential of a truly eco-tourist experience which had many buyers excited about the potential.

A DES spokesman confirmed contract talks were ongoing with the owners following the auction on August 11.

“The government continues to progress discussions and contractual arrangements with the vendor about Bramwell Station,” he said. “We will have more to announce once that is finalised.”

Neighbouring Moreton Telegraph Station owner Mike Hinz said the government’s keen interest on the pastoral land had been common knowledge in the Cape.

He said the northern parts of Bramwell had sublime eco-potential.

“We were aware they’ve had their eyes on it for some years,” he said.

“It could be made into a wonderful national park or conservation reserve, it has wonderful ecological value.

“So I think that’s why the government has had such an interest in it and it will be interesting to see what they do.”

The Bramwell tourist park. Picture: Supplied.

DES bought the 56,000h Springvale station – 40km southwest of Cooktown – in 2017 saying the acquisition “represents a whole-of-catchment approach to managing a state protected area.”

Bramwell is perfectly situated at the beginning of the Old Telegraph Line track and is the last stop before the Cape York tip.

Its carbon credit scheme already generates more than $150,000 a year in income, while the roadhouse acts as the last fuel stop before the Jardine River crossing.

Bramwell Tourist Park manager Ken Godfrey said tourism growth was untapped for the station and had continued to build throughout his 10 years at the park.

The business has 28 rooms, a licenced camp kitchen-style bar and restaurant, open camping and a caravan park area with guest amenities and laundry facilities.

“We are flying,” he said.

“We were booked out for dinner every night during 2017, 2018, 2019 and for six months of the year.

“And we’re still doing OK now despite some of the tour buses dropping off.”

Mr Hinz said Bramwell’s owners Wendy Kozicka and Vince Bowyer – who have lived in the homestead for 20 years – had done a marvellous job in improving its value “from both a pastoral and tourism perspective.”

“They took it to the next level and have done a mighty fine job of it,” he said.

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