A huge slice of Moreton Island could be yours after Oyster farmers sell

Are you sick of your 9 to 5? A huge slice of Moreton Island is up for grabs.

A unique property has hit the Queensland real estate market after Kooringal Oyster owners Andrew and Leisa Robson have decided to move on. Photo: Andrew and Leisa Robson.

A huge slice of Moreton Island and its crystal clear waters are up for grabs after Queensland’s largest combined land and water oyster lease hit the market.

Kooringal Oyster owners Professor Andrew and Leisa Robson and cousin Liana Liston have decided to sell their combined 17ha land, 69ha oyster lease and airstrip on the southern end of the island.

Situated on the southern end of Moreton Island kooringal Oyster leases are surrounded by turtles, dolphins and dugongs. Picture: Andrew and Leisa Robson

Prof Robson said the property – just 25 kilometres from the CBD – is a unique opportunity for anyone sick of their 9 to 5.

“You’re at a computer every day, in traffic, surrounded by concrete - its unhealthy, depressing and your life ticks away,” he said.

“When you’re out here, on a boat in crystal clear water surrounded by turtles, dolphins and fish, growing oysters. It’s spectacular”.

The couple moved from Armidale during Covid with no aquaculture experience and having only set foot on the island for two hours.

Leisa and Andrew made the huge move from Armidale after spending just two hours on the Island. Photo: Andrew and Leisa Robson.

Over the last four years the couple reinvigorated the property now producing saleable oysters from wild spat.

“Covid shook up the world. We took the plunge, moved to the island and into an empty shed, it was like stepping into Jurassic Park, it was wild” Mrs Robson said.

“We learned to use the equipment, to catch and grow oysters.

“It is so rewarding to grow something yourself.”

After transforming the property the farm now produces 4,000 dozen oysters each year with output expected to increase dramatically in the coming seasons. Photo: Andrew and Leisa Robson.

Just an hour barge ride from Brisbane the pair said the island truly felt like a “remote wilderness.”

“One day I stood on something while working on the oyster lease with Leisa and with the immediate pain sensation said that’s not good. I had stood on a stone fish and had to get Medivaced off the Island,” Prof. Robson said.

“We have three Dachshunds, one of which was attacked and strangled by a python, but luckily the slippery sausage escaped.

One of Andrew and Leisa's three Dachshunds narrowly escaped a grizzly end after being caught and strangled by a snake. Photo: Andrew and Leisa Robson.

Kooringal Oysters produce Sydney rock oysters that take three years to grow, Prof. Robson said there were thousands of oysters for the new owners.

“There’s about five and a half thousand dozen this year to harvest,” Mr Robson said.

“About seven the following year and then there’s a hundred thousand dozen - There’s a lot of stock out there.

“If you grew the whole 69 hectares, you could probably get up to about $5 million a year.”

The couple said Moreton Island was filled with immense wildlife - including stonefish, lionfish and huge pythons. Photo: Andrew and Leisa Robson.

The couple made the tough decision to sell their farm after struggling to balance the growing business with full time work.

“We have learnt so much in the past four years it’s been an incredible journey,” Mrs Robson said.

“It’s a very sad and tough decision, but It’s time for others to experience life and the amazing adventure that is being a Qld oyster farmer on the second largest island in the World

Originally published as A huge slice of Moreton Island could be yours after Oyster farmers sell