Warroo Station is on the market for the first time in 174 years

A Queensland station that played a crucial role in the development of the Australian sheep industry is on the market for the first time in 174 years and could fetch $50m.

A pioneering station in Queensland’s Southern Darling Downs that played a crucial role in the development of the Australian sheep industry is on the market publicly for the first time in 174 years.

Warroo Station was established by wool industry pioneer Frederick Bracker in 1849 and is renowned for production of high quality sheep, wool, beef and cattle. It is being offered for sale publicly for the first time and the 14,435ha property at 3297 Stanthorpe-Inglewood Road Warroo, is expected to sell for about $50m walk-in walk-out.

Colliers Agribusiness manager Phillip Kelly said after managing the station for over 120 years the Goodrich Family, who took over the property in 1911, has made the tough decision to sell to pursue other interests.

“Warroo Station is considered one of the premium mixed grazing assets located on the Southern Downs of Queensland and offers purchasers scale of operation, supported by very good infrastructure, and established, proven production,” he said.

“Warroo Station has been a generational grazing enterprise since settlement and it is rare to have such a large-scale, quality and proven asset come to the market in southern Queensland.

“Purchasers will benefit from having the opportunity to secure a high-quality sheep flock and cattle herd along with full station plant and equipment under the sale.” Frederick Bracker arrived in NSW from Germany in 1829 with about 300 stud sheep chosen by him from Prince Esterhazy’s Silesian flock for the Aberdeen Co. The Aberdeen Co gave him charge of a run near Warwick on the Darling Downs which he called Rosenthal.

Warroo Station in Queensland's southern Darling Downs is on the market.

He later leased the site that was to be Warroo in 1849 where he became the first man to start stud merino breeding in Queensland. Located between Goondiwindi, Warwick and Stanthorpe, Warroo Station is 40km away from Inglewood. It can comfortably run about 28,500 Dry Sheep Equivalent.

Colliers Head of Agribusiness Rawdon Briggs said the property was steeped in history. “Frederick Bracker made a huge contribution to the development of wool-growing in Australia,” he said. “Warroo Station has an industry leading sheep and wool reputation and under the Primerino Program produced the first sub 12 micron wool in history. Production of quality sheep and wool continues at the station today.

“Beef cattle have, since settlement, played an important role at Warroo Station, with the station today producing high quality Red Angus cattle.”

Wool pioneer Frederick Bracker.

Mr Briggs said Warroo Station has significant stock water supply including 70 plus earthen dams supported by 20 plus permanent and seasonal springs extruding from a number of gullies and soaks.

“Bracker Creek provides seasonal flows and contains a number of larger waterholes along with the ability to bring underground streams into production with development.”

The property features a late 1800s historical homestead with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen/dining, large office, several formal and social rooms split across two main sections, positioned in a classical, landscaped country garden; the homestead area includes a floodlit tennis court and in-ground swimming pool.

“In addition to the Homestead there is a manager’s residence plus three staff cottages and shearer/backpacker accommodation for an additional 16 people.

This listing follows the recent $7.5m in May 2023 of the 185.5ha Warroo Orchard by Mr Briggs and Mr Kelly.