Cairns real estate: Mixed farming property near Babinda offers multiple opportunities

On one side it’s a crocodile-infested river, the other is endless national park, and in between is a secluded, picturesque Far Northern property ready for a world of opportunities.

THERE are large blocks, semirural allotments, farms and then there is 427 Kruckow Rd, East Russell, near Babinda – a 68ha mixed farming property with unparalleled diversity.

The truly one-of-kind property was once a humble cane farm on the banks of the Russell River, surrounded by the Russell River and Wooroonooran national parks.

Listed with Cairns Property Office’s Robyn Hawley-Whitton, this large “patch of paradise” less than an hour from Cairns would be suited to anyone looking to live off the land, build an eco-tourism business or provide fishing charters, farm or just enjoy nature.

Ms Hawley-Whitton said the owner, a marine engineer initially from Sydney bought the property in the late ’80s with an epic sustainability vision and restored the cleared farm to a “world of it’s own.”

“He had a vision of a marina and taking people out the river and to the Reef,” she said.

“And he managed to get a water licence and divert water from the river into a creek with a weir and dam, which runs by the house. He’s got a pontoon and the diversion helps control flooding and water quality. The water licence is part of the contract.”

She said the owner also had a vision of creating a sustainable commercial fruit farm and planted hundreds of trees.

The property features a renovate one-bedroom, one bathroom studio, but Ms Hawley-Whitton said there were options to expand.

“There are at least two beautiful spots to build a home. One next to the weir and creek alongside the substantial orchard which is close to services and the road and the other about 800m from the sealed road to a cleared, elevated and totally private spot above the pontoon area which could suit a high-set pole home which would clear the canopy and offer views to the mountains.”

“The current home is a modern studio with views to the tidal, sandy banked creek out the front and is fully tiled, with a modern kitchen, open plan living and dining and small bedroom space and a separate bathroom and laundry.”

It also features an attached large shed which would suit anybody looking for secure garaging and to house machinery.

“Even if you didn’t want to farm, the owner would be happy do to a through handover and explain the basic maintenance requirements, which aren’t difficult.”