Future of historic western Victorian farm revealed

A renowned 1630-hectare farm near Ballarat is available for lease, opening the door for emerging primary producers to run the property. See the details.

The 1639-hectare Narmbool Farm is available for lease, complemented by a long-term lease.

Budding farmers and emerging primary producers looking for a significant foothold in the agricultural industry could be enticed by a historic western Victorian farm available via lease.

In a rare offering, the 1639-hectare Narmbool Farm, located about 30km south of Ballarat at Elaine, has been listed for lease by Sovereign Hill — run by the not-for-profit community-based Sovereign Hill Museums Association, opening the door for a new tenant at the property.

The Narmbool Farm has turned off up to 6500 prime lambs in recent seasons, supported by 50 paddocks, each with dams and a backup water network of troughs.

Nutrien Harcourts Ballarat agent Adrian Smith said a tenant willing to collaborate closely with the owner, especially in using shared areas such as the front driveway and respecting the natural assets of the land, would be preferred.

“Narmbool Farm presents as a unique opportunity for mixed farming with a significant scale, located conveniently between Ballarat and Geelong and complemented by a long-term lease,” Mr Smith said.

Narmbool Farm has turned off up to 6500 prime lambs in recent seasons, supported by 50 paddocks.

“The vendor is looking for a tenant who will care for the land in a sustainable manner and work hand-in-hand with the other aspects of Narmbool.”

A tenant may have the option to purchase existing livestock and equipment, via an expressions of interest campaign for the lease of Narmbool, closing December 6 at 2pm.

The Narmbool Farm is 185-years-old having been first used for grazing in the 1830s.

The farmland comprises friable volcanic loams to heavier black clays and gravel areas, suited to cropping and fodder production alongside sheep farming with shelter belts and fenced gullies offering livestock protection.

Existing farming infrastructure includes a six-stand woolshed (600-head capacity), an additional two-stand woolshed, five grain silos, two dwellings for site managers and workers, and three strategically placed sheep yards.