Iconic Victorian dairy farm tipped to fetch $74,000 a hectare

For the first time in its history a 154ha dairy farm, with river and sea frontage near Warrnambool, has hit the market. See the details.

The Sheen family are selling their 154ha Berringama dairy near Warrnambool.

For over 70 years, the Sheen family has called 618-670 Hopkins Point Rd, Warrnambool, home, where they have created a generational legacy that has grown into a highly productive and iconic dairy operation.

Now for the first time in its history, the 154ha property is being offered to the market, presenting an opportunity to secure one of the last remaining commercial dairy farms on this coveted road.

Spanning five titles, Berringama dairy boasts breathtaking river and sea frontage, providing a unique blend of productivity and natural beauty.

Rod Sheen, who was born on the farm and has lived there for the majority of his 66 years, reflected on the property’s rich history.

“It’s been a great family farm experience,” he said.

“My father started here, and I’ve worked alongside my son for almost three decades, continuing that legacy.”

The farm is outfitted with first-class infrastructure, including a 44-stand rotary dairy, three centre pivot irrigators, and irrigation capacity that has grown from about 16 to 117 hectares over the years.

The Sheens currently milk 550 cows, supported by water systems that Rod said have been pivotal to the farm’s sustainability.

Berringama farm has a 44-stand rotary dairy, three centre pivot irrigators and irrigation capacity that has grown to 117 hectares over the years.

WARRNAMBOOL
BERRINGAMA
Property: mixed farming
Size: 153.78ha
Sale: expression of interest closing December 10
Price: about $74,126 a hectare
Agent: Luke Williams Real Estate Warrnambool
Contact: Dominic Bushell, 0488 905 293

The Sheen family have called Berringama dairy home for more than 70 years.

Two houses grace the property: the original farmhouse, now fully renovated into a sound and comfortable home, and a second, more modern four-bedroom home with two living areas, also recently updated.

Both residences offer a perfect balance of rural charm and modern comfort, making the property ideal for multigenerational living or farm managers.

Rod and his wife Lesley are ready to embrace retirement and new adventures, including visiting family overseas.

Lesley, who came from a bee-farming background, initially was hesitant about marrying a dairy farmer but quickly became an integral part of the operation.

“Right from the word go, she’s been there for the long haul,” Rod said.

The Sheen’s dairy farm is located about 10km from the Warrnambool township.

“It’s not easy being the only one at home at times with the kids when they were younger.”

As Rod reflected on the transition, he acknowledged he wouldn’t miss the early mornings but would carry the satisfaction of decades spent on the land.

“I’m constantly thinking about growing grass and putting crops in,” he said.

“It’ll be nice to drive up the road and not have to stick to a schedule or be anywhere at a certain time.”

Situated so close to Warrnambool, with unparalleled river and sea access, this property is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

At about $74,126 a hectare ($30,000 an acre), it’s an investment not just in land but in the legacy of one of the region’s most respected farming families.

“This kind of opportunity doesn’t happen often,” Rod said.

“We’re so lucky to have had our family close, working alongside us. Now it’s time to pass it on to someone new to make their own memories here.”

The cornerstone of Rothesay is the architect designed, craftsman built, three-bedroom limestone homestead, built in 2017 with soaring three-metre ceilings and spotted gum flooring throughout.

Meanwhile, after more than 100 years of ownership the McDonald family is selling Rothesay, a picturesque and productive property set on lush rolling hills in the Western District.

Lachlan McDonald, with wife Ingrid, has continued on the farming legacies of both his father and grandfather developing the 176ha farm into one of best holdings in the Konongwootong district, 13km from Coleraine.

Lachlan said in 1922 his grandfather, Malcolm, acquired part of what is now Rothesay, as a soldier-settlement parcel following time served in Europe and the Middle East during WWI.

Prior to WWI the McDonalds had called Kilmur farm at nearby Nareem home, adding Rothesay to their holdings.

Fortunate to survive storied battles at Gallipoli and at charge of Beersheba, when the Australian Light Horse swept into the town’s centre in October 1917, Lachlan’s grandfather set about building a life on the land upon returning to Australia farming the property until his passing in 1950.

A Lone pine has been grown from seed on the property from Lone Pine Gallipoli to commemorate his war service.

Sitting on the edge of the Konongwootong Reservoir, the McDonalds have used the property as a production powerhouse, currently trading more than 300 head of cattle annually, with the potential to increase.

KONONGWOOTONG
ROTHESAY
Property: mixed farming
Size: 176.44ha
Sale: expressions of interest closing December 16 at 5pm
Price: from $6.5 million
Agent: Charles Stewart and Co
Contact: Nick Adamson, 0418 571 589 and Leeson White, 0448 226 579

Existing infrastructure at the property includes a three-stand woolshed, complete with bugle sheep yards and heavy duty steel cattle yards, while machinery and implement shedding plus divisional fencing is in impressive working order.