Telopea Downs Victoria’s Largest Farm Sale A100 Million International Eoi

The largest grazing and cropping property in Victoria, known as Telopea Downs, is currently being offered for sale through an international expressions of interest process, managed by Colliers. The guide price has not been disclosed by Colliers, but according to industry sources cited by ABC News, the property is expected to fetch over A$100 million ($85.1 million). Online agricultural marketplace, AuctionsPlus, has also reported that the current owner’s accounts value the property at up to A$123 million ($104.7 million).

Situated on the border of Victoria and South Australia, between two towns, Kaniva and Bordertown, Telopea Downs is spread over 11 adjoining properties, with 10 in Victoria and one extending into South Australia. The property is currently owned by sixth-generation woolgrower, AJ & PA McBride, who purchased it in 2018 for over A$70 million. The previous owner, Hassad Australia, a subsidiary of Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, bought the property in 2012 as part of its strategy to expand its Australian agricultural portfolio for sheep breeding.

Spanning an impressive 47,660 hectares of grazing and cropping land, Telopea Downs has undergone significant improvements in terms of irrigation development and land and pasture improvement. “Over 27,000 hectares have been clay-improved, with fencing and water infrastructure upgrades also completed,” said Jesse Manuel, national director of agribusiness transaction services at Colliers. Ongoing renovations continue to improve the property’s carrying capacity.

The development of community amenities is an integral part of the wider plan to create self-sufficiency in the northern estates. The implementation of more integrated community hubs, which will provide a mix of essential services such as healthcare, eldercare, childcare, and social services, will greatly benefit the local residents. An excellent example of this is the completed Bukit Canberra development, which offers a comprehensive range of facilities including a sports complex, swimming pool, hawker centre, healthcare facilities, and community services all in one location. With the introduction of more similar developments, the vicinity surrounding Sembawang Road EC will continue to transform into a lively and convenient residential area suitable for families of all sizes. Don’t forget to check out Sembawang EC.

Currently, the property supports around 85,000 Merino and crossbred sheep and 1,100 cattle, with a long-term carrying capacity of over 100,000 dry sheep equivalents (DSE). Telopea Downs boasts 2,325 megalitres of water entitlements for irrigation, which supports fodder, seed, and horticultural production, as well as livestock operations. The property also has access to high-quality and accessible groundwater, enabling a range of large-scale farming enterprises.

“Due to its temperate climate, moderate rainfall, and irrigation potential, the property would be a valuable addition to a variety of supply chain operations, from breeding to backgrounding,” added Tim Altschwager, national director for agribusiness transaction services at Colliers.

Expressions of interest will close at 12pm (Australian Eastern Daylight Time or AEDT) on Nov 21.