A FARM close to Perth’s north-east has sold for $12 million, the Gobbert brothers are expanding with the purchase of Spellary Creek, and Longbotton Farms in South Australia’s South East has listed.

Spellary Creek, Qld

The Gobbert family from Dirranbandi has paid $7 million ($1143/ha) for a north-west Queensland grazing property with farming potential.

The 6123ha Spellary Creek is on the Flinders Highway, 25km east of Julia Creek, and offers breeding, backgrounding and finishing country, with additional potential for farming.

It was listed for sale by Marcus and Shelley Curr of Yelvertoft Station near Mount Isa after more than 20 years of ownership, as part of a broader asset restructure.

The purchasers are brothers Jason and Dean Gobbert, who grow wheat, barley, sorghum, chickpeas and oats on three properties – Byra, Davirton and Challenor Park – in south-west Qld.

They also grow sorghum on Ophir Downs near Richmond.

Spellary Creek returned to the market earlier this year after receiving more than 1000mm in a region that typically averages around 450mm annually.

Marcus and Shelley Curr have sold Spellary Creek to Dirranbandi-based brothers Jason and Dean Gobbert. Image: Supplied

During the marketing campaign, Dowling Livestock and Property agent Peter Dowling reported the exceptional seasonal conditions drove good buyer inquiry.

Spellary Creek was offered on a bare basis; however, Mr Dowling estimated it could run 500-600 cows and calves, or up to 1000 weaners.

The gently undulating downs country features black self-mulching soils, predominantly growing Mitchell and Flinders grasses along with natural herbages, and includes some scattered areas of prickly acacia.

Water is well secured, with a flowing bore centrally located on the property, supported by a dam and the permanent Spellary Creek watercourse.

Infrastructure is limited to a set of cattle yards equipped with a five way overhead draft.

Alrambra, WA

A mixed farm on Perth’s north-eastern fringe has changed hands for $12 million, with an eastern Wheatbelt farmer securing the holding to diversify operations.

The 1339ha Alrambra is located 12km from Gidgegannup, 20km from Midland and 40km from the Perth CBD.

Positioned on the western slopes of the Darling Scarp, Alrambra has an elevated outlook across undulating country towards Gidgegannup, close to one of Perth’s recognised growth corridors.

Alrambra comprises a mix of open arable paddocks, improved pasture and natural vegetation, supporting current grazing and cropping.

During the marketing campaign, the holding was also promoted for its longer-term capital upside, with its scale, configuration and proximity to Perth underpinning potential future development and subdivision outcomes, subject to approvals.

Alrambra has sold to an eastern Wheatbelt farmer for $12 million. Photo: LAWD

LAWD agent Simon Wilkinson, who handled the sale, said holdings of this scale and location rarely come to market in the tightly held peri-urban corridor.

“Alrambra’s size, configuration and location give the incoming owner multiple pathways, from ongoing agricultural production to staged capital investment over time.”

Longbottom Farms, SA

Between $12,355/ha ($5000/ac) to $17,297/ha ($7000/ac) is being sought for the Longbottom family’s seven farms spanning 1305ha in South Australia’s South East.

Located in the Mount Benson, Wangolina and Fox regions, they failed to sell via expressions of interest as a whole or individual parcels, and are now being offered for sale.

Soil types vary across the aggregation, from productive red and grey loams over limestone, to areas of black peat-like soils growing barley and wheat and some vegetables.

The landscape also includes coarser dark grey loam valleys and gently rising country, suited to year-round grazing.

Longbottom Farms in South Australia’s South East includes irrigated areas. Photo: Elders

The properties are in a reliable rainfall area with an abundance of underground water.

They comprise:

Lings: 245ha near Wangolina is 26km from Robe and 29km from Kingston. It has a 20ha pivot, a water licence and sheep yards.

Andys: 90ha is located near Mount Benson and fenced into five paddocks. It includes a water licence. Sorghum and cereal crops, carrot seed and arrowleaf clover have been sown on the 28ha under pivot irrigation.

Neils: This adjoining 167ha holding near Mt Benson is 15km from Robe and 28km from Kingston. It has two 20ha centre pivots and a water licence and is operated together with Andys.

Old Place: This adjoining 175ha, also near Mount Benson, is offered with a water licence, as well as a circa 1902 two-bedroom stone cottage, two sheds, a three-stand shearing shed and sheep and cattle yards.

Hut: Located near Mount Benson and 15km from Robe, this 26ha block is fenced into one paddock with fertile peat soils.

Shamrock: Covering 189ha, this block is 13km north of Robe near Mount Benson. Suited to both sheep and cattle, it runs 1450-1500 ewes year-round.

Peeralilla: Near Fox, this 412ha block sits 36km south of Lucindale. It has a pivot covering 44ha, a water licence, a three-bedroom home, cattle and sheep yards, and numerous sheds.

Elders agent Grant Schubert is handling the sale.

Longbottom Farms in SA’s South East is suited to livestock production and the growing of a variety of crops, including on a proportion of country under irrigation. Photo: Elders

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