The renowned Gnaraloo Station, located on the pristine Ningaloo Coast, has been put up for sale, marking the first time in 20 years that the pastoral property has been available on the market. The expansive 84,000-hectare station, which includes a 62-kilometer stretch of coastline famous for its surf break “Tombstones,” is listed at an asking price of approximately $17.5 million.
Gnaraloo Station, located 150 kilometers north of Carnarvon, is considered one of Australia’s premier surfing destinations. The site is home to the world-class “Tombstones” surf break, known for its powerful and challenging left-hander wave, which attracts advanced surfers from across the globe.
The property, which was last sold in 2005, includes a homestead, over 30 cabins and homes, and 1,500 goats as livestock. Along with its pastoral lease, the sale also includes tourism leases, offering potential for both commercial and recreational use.
A Flood of Interest
Since the sale was announced, Gnaraloo Station has attracted significant attention from a variety of potential buyers, including professional surfers, wealthy expats, and Australian families. Jarrad O’Rourke, the licensee and general manager of O’Rourke Real Estate, the agency managing the sale, revealed that a “teaser” about the property posted on social media last week generated a wave of inquiries.
O’Rourke noted that some of the inquiries have come from Western Australian families who are particularly passionate about the station, not just for its commercial potential, but also for emotional reasons. “They see the station as more than just a business opportunity,” he said. “They’re interested in preserving and protecting it.”
Rising Value
The sale price of $17.5 million is expected to increase, with O’Rourke predicting that the final sale price could approach $20 million, due to the strong demand and unique nature of the property.
As the first property of its kind to be listed in two decades, Gnaraloo Station’s sale has prompted concerns from some within the surfing community, who worry about the potential for commercial developments or other changes that could alter the character of the surf break and its surrounding environment.
While expressions of interest continue to pour in, it remains to be seen who will ultimately acquire this iconic property, which is as revered for its natural beauty as it is for its role in Australian surfing culture.