An outback Oasis half a days drive from nowhere has recently changed hands for a cool $14,000,000. The Barkly Homestead has earnt itself a reputation as a slice of paradise along the Barkly highway. The first and last pub visitors to the Northern Territory will find and the only fuel stop for nearly 500km.
Originally built in 1984, the homestead was purchased by the Mayne family back in 2006. Finding themselves with little more than a fuel bowser and a pile of red dirt; the Mayne family have been turning the property into a green oasis for weary travellers and workers alike. Listing their address simply as co-ordinates of 19 43’S, 135 49’E the property is a much needed source of food, fuel, and social drinks for the outback region.
It’s understood the Barkly Homestead has been purchased by the Bassingthwaighte family. A prominent cattle family with properties in QLD and NT already. It’s not known yet exactly what their plans are but with the current tourism boom across outback Australia expected to last for years there’s obviously a solid business case for the Barkly Homestead. Even at the high price.
It’s only the latest example of investment in the NT tourism sector. Adelaide based G’Day Group have recently spent $60,000,000 acquiring 3 new caravan parks in the state, bolstering their considerable holdings in SA.
The Barkly Homestead will no doubt see future development under the Bassingthwaighte family. It’ll build on the already impressive property developed by the Mayne’s. There’s currently already 10 motel rooms, 12 cabins, eight donga’s and 60 formal powered camp sites as well as a modern bar and grill.
If there’s anyone else looking to spend the GDP of a small country to acquire an outback roadhouse don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to spend a couple of months testing out the campsites and bars for you.
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