Brangus cross weaners on Saltern Creek destined for Downs feedlot.

A tightly-held grazing asset in Central West Queensland has changed hands, with Saltern Creek, 22km north-west of Barcaldine selling following a competitive Expressions of Interest campaign that drew widespread industry attention.

The 8282ha (20,465ac) freehold property, offered by Bill and Kylie Burton, has been purchased by Len and Kristen Hicks of Woura Park Pastoral, Clermont, who own non-adjoining country to the north and east of Saltern Creek.

The sale price was confirmed to Beef Central as $1492/ha ($604/ac) bare, including some plant and machinery, totalling $12.3m.

One rural property valuer said the price is a $/ha record for open downs country in the Barcaldine area.

The property was described as predominately Mitchell grass downs country with areas of developed gidgee, extremely well grassed after a big wet and well managed with strong improvements.

It is fully exclusion fenced and was well-developed for cattle, meat sheep and goats with two sets of yards.

Property editor Linda Rowley reported in February that similar Barcaldine country had previously been selling for $350/ac to $380/ac.

In October, neighbouring property Culburnie 8255ha, 30km north-west of Barcaldine sold to a neighbour for $11m or $1332/ha ($539/ac) or $11,700/AE.

The marketing campaign for Saltern Creek generated 38 genuine inquiries and resulted in 16 property inspections, highlighting continued confidence in well-developed downs grazing country. Notably, more than half of these leads were generated from Beef Central advertising, the vendors suggested.

The sale of Saltern Creek highlights ongoing demand for quality grazing assets in Qld’s Central West, particularly those combining scale, water security, and modern regenerative management systems.

For the broader market, it reinforces the premium being placed on properties capable of delivering both operational performance and future diversification opportunities.