Gnaraloo Station, an 84,000-hectare pastoral leasehold famed for its "Tombstones" surf break near WA's Ningaloo Coast, is on the market for approximately $17 million. This sale presents a unique opportunity for Australian property professionals, blending tourism potential with sustainable development possibilities.
The property's history highlights a shift from traditional sheep farming to tourism, driven by its prime coastal location and world-class surfing conditions. However, the sale follows a period of tension between the current leaseholder and the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), raising concerns about environmental management, particularly regarding coastal erosion, turtle rookeries, and goat populations, areas which are critical considerations for any developer conscious of sustainable practices.
While tourism is now the main earner, potential buyers include those interested in resource exploration, as evidenced by Fortescue Metals Group's previous acquisitions nearby, although these plans are understood to have been scaled back. This sale underscores the rising value of coastal properties and prompts reflection on balancing economic interests with environmental preservation and the needs of the surfing community. The new owner's approach to managing the property will be a crucial test case for sustainable land management and engagement with local stakeholders in preserving the integrity of this fragile and valuable environment.
