Wingarra – hidden paradise in the Bylong Valley west of Sydney
‘Wingarra’, set in the emerald green Bylong Valley beneath high sandstone escarpments, offers investors or pastoralists an opportunity to step straight into a highly developed, drought-proof farm within easy commuting distance of Sydney.
The picturesque 910.31ha property, formerly a renowned Thoroughbred breeding depot that still features a working sandstone stable complex, sits on the coveted western side of the valley atop the perennial Growee River, and has a 419ML ground water entitlement.
The vendors are former Carbon Farmer of the Year and Landcare Primary Producer Champion, Tim Woods, and Jeannine Biviano, a former Telstra Business Woman of the Year who commutes weekly from ‘Wingarra’ to Sydney.
“This property is a hidden gem, set in soft country with amazing bird and insect life – only three and half hours to Sydney over the Blue Mountains, or two hours to Newcastle and then an easy drive down the M1,” Ms Biviano said.
The couple has expanded land under irrigation to a total 110ha, using travelling irrigators to produce lucerne and other high performance pastures including Phalaris and Premier Digit Grass, ensuring year-round forage for livestock.
The property is currently stocked with 1,000 Suffolk ewes in a self-replacing flock producing trade and export lambs, alongside 260 Angus breeders in a winter calving operation, with all heifers retained until they are classed at preg testing. The average annual rainfall is 606mm.
Mr Woods described ‘Wingarra’ as ‘arguably the best property in one of the most beautiful and fertile valleys west of Sydney’.
“The Bylong Valley is an iconic geological formation on the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range. The sandstone rim has eroded into the valley over time to produce a magnificent fertile, free-draining alluvial sandy loam that is several metres deep in parts of ‘Wingarra’ and is highly mineralised,” he said.
“The mixed pasture sward has the ability to sustain stock and respond quickly to rainfall events regardless of timing, which has allowed us to increase the property’s carrying capacity.”
Laneways ensure livestock are easy to move and manage, and the property includes two sets of cattle yards, a two-stand shearing shed with covered sheep yards, hay sheds, machinery sheds, workshop and silos.
‘Wingarra’ features a three-bedroom sandstone home as well as two, two-bedroom houses with the potential to provide comfortable accommodation for owners and staff or rental income. There is excellent mobile phone coverage across the property.
The long history of ‘Wingarra’ as one of the earliest settled properties in the Bylong Valley is reflected in the beautifully restored 1865 sandstone stables, and there is a second set of fully functioning besa brick stables built in the 1950s.
LAWD Senior Director, Col Medway, described ‘Wingarra’ as an outstanding farming, fattening and breeding holding, and said the vendors were open to negotiating the sale of the livestock as part of the transaction.
“This property is exceptionally well improved and lends itself to a variety of enterprises in a remarkable location,” Mr Medway said.
“Everything is complete, so the new buyer will walk into an unbelievable opportunity.”
‘Wingarra’ lies 90km east of the thriving tourist destination of Mudgee, 44km north of Rylstone and approximately 290km north-west of Sydney.
Weekly prime cattle sales are held at Mudgee and at Scone and Singleton in the Hunter Valley, 130km away.
‘Wingarra’ is being offered for sale by Expression of Interest closing at 12.00pm on Thursday 16 May. For more information contact LAWD Senior Directors, Col Medway on +61 428 481 243 or Daniel McCulloch on +61 429 613 332.