One of Western Australia's most historic pastoral stations has changed hands, marking the end of a family dynasty that spanned more than a century. Challa Station, a sprawling property in the Murchison region, has been sold by the Dowden family for the first time since its establishment in 1888.
End of an Era for a Pioneering Family
The sale concludes an unbroken 136-year legacy for the Dowden family, who were among the early pioneers of the state's pastoral industry. The station was originally established by brothers John and James Dowden, who secured the lease over a vast tract of land. For generations, the family managed the property through droughts, economic fluctuations, and the evolving challenges of outback life, becoming a fixture in the region's history.
The decision to sell was not taken lightly by the current generation. Tom and Anne Dowden, who have managed Challa Station for decades, made the difficult choice to list the property. The sale was facilitated by LAWD, a leading agribusiness agency. While the final sale price remains confidential, the property was listed with expectations in the vicinity of $10 million.
A Vast and Productive Pastoral Holding
Challa Station is a significant agricultural enterprise. The property covers an impressive 202,342 hectares (approximately 500,000 acres) located roughly 100 kilometres north of Mount Magnet. It operates primarily as a sheep station, carrying a flock of about 8,000 Merino sheep for wool production.
The station's infrastructure is substantial, developed over more than a century of continuous operation. Key assets include:
- A six-stand shearing shed and extensive sheep yards.
- Multiple staff quarters and a manager's residence.
- Over 20 equipped watering points, including bores and dams, which are critical for livestock in the arid climate.
- Approximately 3,000 hectares of developed pasture.
The property's value is underpinned by its reliable carrying capacity and its well-maintained improvements, making it an attractive proposition for serious pastoral investors.
Looking to the Future of the Murchison
The sale of Challa Station represents a significant shift in the local landholding pattern. While the identity of the new owners has not been publicly disclosed by the agents, it is understood the buyers are experienced pastoralists with plans to continue running the property as a working sheep station.
This transaction highlights the ongoing consolidation and investment within the Australian agricultural sector. Properties with scale, reliable rainfall (for the region), and proven production history continue to draw strong interest from investors and expanding farming families. The departure of the Dowdens from Challa closes a profound chapter in WA's pastoral story, but also opens a new one for the next custodians of this iconic piece of the Murchison.
The legacy of the Dowden family, however, will remain deeply woven into the station's history. Their 136-year tenure stands as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and a deep connection to the land—a narrative common to many of Australia's pioneering rural families.
