Wieambilla Massacre Property Hits the Market as 'Large Lifestyle Block'
The site of one of Australia's most devastating police tragedies, the Wieambilla massacre, has been listed for sale as a 'large lifestyle block'. The property at 251 Wains Rd in Western Downs, Queensland, where two police officers were ambushed and killed, is now on the market with offers sought over $190,000.
Property Details and Historical Context
The two-bedroom home sits on a 43-hectare block and is being sold by owner Aidan Train, the son of Stacey Train and her former husband Nathaniel Train. Stacey later married Nathaniel's brother, Gareth Train, who co-owned the property with her. The home was purchased by the Trains for $95,000 in 2015 and now sits around the median value for homes in the area.
The online advertisement describes the property as having a small dam and paddock but warns it is in 'dilapidated condition' and is being sold 'as is'. The listing states: 'Being sold as part of executor responsibilities for a deceased estate. Hoping for a quick sale to someone who will be respectful of the property, considering its history.'
The Tragic Events of the Wieambilla Massacre
Constables Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, were gunned down when they arrived at the property to locate Nathaniel Train in December 2022. The officers were ambushed by Stacey, Gareth, and Nathaniel Train, who fired high-powered rifles from sniper positions around the property.
Two other officers, Constables Randall Kirk and Keely Brough, were also at the scene. Kirk managed to escape under fire, while Brough hid in long grass for more than two hours as the Trains attempted to flush her out, even setting parts of the bush alight. Local resident Alan Dare was killed after arriving at the property to investigate the gunfire.
The standoff ended when officers from the Special Emergency Response Team stormed the property and fatally shot the Trains. An inquest into the deadly incident heard Queensland Police were not informed by cross-border colleagues about threatening emails Gareth Train had made about police and ongoing mental health concerns prior to officers being dispatched.
Property Condition and Eerie Details
Photographs from the realestate.com.au listing show the house in a state of significant disrepair. Garbage and clutter are strewn across the floors, with clothes piled high in bedrooms. On the floor of one room sits a copy of Shooter magazine, while other rooms contain neatly stacked VHS tapes.
The enclosed veranda appears to feature a trap door, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the property that witnessed such violence. The images provide a haunting glimpse into the environment where the tragic events unfolded.
Queensland Police Union's Interest
Efforts by the Queensland Police Union to purchase the property had been underway, with union president Shane Prior confirming the union had been conducting due diligence. However, the home has now been listed for sale by Aidan Train, putting potential purchase negotiations on hold.
'It is surprising to learn that Mr Train has placed the property on the open market, as the QPU has been negotiating in good faith,' Prior said. 'The QPU is currently undertaking appropriate due diligence in considering the option to purchase the Wains Rd property. This includes fiduciary considerations relating to expenditure of member funds for both the purchase and the ongoing property maintenance.'
The listing emphasizes that the sale is part of executor responsibilities for a deceased estate, with the owner hoping for a quick sale to someone who will respect the property's difficult history.
