FOR 30 years Russell and Catriona Murdoch have woken up to the picturesque Khanchoban Valley with Mount Kosciuszko in the distance.
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Their 160-hectare property “Tea Tree Springs” is home to their herd of 40 cattle, but a decision to swap their alpine block for a large Central Queensland beef operation means another grazier can now make the valley their own.
“We’ve found ourselves a place in central Queensland which will hold 400 head of cattle. With that size operation we will be able to include our son Nathan in the family business – we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do that here at Khanchoban,” Mr Murdoch said.
“Despite owning “Tea Tree Springs” since 1986 I’ve always worked off-farm, but I’ve always wanted to get stuck right into it and this is our chance.”
Mr Murdoch said the new owners of “Tea Tree Springs” could continue to use the property as a finishing station or use it as a stud property for stock horses or beef cattle.
“It could lend itself to either use,” he said.
The Murdochs have regularly marketed their cattle at the Northern Victoria Livestock Exchange at Wodonga.
The property is a combination of highly improved pasture country (60ha) and some 100ha of grazing country.
The property adjoins a piece of NSW state forest and the Kosciuszko National Park.
It’s only seven kilometers to Khancoban Village and 21km to Corryong, Victoria. Thredbo Ski Village and Perisher valley are 70 kilometres away.
The property’s main residence is three bedrooms. It has a south-easterly aspect with “magnificent panoramas” of the Snowy Mountain range.
A fully self-contained, modern one bedroom cottage stands completely separate from the main residence and offers extra accommodation or, alternatively, a regular income holiday cottage.
It could also be converted to a hospitality enterprise whether it be farm stay, a hunting or fishing lodge, holiday accommodation, or bed and breakfast.
The main improvements carried out by the Murdochs include an extensive watering system and weed control.
“When we first arrived there was blackberry galore. Now, there’s virtually none.”
“Tea Tree Springs” will be auctioned by Brian Unthank Real Estate, Albury, on October 7.
The Khancoban Valley features legendary properties such as Khancoban Station, Cochrane’s Gap and Tom Groggin Station where it is believed the Man from Snowy River (Jack Riley) resided.
