In the remote Australian outback, the town of Cooladdi, once a bustling railway hub with a population of up to 270 residents, is now seeking new owners as its current inhabitants, Jo Cornel and Carol Yarrow, are preparing to leave.
The decline of the local sheep industry and the cessation of train services to the area led to a significant decrease in Cooladdi’s population over the years. Now, the entire town, located 500 miles from Brisbane, is for sale at a price of $400,000 (£209,920), including the Foxtrap Roadhouse, a four-bedroom house, and the keys to the town.
Compared to the UK housing market, where £200k may only secure a one-bedroom flat outside of London, the opportunity to purchase an entire town like Cooladdi at this price point is unique. In contrast, the nearby town of Charleville, with a population of 3,000, boasts an average house price of around $210,000 (£110,208).
Despite its small size, Cooladdi maintains its own post office and unique postcode of 4479. The current residents, Jo and Carol, who have lived in Cooladdi since February 2023, are looking to move back to Brisbane as Jo wishes to be closer to family, and Carol is nearing retirement.
Carol expressed that while living in Cooladdi has been rewarding, she feels it is time to move on, hoping that new owners will continue to maintain the town’s sense of community. Despite being isolated, Cooladdi still attracts visitors who travel around 70km to experience the town’s offerings.
The sale of Cooladdi is being facilitated by local estate agents, highlighting the potential for a “great change of pace” for prospective buyers. With the current population standing at two, the purchase of the town could potentially double its inhabitants if four people choose to invest in this unique opportunity.
