Lower Daintree Aggregation, Mossman Daintree Road, Lower Daintree QLD 4873

A unique multi-vendor, multi-titled, farming, grazing and/or conservation opportunity offered for sale as a whole, or in separate parcels.

Overview:

The Aggregation comprised of 5 Vendors, 17 Freehold titles totalling 825.91ha

The property is brought about by the aggregation of five adjoining, separate holdings . Until recently many of the holdings were sugarcane farming enterprises with one larger parcel currently operating as a standalone, productive cattle grazing entity.

The aggregation of adjoining lots offers the incoming owner the scale required to operate profitably in 2026 and beyond. Though the obvious and easiest land use is conversion to grazing, many farming or Agro-forestry options could be successful.

Since the early days of land development in the Daintree, rain grown improved pastures have fattened cattle for meatworks however in recent decades the expansion of the sugar cane industry has occupied much of the arable land. The recent closure of the Mossman Sugar Mill and subsequent cane farming cessation now presents new opportunity …

Location:

The lower Daintree Farm Aggregation is located along the main Mossman > Daintree Road approx 20km north of Mossman.

With a population of approx 2000 people, Mossman is located on the Captain Cook Highway 75 kilometres north of Cairns. Amenities and facilities include several schools, hospital, supermarket and all agricultural support industries. The Mossman River flows through the locality from the Mossman Gorge east to Newell Beach. The Mossman Gorge, a popular attraction within Daintree National Park and the broader Wet Tropics of this Queensland World Heritage area is located west of town.

To the north is the township of Daintree (pop’n 100), and home to a thriving tourism sector, grazing industry and many lifestyle properties. Crossing the Daintree River on the vehicular ferry leads you to the Bloomfield track and eventually Cooktown and Cape York. To the south of Mossman, approx 20km, is the famed town of Port Douglas (pop’n 5000) and home to 5-star tourist facilities, a large Marina and is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Nestled between “Port” and Daintree are the beachside hamlets of Cooya, Newell and Wonga Beach’s all offering the boatie close access to the Great Barrier Reef and a multitude of recreational opportunities.

Located about 80km to the south, Cairns is the largest city and the coastal business hub of Far North Queensland. Cairns fast-developing industries, Domestic and International Airports and various new developments support a growing population of 180000 people (city & surrounds).

Rates: Douglas Shire Council

Rainfall: Approx 2400mm pa.

Soils: (as generally described by the Wet Tropics Management Authority)

In the lower Daintree and surrounding coastal lowlands, soils are primarily defined by their alluvial origins, varying significantly based on drainage and the parent material (granite, metamorphic, or basalt) washed down from the uplands.

Key Soil Types & Characteristics:

Metamorphic Footslope Soils: In areas with better drainage, such as footslopes, soils are often fertile, well-drained, and derived from metamorphic rocks.
Alluvial Soils (Coastal Plains): Found on the lower Daintree River's chenier plains and coastal lowlands, these can reach depths of over 60 metres.
Dermosols: Specifically, strongly weathered brown dermosols (Australian Soil Classification) are common in lowland sites like Cape Tribulation. These are typically acidic due to intense tropical weathering and high rainfall.
Humic Gley Soils: These occur on poorly drained alluvial plains and are often seasonally waterlogged or anaerobic.
Beach Ridge Sands (Daintree Association): Occurring on the Daintree River's chenier plain, these sands contain a high percentage of fine sand, likely sorted by wind (aeolian) processes.

The aggregation may/may not have all or some of the above soil types. Agronomic evidence, from successful sugarcane cropping and pasture development, suggests viable and arable soils represent the majority of the land area.

Livestock, markets & carrying capacity:

The Daintree area could quite easily revisit a low cost, grass fattening enterprise suited to finishing cattle for live export and traditional slaughter markets.
“Branded” Daintree Beef, in concert with other local cattleman and the recently re-opened Innisfail abattoir is a real possibility.
The aggregation can be a breed & fatten enterprise OR as a destination for trading ‘terminal’ fat cattle production. To facilitate pasture spelling and livestock comfort, the wet season stocking rate is best reduced, however the subsequent post wet season stocking rates are considerably increased. Overlap of the early lead sale cattle and entry of new cattle is best management practice.
A treatment with an internal/external parasite control agent (eg. Dectomax) is recommended on entry. Grass growth is exceptionally quick and is measured in days to weeks for 20-40cm growth! Paddock rotation is also good practice for both parasite control and grass replenishment.
Trading cattle … it is important to adhere to cattle entry weight of 300kg + as mature cattle are required for this wetter country. Additionally, the cattle will hit marketable weights to best fit slaughter and live export grids if entry weight is higher.
Carrying capacity is high. District experience will suggest stocking rates of 1-2 Adult Equivalents/ha (ie. AE = 450kg animal). The stocking rate will vary according to size of animals, turnoff weights and time of the season.
Once suitably developed mustering is straight forward due to open country, roadways, laneways and short distances. Bikes, buggies, horse, dogs, drone or helicopter … your choice.

Cropping options:

The Mossman/Daintree district has been a Sugarcane farming district for decades.

Alternative crops might include anything which can tolerate high rainfall, some lesser soil drainage, and a harvest window from post wet season April-May to about November.

Drainage and flood risk on the property varies considerably so crop suitability in the different locations will vary.

Crops that have been suggested, or have grown successfully in the district, are:

Bana grass (Napier Grass)
Bamboo
Sugarcane – alternative crop uses.
Forage – for stockfeed silage
Taro, Ginger
Soy Beans
Agro- forestry

Alternative uses:

As a Conservation target, acquisition of the aggregation offers an opportunity to revegetate a large land parcel adjacent the Daintree River and associated Mangrove wetlands.
Tourism, already the Daintree signature drawcard, could be expanded considerably. With Daintree River frontage and proximity to the Daintree Vehicular Ferry terminal, tourism expansion seems feasible.
Combo – the combination of many uses may be the best plan?

The Aggregation – comprised of 5 Vendors, 17 Freehold titles, 825.91.ha.

Vendor 1

Area & Tenure: 376.91ha (approx 931.36 acres)

Freehold: 4 titles

Vendor 2

Area & Tenure: 267.81ha (approx 661.77acres)

Freehold: 9 titles

Vendor 3

Area & Tenure: 128.82ha (approx 318.19acres)

Freehold: 2 titles

Vendor 4

Area & Tenure: 41.10ha (approx 101.50 acres)

Freehold: 1 title

Vendor 5

Area & Tenure: 8.22ha (approx 20.30 acres)

Freehold: 1 title

Comment:

In a landscape of small farms this aggregation presents a rare opportunity to purchase a sizeable parcel of land in this iconic district. The Lower Daintree Aggregation offers a multitude of possibilities for any combination of tourism ventures, cattle, cropping, Agro-forestry and conservation. The options are many.

Disclaimer: The above report has been prepared by Slaney & Co based on information supplied by the property owner and other credible sources. Every endeavour has been made to verify its accuracy. Whilst we trust the information to be correct, we make no warranties or guarantees, and prospective purchasers must rely on their own enquiries & research.

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