Dalrymple Saleyards

The Dalrymple (H.M. Clarke) Saleyards, owned and operated by Charters Towers Regional Council, is one of North Queensland’s premier livestock marketing and live export facilities. Located at 13076 Flinders Highway, Blackjack, Charters Towers, the facility is strategically positioned at the crossroads of northern, western, southern and coastal cattle regions, providing efficient access for producers and transport operators across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Purpose-built to accommodate heavy transport, the facility welcomes triple road trains from all directions and continues to play a crucial role in connecting northern cattle producers with both domestic processors and international markets.

Throughput and Industry Significance

Accredited under the National Saleyards Quality Assurance (NSQA) Program, the Dalrymple Saleyards maintains high standards in compliance, operational efficiency and livestock welfare.

The Saleyards continue to demonstrate strong growth and resilience, handling substantial volumes across both sale and export operations. In recent years, more than 400,000 head of cattle have been processed annually, with over 100,000 head sold through weekly prime and store markets. Export activity has also remained a key driver, with more than 100,000 head moving through export quarantine operations in peak years, reflecting sustained international demand.

For the 2025-2026 financial year, Dalrymple recorded an estimated 420,000 head processed, maintaining its position as one of the busiest livestock facilities in North Queensland. This consistent throughput highlights a strong and reliable pipeline of cattle moving through both auction and export channels.

The facility remains an essential part of the northern live export supply chain, with a licensed capacity of up to 16,000 head on site at any one time. Over the past year approximately 60,000 head have been processed for export markets, including cattle destined for Indonesia. The Dalrymple Saleyards and Export Facility also hold the distinction of being the State’s only registered export yard eligible to assemble and export cattle for the Indonesian market, further reinforcing its strategic importance.

Technology and Operational Efficiency

Supporting these high volumes, the Dalrymple Saleyards utilises modern, purpose-built saleyard management software, designed specifically for livestock operations. This system enables:

• Real-time livestock tracking and data capture
• Streamlined sale processing and reporting
• Accurate compliance and NLIS traceability records
• Improved operational efficiency across receival, drafting and dispatch
• Enhanced communication between agents, buyers and staff

The integration of advanced digital systems ensures the saleyards continues to operate at the forefront of industry standards, delivering transparency, accuracy and efficiency across all aspects of livestock handling and sales.