Family to sell dairy farm after 110 years

THE Gold Coast’s last familyowned dairy farm in Numinbah Valley could have a new owner for the first time in more than 110 years within a matter of weeks.

The 173ha property on Nerang Murwillumbah Rd, known as Bonnie Doon, will go under the hammer on August 2.

Brothers Peter and Barry Yaun reluctantly decided to sell the property their family has farmed for five generations because they could no longer make a living off the land.

They attributed the deregulation of the dairy industry in 2000, which led to an almost instant drop in milk prices, and drought to the farm’s demise.

Peter Yaun said it was “hard enough to break the tradition” in 2007 when they ceased dairy farming.

They have done anything necessary to keep the land profitable since, including using it for a quad-biking business to looking after neighbouring cattle.

“It’s a difficult time,” he said. “We’ve just about reached that stage where we’ve got no other option. Probably the most difficult part will be seeing other people walk on the property after it is sold.”

The rectangular block is split by Nerang Murwillumbah Rd with Lamington National Park on one side and Springbrook National Park on the other.

Mr Yaun has fond memories of growing up on the farm, as did his children.

“It’s a great life for kids,” he said.

“The river and the watering holes were where we spent a lot of time growing up, swimming and canoeing, fishing, of course, and seeing the cows all over the place just grazing. “All great memories.” Ray White Rural Queensland agent Rob Wildermuth, who is marketing the property with Peter Douglas, said the beloved property could be just as important to a new family.

“Bonnie Doon offers a chance for families to give their kids an idyllic escape from the city,” he said.

He said a manager could take care of the stock so people unfamiliar with farming still had a chance to consider buying it.