Durham Downs Station
| Company type | Pastoral lease |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cattle station |
| Founded | 1870s |
| Headquarters | Durham , Australia |
Area served | South West Queensland |
| Owner | S. Kidman & Co (owned by Gina Rinehart since 2016) |
Durham Downs Station, often referred to simply as Durham Downs, is a pastoral lease functioning as a cattle station situated in Durham, within the Shire of Bulloo in South West Queensland, Australia. Positioned in a remote, arid environment along Cooper Creek, the station frequently contends with droughts and flooding events. Founded in the 1870s, it is currently owned by S. Kidman & Co, which was acquired by Gina Rinehart in 2016.
Description
Located approximately northeast of Innamincka and south of Windorah in the Channel Country region of Queensland, Durham Downs boasts of extensive frontage along Cooper Creek and its tributaries such as Tooratchie, Wammanooka, Warreena, Parkamlnna, and Windula Creeks. The property encompasses fertile floodplain areas. Spanning , including the Woomanooka outstation, it remains under the ownership of S. Kidman & Co..
19th century
The lands northward of the station traditionally belonged to the Kungadutji people. Established prior to 1873, Durham Downs was recognized for producing high-quality cattle; in 1875, proprietors McGregor and Co. sold 205 bullocks and cows at an average price near A£11 each.
In 1883, after enduring drought conditions and the breakup of the partnership between Duncan McGregor and D and R Mailler, Durham Downs was put up for sale. At that time, it consisted of 42 blocks covering , stocked with over 14,000 cattle, 2,500 sheep, and 309 horses. Duncan McGregor repurchased the property in 1884 for A£78,582.
A legal dispute arose in 1886 concerning alleged shortfall in livestock delivery during the sale; plaintiffs claimed only 9,000 cattle and 400 sheep were delivered instead of the minimum guaranteed numbers of 12,000 cattle and 2,000 sheep. The defendants proposed a rebate amounting to A£7,752. The court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs but dismissed accusations of fraud against the defendants.
1900–1949
In 1909, prominent cattle entrepreneur Sidney Kidman acquired Durham Downs along with several other properties including Tilbaroo, Morney Plains, Durrie Station, Burrawinna, and Macumba Station in South Australia. This acquisition was part of a strategic move to secure valuable grazing lands adjacent to water sources. Kidman financed the purchase by borrowing A£50,000 towards the A£100,000 asking price.
Between 1914 and 1916, an intense drought led to the death of approximately 10,000 cattle at Durham Downs and over 75,000 across Kidman’s Channel Country holdings such as Diamantina Lakes, Glengyle, Innamincka, and Sandringham. Facing financial difficulties as a result, Kidman sold Durham Downs in 1918.
The drought affecting southwest Queensland from 1927 through 1929 left Durham Downs in deteriorated condition despite occasional light rainfall. This dry spell ended in 1930 with heavy rains that temporarily rejuvenated the usually parched Cooper Creek.
In 1941, flooding from Cooper Creek inundated sections of the station; however, road access remained intact. By 1945, overpopulation of feral horses (brumbies) had become problematic; shooters culled around 2,200 horses at Durham Downs and an additional 8,000 across other Kidman-owned Queensland properties by 1947.
A further drought occurred in 1946 causing widespread cattle mortality and necessitating destocking measures. Subsequent floods took place in 1948 and more severely in 1950 when Cooper Creek overflowed its banks causing disruption to rail services and damage to infrastructure.
In 1949, an airmail service was introduced to serve remote outback stations including Durham Downs as well as Mungerannie, Clifton Hills, Glengyle, Davenport Downs, Morney Plains, Mount Leonard, Durrie, Mulka, Tanbar, Cordillo Downs, Nappa Merrie, Lake Pure, and Naryilco.
1950–1999
In 1952, a fire consumed the station homestead, tragically claiming the life of the manager, Mr. Stevenson. His family managed to escape unharmed, but despite the efforts of ten stockmen, the blaze remained uncontrollable.
Management of the station was assumed in 1973 by John "Fergie" Ferguson and his wife Jasleen, who directed its operations for many years.
21st century
The Fergusons stepped down from their managerial roles in 2007.
Plans to celebrate the centenary of Kidman's acquisition were delayed in both 2010 and 2011 due to flooding caused by heavy rains along Cooper Creek. Later in 2011, bushfires affected a large portion of grazing land on the property's western boundary.
Jon Cobb was recorded as the station manager as of 2011.
In 2016, Hancock Prospecting, owned by Gina Rinehart, purchased S. Kidman & Co. By April 2023, Durham Downs was among only four stations retained by Hancock Prospecting following the divestment of four other properties.