Koordarrie
| Company type | Pastoral lease |
|---|---|
| Industry | Agriculture |
| Founded | before 1912 |
| Founder | Joseph McGrath, Frederick Wright, Frederick Lapthorn |
| Headquarters | Pilbara region , Australia |
Area served | Western Australia |
| Products | Sheep (historically), Cattle (currently) |
Koordarrie Station, commonly referred to simply as Koordarrie, is a pastoral lease situated in Western Australia's Pilbara region, which has transitioned its focus from sheep grazing to cattle ranching.
Positioned approximately 73 kilometers south of Onslow and 102 kilometers southeast of Exmouth, Koordarrie covers an area of , adjoining Minderoo Station, Yanrey, and Urala Stations. The landscape features sandy plains, low sand dunes, and alluvial clay flats, all conducive to livestock grazing.
The station was established prior to 1912 and originally owned by Joseph McGrath, Frederick Wright, and Frederick Lapthorn. The partnership ended in 1915 when Lapthorn retired, leaving McGrath as sole proprietor until his death in 1922.
In 1928, under the management of Albert King, Koordarrie sheared around 10,500 sheep, producing 202 wool bales. By 1936, following several poor seasons, the flock had decreased to approximately 7,000 sheep with a wool yield of 123 bales. King retired in 1946 and was succeeded by Bob Knowles; by 1949 Geoff French took over management before relocating to Warrambo.
The McGrath family put the station up for auction in 1951; covering 316,538 acres, it failed to meet the reserve at £15,000 but was sold privately soon after. Early in 1952, a severe storm inflicted considerable damage on the station's infrastructure. Shortly thereafter, Michael Stroud and his family established residence; that same year manager Wardell-Johnston left for Wooramel Station.
By 1978, Koordarrie supported a flock of 7,269 sheep with the potential to carry up to 24,000. The homestead was abandoned in the early 1980s as the property combined operations with a neighboring lease. Subsequently acquired by Rory and Kristie de Pledge, Koordarrie shifted its emphasis towards cattle production; by 2013 it maintained a herd of approximately 4,000 droughtmaster cattle.