Millungera Station
| Company type | Pastoral lease |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cattle station |
| Founded | 1864 |
| Founder | James Gibson |
| Headquarters | Cloncurry (approximate) , Australia |
Area served | Queensland Gulf country |
| Products | Cattle breeding (including Santa Gertrudis and Zebu cattle) |
Millungera Station operates as a cattle station under a pastoral lease in Queensland, Australia.
Description
Positioned roughly northeast of Cloncurry and southward of Croydon, Millungera spans close to one million acres (). It functions as the main breeding property for the Acton Land and Cattle Company, maintaining a herd that can reach up to 40,000 cattle. The estate includes at least one subsidiary site, Crowfels, which is home to a Santa Gertrudis breeding program. Located within Queensland’s Gulf country, the station is characterized by tropical savannah landscapes dominated by mitchell grass and has river frontage along the Flinders River, near the confluence with the Saxby River.
History
Millungera was established in 1864 by pioneer James Gibson, who also founded nearby stations Taldora and Prairie situated along the Flinders River. Initially held by James Gibson and Company, the property changed hands in 1880 when the Melbourne Queensland Pastoral Company was created with capital of £120,000 to acquire Millungera and Taldora—together covering 937,600 acres and stocked with 20,000 cattle—for £80,000, leaving funds available for improvements. William Meredith served as station manager until his death in 1881; his ownership share was subsequently transferred to Salome Meredith of Brisbane.
By 1886, ownership had expanded to include Meredith, Menzies and C., with Mr Nutting acting as manager. At this time, the homestead was well-developed, featuring significant infrastructure and a reliable water source. In 1907, part of Millungera was resumed and subdivided to encourage immigration. That same year, widespread bushfires severely impacted grazing land across Millungera and adjacent properties.
During 1928, while surrounding regions experienced drought conditions, Millungera received an intense rainfall event totaling within a single day. The following year saw cattle herds suffer from phosphorus deficiency—referred to as "pegleg"—leading to recommendations for the administration of phosphate salts.
In 1930, Millungera was offered for auction alongside Tharwan, Savannah Downs, Kuradin, East Creek, and several smaller leases with a combined livestock count of 24,800 cattle; however, no bids were placed. The entire holding encompassed . By 1933, ownership by Meredith Menzies Pty Ltd remained intact as they trialed Zebu cattle introductions aimed at enhancing resistance to tropical diseases.
In 1950, several stockmen went missing on the property; one individual was later found alive after surviving by consuming boiled grass and goanna.
CSR Limited put Millungera up for sale in 1985; it was purchased by the Acton family for AUD 7 million along with a herd numbering 26,000 cattle.