Nanutarra Station
| Company type | Pastoral lease |
|---|---|
| Industry | Agriculture |
| Founded | 1877 |
| Headquarters | Pilbara region , Australia |
| Products | Cattle (previously sheep) |
| Owner | Andrew Forrest |
Nanutarra Station, often referred to simply as Nanutarra, operates as a cattle station under a pastoral lease in Western Australia, having previously functioned as a sheep station.
Description
Positioned approximately south of Onslow and southeast of Exmouth within the Pilbara region, the property is intersected by the North West Coastal Highway. Within its perimeter lies the Nanutarra Roadhouse. The lease is crossed by both the Ashburton and Henry Rivers. Adjacent properties include Globe Hill to the west, Uaroo and Glenflorrie to the south, and Boolaloo located to the north and east.
History
Harry Higham first utilized the land for grazing in 1877 and constructed the homestead by 1884. By 1906, Nanutarra was home to around 45,000 sheep, becoming one of the largest pastoral holdings by 1919. Higham managed the station until his retirement in 1902 and died in 1917.
By 1925, the station encompassed , equipped with 18 wells and extensive fencing that divided the area into 17 paddocks, supporting a flock of 8,617 sheep. The Higham family maintained ownership until 1937 when they sold both Nanutarra and Mount Stuart Station to the Boololoo Pastoral Company.
In 2005, Nanutarra was added to the Western Australian Register of Heritage Places, acknowledging its important role in advancing pastoral development in the region.
The lease area measures . A land use agreement was formalized in 2011 with Buurabalayji Thalanyji Aboriginal Corporation pursuant to the Native Title Act.
In 2012, Nanutarra was sold along with neighboring Uaroo Station; combined, these properties cover and carry approximately 2,750 head of cattle, with a maximum capacity estimated at 7,600. The stations feature around 70 equipped watering points as well as numerous natural water sources.
Both properties were purchased by Andrew Forrest, Chairman of Fortescue Metals Group, who also owns Minderoo Station situated north of Uaroo.
Homestead
The homestead complex is an example of Victorian-Georgian architectural style, comprising two separate wings connected by a covered walkway. Some buildings date back to the 1880s. Due to moisture-related deterioration, most structures are in fair to poor condition. The site maintains moderate historical integrity and bears resemblance to homesteads found at Cooya Pooya and Tambrey stations.