Australia, with its vast outback, sprawling plains, and rugged landscapes, is home to some of the largest and most iconic ranches in the world. These massive properties not only contribute significantly to the country’s agricultural economy but also embody the spirit of the Australian outback and ranching heritage. The following list highlights the top 10 largest ranches in Australia, showcasing their vastness, history, and importance to the nation.
#1: The Anna Creek Station – 24,000 square kilometers (5.9 million acres)
The Anna Creek Station is the largest ranch in Australia and one of the largest in the world, covering a massive 24,000 square kilometers (nearly 6 million acres). Located in South Australia, the Anna Creek Station is primarily used for cattle grazing and is a key player in the Australian beef industry. The ranch’s vast landscape includes diverse terrain, from sandy deserts to expansive grasslands, and is home to an impressive herd of cattle.
Despite its remote location, Anna Creek Station is a significant operation, with innovative techniques for water management and grazing. The station is also home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, dingoes, and numerous bird species. Its size and role in the Australian agricultural industry make it a symbol of the country’s outback heritage.

#2: The Carlisle Station – 21,000 square kilometers (5.2 million acres)
The Carlisle Station, located in Western Australia, spans an impressive 21,000 square kilometers (5.2 million acres) and is one of the largest ranches in the country. Known for its vast open plains and diverse landscapes, the Carlisle Station is primarily used for cattle farming, with thousands of head of cattle grazing across the expansive property.
In addition to its cattle operations, the station is also involved in sheep farming and has been a key part of Western Australia’s agricultural economy for many years. The Carlisle Station is home to a variety of wildlife, including emus, camels, and wild horses, adding to its unique appeal. The ranch’s size and contribution to Australia’s farming industry have earned it a prominent place in the country’s ranching legacy.

#3: The Cobar Station – 18,000 square kilometers (4.4 million acres)
The Cobar Station, located in New South Wales, covers 18,000 square kilometers (4.4 million acres) and is known for its cattle and sheep operations. The ranch is situated in the heart of Australia’s inland region, where the land is often harsh and arid, but perfect for raising livestock. The Cobar Station has a rich history, dating back to the 1800s, and continues to play a significant role in the Australian agricultural sector.
Cobar Station’s vast landscape includes rolling hills, dry plains, and rugged mountain ranges, providing a variety of grazing environments for its cattle and sheep. The station also serves as a vital part of the local community, supporting numerous jobs and providing economic benefits to the region. The combination of its size, history, and contribution to Australian agriculture makes Cobar Station one of the country’s most important ranches.
#4: The Ord River Station – 16,000 square kilometers (3.9 million acres)
Located in the far north of Western Australia, the Ord River Station spans 16,000 square kilometers (3.9 million acres) and is one of the largest and most important cattle ranches in the region. The station is set along the Ord River, which provides a vital water source for the land, allowing it to support a large herd of cattle as well as other livestock.
In addition to cattle grazing, the Ord River Station is also involved in agriculture, with crops such as cotton, corn, and melons being grown in the fertile river valley. The ranch is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, kangaroos, and numerous bird species. The Ord River Station is a key part of Australia’s agricultural industry and is known for its innovative farming techniques.
#5: The Mulga Downs Station – 14,000 square kilometers (3.5 million acres)
The Mulga Downs Station, located in Western Australia, spans 14,000 square kilometers (3.5 million acres) and is known for its extensive cattle farming operations. The station’s vast, arid landscape is ideal for raising cattle, with the land providing ample grazing areas across its expansive plains. The ranch is a vital part of the Australian beef industry and has been in operation for many years.
In addition to cattle grazing, Mulga Downs Station is also involved in land management practices that aim to preserve the natural environment and restore native ecosystems. The ranch is home to a variety of wildlife, including dingoes, camels, and wild horses. The Mulga Downs Station’s size and focus on sustainability make it one of Australia’s most significant ranches.
#6: The Victoria River Downs Station – 13,000 square kilometers (3.2 million acres)
Located in the Northern Territory, the Victoria River Downs Station covers 13,000 square kilometers (3.2 million acres) and is one of the largest cattle ranches in the region. The station is known for its vast cattle operations, which cover a wide range of terrain, from grasslands to floodplains. The Victoria River Downs Station is a key contributor to the Northern Territory’s agricultural industry.
The station is also involved in land conservation and wildlife management, working to protect and restore the region’s natural habitats. The Victoria River Downs Station is home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, wallabies, and a wide range of bird species. Its size and commitment to conservation make it a vital part of Australia’s ranching and environmental efforts.
#7: The Marlborough Station – 12,000 square kilometers (3 million acres)
The Marlborough Station, located in Queensland, spans 12,000 square kilometers (3 million acres) and is known for its vast cattle grazing operations. The ranch is situated in one of Australia’s most fertile regions, where the land is well-suited for raising livestock. The Marlborough Station has been in operation for over a century and continues to be a major player in Australia’s beef industry.
The ranch’s landscape is home to a wide range of wildlife, including kangaroos, dingoes, and emus, as well as numerous bird species. Marlborough Station is also involved in land conservation efforts, working to maintain the health of the land while supporting its agricultural operations. The ranch’s size and longevity make it one of the most important properties in Queensland.
#8: The Willandra Station – 10,000 square kilometers (2.5 million acres)
Located in New South Wales, the Willandra Station spans 10,000 square kilometers (2.5 million acres) and is known for its vast cattle operations. The station’s open plains, rugged hills, and water sources create the perfect environment for livestock grazing. Willandra Station is a vital part of Australia’s beef industry and plays an important role in supporting the country’s agricultural economy.
In addition to cattle farming, the Willandra Station is involved in land management and conservation efforts. The ranch is home to a variety of wildlife, including wallabies, emus, and numerous bird species. The Willandra Station’s dedication to sustainable ranching practices and its size make it one of the key properties in Australia’s ranching landscape.
#9: The Pandurra Station – 9,500 square kilometers (2.3 million acres)
The Pandurra Station, located in South Australia, covers 9,500 square kilometers (2.3 million acres) and is one of the largest cattle ranches in the region. The station’s vast, open landscape is perfect for grazing cattle, with a variety of terrain, including grasslands, forests, and deserts. Pandurra Station is a critical part of Australia’s beef production industry.
The ranch also focuses on land restoration and wildlife conservation, working to protect the natural environment and native species. The Pandurra Station is home to a wide range of animals, including kangaroos, dingoes, and reptiles. Its size and commitment to sustainability make it one of the most important ranches in South Australia.
#10: The Strathmore Station – 8,500 square kilometers (2.1 million acres)
Located in Western Australia, the Strathmore Station spans 8,500 square kilometers (2.1 million acres) and is known for its cattle operations. The station is set in one of the country’s most remote regions, where the landscape is dominated by arid deserts, rocky hills, and sparse grasslands. Despite its harsh environment, Strathmore Station is an important part of Australia’s agricultural sector.
The ranch is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild camels, dingoes, and kangaroos. Strathmore Station is also dedicated to land conservation and restoration, working to protect its natural resources while maintaining its successful cattle operations. The ranch’s size and commitment to sustainability have made it one of the most significant properties in Western Australia.
Australia’s top 10 largest ranches represent the vastness and diversity of the country’s landscapes, from the expansive Anna Creek Station to the rugged Strathmore Station. These ranches continue to play a vital role in Australia’s agricultural industry while balancing the needs of ranching with environmental stewardship. As these properties evolve, they remain symbols of Australia’s enduring ranching legacy, shaping the country’s rural landscape for generations to come.