For many Australians priced out of the property market, a small town in outback Queensland is offering a very different opportunity
For $400,000 you can buy the entire town of Cooladdi, located about nine hours west of Brisbane. It has been listed for less than half the average unit price in the state’s capital.
The sale includes a four-bedroom home, the Foxtrap Roadhouse and the township itself.
The town is currently run by its only two residents, Carol Yarrow and Jo Cornel, who have spent the past three years managing the roadhouse, the centre of daily life in the area.
“It’s never lonely as there are locals and travellers who drop in on a daily basis,” Carol said.
“We often say there is never a dull moment.”
The Foxtrap serves as the town’s post office, pub, café and general store, catering to a steady flow of travellers and nearby graziers.
Yarrow made the decision to list the town up for sale as she was ready to step away.
“I am ready to retire, and Jo would like to return to Brisbane to be closer to family,” she said.
Running the town has meant handling everything from meals and accommodation to deliveries for surrounding properties.
Despite the remote setting, Yarrow said the past three years had been filled with memorable moments.
She recalled gatherings for State of Origin and Australia Day, where locals and travellers came together for music, laughter and games.
Cooladdi was once much larger, with around 270 residents, a school, police station and butcher during its railway town days. Today, the Foxtrap remains a central hub for the wider district.
“Cooladdi is a special place to a lot of people,” Carol said.
For potential buyers, she said the lifestyle would be key.
“Whoever comes in needs to have a love of the outback or be able to adapt – and a happy disposition at the bar is always important,” she said.
Image: Facebook / Carol Yarrow
