THE plains of Zambia, in southern Africa, are a world away from the fence lines of Victorian farms.
But not for one Gippsland family.
- AORAKI DOWNS
- FULHAM
- PROPERTY: grazing, dairy
- Size: 141ha
- Sale: by expressions of interest closing April 16
- Price: $1.8-$2 million
- Agent: Ray White Rural, Sale
- Contact: 0448 778 076
Anthony and Trudy Burrowes, originally dairy farmers from New Zealand, purchased Aoraki Downs, at Fulham, two years ago but are now selling it to embark on a two-year Christian mission in Zambia.
The couple, who have four children, managed a dairy farm in Zambia for six months just after buying Aoraki Downs, and enjoyed the experience so much that they are selling their much-loved property to again help teach Zambians about agriculture.
"The mission we've been working with in Zambia needs a farm manager again, this time for about two years, and they asked if we'd go back," Anthony said.
"And of course we need to sell the farm to enable us to go back."
Anthony and Trudy were first attracted to Aoraki Downs because of its outstanding water supply.
The property is in the heart of the Macalister Irrigation District and has 1.5km of Thomson River frontage.
It has a 148ML water entitlement, which can be pumped straight from the Thomson River. There is also a lagoon and several dams for water storage.
The property was formerly a dairy farm and Anthony and Trudy now run it as a dairy agistment operation.
It is home to 400-500 dairy heifers, on agistment from local farmers.
Anthony said the property was extremely versatile.
"It's got potential to be a grazing, dairy agistment or dairy conversion property," he said. "There's a good balance of irrigated land, right down back to the river country."
The property has a good laneway system throughout and is fenced into about 20 paddocks.
The contour of the land ranges from gently rising country to low river flats, where the Thomson River runs.
The entire property is a luscious shade of green, but the river flats at the back of the property are especially beautiful, tranquil and full of flora and fauna.
Anthony and Trudy said they would be sad to leave Aoraki Downs, but were excited to be able to "give something back" and embark on their Zambian mission.
Aoraki Downs is located just north of the Princes Highway and only five minutes from Sale.
The property has a spacious four-bedroom brick-veneer home, complete with a modern kitchen.
Aoraki Downs has substantial shedding improvements, including a workshop, hay and machinery shedding.
