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As 2025 unfolds, Queensland continues to stand out as one of Australia’s most dynamic states for rural land ownership, offering diversity not just in climate and terrain, but in economic opportunity, lifestyle choice, and long-term sustainability. Whether you’re chasing a hobby farm with rainforest views, a working cattle property in the heart of the outback, or fertile soil close to major markets, Queensland has a region to match your goals.
But buying rural land isn’t just about hectares and price tags. It’s about understanding the subtle differences between regions, from rainfall and soil quality, to proximity to buyers, freight routes, and digital connectivity. This guide breaks down the top acreage regions in Queensland for 2025, highlighting where the real value lies for farmers, investors, and self-sufficiency seekers alike.
Summary of Queensland’s Target Buying Regions for Acreage and Self-Sufficient Farming
| Region | Key Towns | Typical Acreage Price | Distance to Major City | Climate Highlights | Best Suited For |
| Darling Downs | Toowoomba, Dalby, Warwick | $4,000–$10,000/acre | 1.5 hrs to Brisbane | Mild summers, dry winters, reliable rainfall | Broadacre crops, grazing, lifestyle |
| Wide Bay-Burnett | Bundaberg, Gympie, Kingaroy | $3,500–$8,000/acre | 4 hrs to Brisbane | Subtropical, good rainfall, flat terrain | Horticulture, sugarcane, tree crops |
| Scenic Rim | Beaudesert, Boonah, Canungra | $10,000–$25,000/acre | 1 hr to Brisbane & Gold Coast | Fertile valleys, temperate climate | Boutique farming, lifestyle |
| Lockyer Valley | Gatton, Laidley, Plainland | $5,000–$12,000/acre | 1 hr to Brisbane | High-yield irrigation basin | Vegetables, salad crops, market gardens |
| Southern Downs | Stanthorpe, Warwick | $3,500–$9,000/acre | 2.5 hrs to Brisbane | Cool winters, elevated tablelands | Vineyards, grazing, niche crops |
| South Burnett | Kingaroy, Nanango, Murgon | $2,500–$6,000/acre | 3 hrs to Brisbane | Drier inland climate | Peanuts, grains, mixed farming |
| Central Highlands | Emerald, Capella, Springsure | $1,800–$4,000/acre | 3 hrs to Rockhampton | Subtropical with dry seasons | Cotton, cattle, cropping |
| Burdekin Region | Ayr, Home Hill | $2,500–$7,000/acre | 1 hr to Townsville | Irrigated lowland, very fertile | Sugarcane, tropical fruit, rice |
| Atherton Tablelands | Atherton, Mareeba, Malanda | $6,000–$12,000/acre | 90 mins to Cairns | Cooler tropical highlands, high rainfall | Avocados, dairy, coffee |
| Cape York Peninsula | Lakeland, Coen (emerging) | $300–$800/acre (unimproved) | 5+ hrs to Cairns | Wet/dry tropics, remote access | Land banking, export cropping |
1. Southern Downs & Granite Belt
Located just two to three hours south-west of Brisbane, the Southern Downs and Granite Belt offer a rare balance: cool climate agriculture, vibrant local communities, and one of Queensland’s most consistent growing regions. Anchored by towns like Stanthorpe, Warwick, and Allora, this region has long been a hub for fruit, vegetable, and wine production — and with rising interest in boutique and regenerative farming models, demand for smaller, productive acreages is growing.
Cost and Availability
Acreage prices range from $6,000 to $12,000 per acre, depending on access to water and proximity to services. Smaller blocks suited to hobby farming can still be found for under $400,000, though quality irrigated parcels are being snapped up quickly by both locals and interstate buyers.
Lifestyle and Infrastructure
The area’s cool winters and elevated position offer an appealing alternative to the tropical humidity of northern Queensland. It’s well-connected via the New England Highway, and towns like Stanthorpe boast strong schooling, reliable NBN, and a lively food-and-wine culture.
Who’s Buying?
Tree-changers from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, as well as second-generation farmers looking to diversify away from monoculture. There’s a visible shift toward high-value niche crops, such as garlic, truffles, and heritage apples, especially among buyers focused on small-scale, direct-to-consumer models.
2. Wide Bay–Burnett
Stretching from Gympie to Bundaberg and out toward Kingaroy, the Wide Bay–Burnett region is one of Queensland’s most agriculturally active zones. With a mix of sugar cane, peanuts, macadamias, and cattle operations, the region supports a wide array of production systems. It also offers affordable land with solid infrastructure, making it a launchpad for both commercial operations and lifestyle farming.
Cost and Access
Prices start around $4,000 per acre in outer areas, rising to $10,000–$15,000 per acre for fertile farmland near Bundaberg or Gympie with good irrigation access. Major towns are connected by the Bruce Highway and North Coast rail line, and freight routes are well-established.
Climate and Resources
Subtropical with high rainfall — especially around coastal areas — but more arid and temperate inland. Bundaberg in particular has seen continued investment in water infrastructure, including upgrades to Paradise Dam, which has restored confidence in long-term irrigation.
3. Darling Downs
The Darling Downs, west of Toowoomba, is often called Queensland’s agricultural engine room — and for good reason. With rich black soils, reliable rainfall, and proximity to major markets, it remains one of the most productive and strategically valuable farming areas in the state. The region spans towns such as Dalby, Oakey, Pittsworth, and Goondiwindi, with a strong base of cropping, grazing, and mixed farming.
Cost and Scale
Well-serviced land close to Toowoomba commands $10,000–$18,000 per acre, especially where irrigation is in place. Further west, prices become more accessible — particularly for broadacre holdings — with dryland farming parcels available from $2,500 to $6,000 per acre, depending on soil and water entitlements.
Infrastructure and Freight Access
Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport and inland freight hub have strengthened the region’s export capabilities. With easy access to the Warrego Highway and a growing intermodal rail presence, farmers can move fresh produce efficiently to both domestic and international markets.
Who’s Buying?
Institutional buyers and family agribusinesses continue to dominate the Darling Downs. However, the western fringes of the region are seeing increased interest from regenerative farming advocates and agri-entrepreneurs, many drawn by the low entry costs and the region’s forward-thinking attitude toward soil health and carbon farming.
4. South Burnett
Often overlooked, the South Burnett — centred around towns like Kingaroy, Nanango, and Murgon — offers a compelling value proposition in 2025. Known historically for peanuts and wine, the region has begun to attract a new wave of smallholders, lifestyle farmers, and food producers seeking affordable land and temperate conditions just a few hours from Brisbane.
Affordability and Size
Small rural parcels of 10–100 acres can still be found for under $400,000, making the South Burnett one of Queensland’s most affordable acreage destinations. Larger tracts suited to grazing or broadacre cropping sit between $3,000 and $7,000 per acre, depending on access to water and roads.
Lifestyle and Climate
The South Burnett offers a more Mediterranean climate than the tropics — dry summers and cool, crisp winters — which appeals to those looking for year-round comfort without the volatility of coastal regions. Local produce, markets, and a growing arts scene also enhance lifestyle value.
Connectivity and Access
Road access to Brisbane via the D’Aguilar Highway takes around 2.5–3.5 hours, depending on location. While full-fibre NBN is patchy, mobile coverage is relatively strong near towns, and Fixed Wireless NBN continues to expand.
5. Central Highlands
Located west of Rockhampton, the Central Highlands is a vast, resource-rich region encompassing towns like Emerald, Blackwater, and Springsure. While traditionally associated with mining, the region’s vast land availability, low entry cost, and reliable productivity make it an underappreciated agricultural zone — especially for beef and broadacre cropping.
Price and Land Use
Expect $1,500 to $4,500 per acre for larger holdings, particularly around Emerald, where large-scale operations dominate. The scale and scope here suit commercial buyers, though smaller pockets are increasingly being sought by solar developers and agtech startups.
6. Lockyer Valley
Dubbed “Australia’s Salad Bowl,” the Lockyer Valley is one of the most intensively farmed areas in the country. Located just over an hour west of Brisbane and neighbouring Toowoomba, its access to urban markets, water security (via the Lockyer Creek and various irrigation schemes), and fertile soils make it a hotspot for horticulture and niche cropping.
Land Pricing and Availability
Being so close to the southeast corner’s population hubs, land here comes at a premium — with smaller productive parcels fetching $12,000 to $25,000 per acre depending on water licences and infrastructure. Larger holdings are rarer but do come to market occasionally at the upper end of this scale.
Market Access and Logistics
Lockyer’s strength lies in its direct access to the Brisbane Markets at Rocklea, just 60–90 minutes away by road. That proximity makes same-day harvest and distribution viable — a major advantage for fresh-produce growers.
Suitability and Farming Types
The valley supports everything from leafy greens to melons, carrots, herbs, and boutique crops like turmeric and ginger. Increasingly, the area is drawing in first-generation farmers focused on organic methods or direct-to-consumer models, who want reliable infrastructure and a short path to market.
7. Wide Bay–Burnett
Encompassing Bundaberg, Maryborough, and Gympie, the Wide Bay–Burnett region offers a unique blend of coastal access, subtropical climate, and consistent rainfall. With fertile soils and a supportive agricultural ecosystem, it’s fast becoming a preferred destination for mid-scale farming and rural lifestyle buyers alike.
Land Values and Options
Land values vary depending on proximity to major centres and water access. Near Bundaberg, prime horticultural land with irrigation infrastructure can demand $8,000–$15,000 per acre, while outer rural lifestyle blocks start from $4,000 per acre. Inland around Biggenden and Gayndah, grazing properties offer good value for money, often under $3,000 per acre.
Climate and Crops
The climate is warm and humid with high annual rainfall — ideal for sugarcane, macadamias, sweet potatoes, citrus, and small crops. Several solar farms have also sprung up here in recent years, given the region’s consistent sun exposure and flat terrain.
Community and Services
Bundaberg is a well-serviced regional hub with a base hospital, major retailers, a university campus, and direct flights to Brisbane. This mix of rural lifestyle and accessible city-like services continues to attract sea-changers and semi-retirees transitioning into part-time farming or hobby farming.
8. Scenic Rim
The Scenic Rim offers a picturesque farming landscape within 90 minutes of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, including towns like Boonah, Beaudesert, and Kalbar. Rolling hills, volcanic soils, and a strong local food culture make it particularly attractive for boutique operations and agritourism.
Market Trends and Demand
Prices reflect demand — productive smaller lots with views or creek frontage can reach $15,000–$30,000 per acre, with strong competition from hobby farmers, weekenders, and eco-tourism investors. Larger operational farms further from key towns still offer relative value at $6,000–$10,000 per acre.
9. Atherton Tablelands
Situated inland from Cairns in Far North Queensland, the Atherton Tablelands offer a cooler, elevated climate compared to surrounding tropical lowlands. Known for its volcanic soils, reliable rainfall, and temperate conditions, this region supports a wide range of crops, from avocados and maize to dairy and niche tree crops like coffee and blueberries.
Climate and Productivity
The Tablelands sit at 500–1,000 metres elevation, with annual rainfall ranging from 1,000mm to 1,500mm. The cooler temperatures and fertile basalt soils provide a rare tropical highland microclimate suited to temperate and subtropical crops alike — a major point of difference within Queensland’s agricultural landscape.
Land Pricing
Prices here reflect both productivity and lifestyle appeal. Smaller mixed farms and hobby plots with water access tend to range between $6,000 and $12,000 per acre, with larger dairy or cropping operations falling between $4,000 and $8,000 per acre, depending on improvements.
Services and Access
The region benefits from proximity to Cairns Airport (90 mins), local agribusiness services in Atherton and Mareeba, and established local food networks. Broadband and mobile reception is strong around larger towns, although patchy in more remote or hilly zones.
10. Cape York Peninsula (Emerging Frontier)
Cape York has traditionally been seen as the frontier — vast, rugged, and difficult to access. But recent investment in road infrastructure and water storage (such as the Lakeland Irrigation Scheme) is opening up this remote region to more structured agriculture, particularly for export-bound crops like bananas, sorghum, and legumes.
Land Values and Scale
Cape York’s scale is immense. Grazing leases and freehold land can be purchased for as little as $300–$800 per acre, making it the most affordable per-acre farmland in Queensland. However, capital investment in infrastructure, water, and logistics is significant — this is not turnkey territory.
Climate and Risk
It’s a tropical savannah climate: wet summers, dry winters, and monsoon variability. While fertile pockets exist, seasonal access remains a challenge. This region is best suited to experienced operators or those entering large-scale land banking with a long view on northern development.
Internet Connectivity in Top QLD Farmland and Acreage Regions (2025)
| Region | Key Towns | NBN Availability | Connection Types | Average Download Speed |
| Darling Downs | Toowoomba, Dalby, Warwick | Widespread coverage | FTTP in Toowoomba, FTTN/FTTC in surrounds | 50–100 Mbps (towns), 25–50 Mbps (rural) |
| Wide Bay-Burnett | Bundaberg, Gympie, Kingaroy | Broad coverage in towns | FTTP in Bundaberg, Fixed Wireless in rural areas | 75–100 Mbps (towns), 20–40 Mbps (rural) |
| Scenic Rim | Beaudesert, Boonah, Canungra | Good coverage in valleys | FTTP/FTTC in towns, Fixed Wireless in hills | 50–100 Mbps (towns), 25–40 Mbps (rural) |
| Lockyer Valley | Gatton, Laidley, Plainland | Strong and consistent | FTTP in Gatton/Plainland, FTTN elsewhere | 75–100 Mbps (towns), 30–50 Mbps (rural) |
| Southern Downs | Stanthorpe, Warwick | Moderate coverage | FTTN in Warwick, Satellite/Fixed Wireless elsewhere | 50–75 Mbps (towns), 20–30 Mbps (rural) |
| South Burnett | Kingaroy, Nanango, Murgon | Mixed coverage | FTTC in town cores, Fixed Wireless in outskirts | 40–75 Mbps (towns), 15–30 Mbps (rural) |
| Central Highlands | Emerald, Capella, Springsure | Patchy outside of town centres | FTTN in Emerald, Satellite in remote areas | 50–75 Mbps (towns), 15–25 Mbps (rural) |
| Burdekin Region | Ayr, Home Hill | Widespread NBN access | FTTP in Ayr, Fixed Wireless in cane lands | 75–100 Mbps (towns), 20–40 Mbps (rural) |
| Atherton Tablelands | Atherton, Mareeba, Malanda | Reliable in most key towns | FTTP in Atherton, FTTC/Fixed Wireless in others | 75–100 Mbps (towns), 25–40 Mbps (rural) |
| Cape York Peninsula | Lakeland, Coen | Very limited | Satellite internet only | Up to 25 Mbps (variable latency) |
Make sure you check out our guide on rural internet connectivity here.
Final Considerations for Buyers in 2025
Infrastructure & Internet
With rural internet improving under the NBN expansion program, regions like Toowoomba, Atherton, and Bundaberg are increasingly viable for remote work and agritech applications. However, always check local NBN maps and mobile reception zones before purchasing, particularly in more remote areas.
Water Access
Whether it’s creek frontage, bores, irrigation licences, or scheme connections — water rights are now a critical component of valuation. Buyers should factor this into both the upfront cost and long-term operational resilience of any property.
Lifestyle vs Commercial Scale
Queensland offers both ends of the spectrum — from 20-acre boutique blocks in the Scenic Rim to multi-thousand-acre grazing leases in the north. Clarity on your objectives — income generation vs lifestyle, full-time vs part-time farming — is essential to narrowing your search.
If you’re interested in looking at a plot of land for self sufficient living or farmland elsewhere, make sure to check out our articles on the same topic covering New South Wales and Victoria and read our guide on how to buy a farm. If you’re looking at financing your new land or taking on a loan, make sure you use our loan calculator to compare different options and work out exactly what your finances could look like.
Keen to see how 2026 could look? Have a read of our write up here.
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