For the first time in 40 years, Ginninderra Falls – Canberra’s Kakadu – is up for sale and has attracted interest from commercial buyers as far away as Canada and Singapore.
Landowners John and Anna Hyles have decided to sell the Falls, which sit just outside the NSW/ACT border on 55.73 hectares, because it no longer fits in with their core business (agriculture/sand and gravel) and also because of strong demand for public access to the falls.
The rare natural wonder is listed with Ray White Rural Canberra/Yass and the property’s zoning allows for residential, as well as resort, retail and tourism. The waterfall itself has environmental protection zoning for its high biodiversity value.
Ray White agent George Southwell said the rare property received a dozen inquiries since the listing went live yesterday, including significant international interest.
“Most of the inquiry is looking at the tourism aspect of it because of the (SP1) zoning,” Mr Southwell said. “It’s a very public asset and it would be nice to see it opened up again. The Australian commercial market is quite attractive at the moment, obviously because we’re very stable politically, from an investment point of view it’s probably the last frontier for development.”
Ginninderra Falls closed to the public 20 years ago due to public liability and at that time, it attracted about 25,000 visitors annually. Ginninderra Falls is NSW’s largest privately-held permanent waterfall and the tourist attraction once sat alongside the Australian War Memorial as top attraction for the ACT.
In recent years, the Hyles family has received “droves” of residents from nearby Ginninderry development, trying to gain access to the Falls.
To locals, Ginninderra Falls is considered a part of West Belconnen and it is located just 25 minutes from Parliament House.
Owners John and Anna Hyles said: “This is one of the most beautiful properties in Australia. We have had the privilege of stewarding Ginninderra Falls for over 40 years, it’s now time for new owners to unlock the potential of this site as a world-class attraction, or simply enjoy as we have for so many years.
“The sale of Ginninderra Falls is an opportunity of a lifetime to shape the future of an Australian natural wonder.”
Expressions of interest close 28 November.
