The largest pastoral station in the Northern Territory is Alexandria Station, which covers approximately 1,641,416 hectares (about 16,414 square kilometers or 4.06 million acres). This makes it not only the Northern Territory's largest pastoral property but also Australia's third-largest pastoral property overall (after Anna Creek Station and Clifton Hills Station).
Alexandria Station is located at approximately -19.06° S, 136.71° E (or more precisely, 19°03'28"S, 136°42'28"E).
Location and Landscape
The station is situated on the Barkly Tableland, approximately 273 kilometers east of Tennant Creek and 173 kilometers northwest of Camooweal (Queensland). The property is characterized by rolling Mitchell grass plains interspersed with ancient red sand dunes—a landscape that epitomizes the vast, largely treeless expanses of Australia's northern cattle country. Several ephemeral waterways cross the property including the Buchanan River, Ranken River, Buchanan Creek, and Cigarette Hole Creek, providing crucial water sources during the wet season.
The Barkly Tableland's relatively flat terrain and fertile Mitchell grass downs make it some of the most productive cattle country in the Northern Territory. Unlike the arid desert regions of South Australia, the Barkly receives more reliable seasonal rainfall, allowing for higher stocking rates despite the property's remote location.
A Legacy of Pastoral Excellence
Established in 1877 as Alexandria Downs Station, it was the first property acquired by the North Australian Pastoral Company (NAPCo) and remains their flagship and oldest property—a testament to nearly 150 years of continuous operation. This makes Alexandria Station not just a working cattle enterprise but a living piece of Australian pastoral history.
The station currently supports a herd of approximately 55,000 cattle, predominantly Brahman breed—a cattle type specifically developed to withstand the Top End's heat and cattle ticks. Initially, Alexandria ran Shorthorn cattle, but in 1982 the decision was made to transition to Brahmans, which proved far more suitable for the harsh tropical environment.
Operations and Infrastructure
Approximately 50 employees live and work on the station, forming a small community in one of Australia's most remote regions. The main homestead is situated close to the Playford River, providing a reliable water source and a central base for operations. The property features two outstations: Soudan along the Ranken River and Gallipoli on the eastern side of the lease. These outstations are essential for managing cattle across such vast distances, allowing stockmen to work more efficiently during mustering and other operations.
The plains are covered with Mitchell grass, which not only supports the massive cattle herd but also allows the station to harvest around 10,000 bales of hay annually. This hay is used on other properties in the NAPCo group, demonstrating the integrated nature of modern large-scale pastoral operations where stations support each other across a broader network.
Alexandria Station stands as a powerful example of Australia's pastoral industry operating at a grand scale—where the challenges of remoteness, climate, and distance are met with expertise, innovation, and the resilience that has defined outback cattle stations for generations.
