Located over 800 kilometers west of Brisbane, in the remote outback of Queensland, lies a quaint town with its own postal code and a mere two inhabitants. Now, the entire community of Cooladdi is gearing up for a transition, as the town is officially up for sale.
For a price of $400,000, prospective buyers will acquire the Foxtrap Roadhouse, a four-bedroom residence, and the unique opportunity to own the town itself. This price stands in stark contrast to the median cost of $935,000 for a small apartment in Sydney.
The name Cooladdi is believed to originate from a local Indigenous term meaning “black duck.” It is recognized as one of the smallest towns in Australia, a status supported by the presence of a functioning post office located within the roadhouse, which allows Cooladdi to maintain its own postal code: 4479.
The current residents, Carol Yarrow and Jo Cornel, took charge of the roadhouse in February 2023 with plans to revitalize the quiet stopover over a three-year period. As that timeline approaches its end, both are ready to pass on their responsibilities.
With Yarrow contemplating retirement and Cornel looking to return to Brisbane to be nearer to family, they are eager to find new owners.
Those who take over will have a variety of responsibilities, including managing the post office, operating the pub, preparing meals, and running the shop. “The food and the pub are likely the biggest tasks; we also handle the mail runs for the post office,” explains Yarrow, who has extensive experience in remote hospitality, having managed motels and hotels for years.
Despite the challenges, Yarrow finds the work fulfilling: “The best part has always been the local community…those who live within a 70-kilometer radius and regularly visit.”
Historically, Cooladdi was a thriving railway town with a peak population of around 270 residents. However, as the local sheep farming industry declined and train services ceased, the town gradually emptied, leading to the closure of the school in 1974.
During that period, Beryl and Bob Fox established the Foxtrap Roadhouse, securing Cooladdi’s status as a prominent meeting place, despite the town’s dwindling population.
Yarrow reflects, “There’s a rich history here. Since many residents moved to Charleville and nearby areas, former locals often return to visit their old stomping grounds.”
The sale is being managed by Becky Jeisman from Charleville Real Estate. Within the Murweh Shire Council, Charleville is the nearest significant town, boasting a population of 3,000, where the average home sells for approximately $210,000.
Jeisman notes that the roadhouse could appeal to empty nesters, adventurous young individuals, or families seeking a lifestyle change.
Interestingly, while the current population of Cooladdi stands at just two, Jeisman explains, “The population count is based on the number of people who own the Foxtrap. If a group of four buys it, the town’s population would double.”
For those seeking an escape from urban life, Yarrow believes Cooladdi offers a refreshing “change of pace” and a more relaxed way of living.
Beyond the roles of publican and postal worker, Jeisman emphasizes that new owners will play a crucial role in nurturing the “general camaraderie” that is essential to the fabric of this isolated community.
As Yarrow and Cornel prepare for their final shift at the bar, there remains a glimmer of hope that this tiny town still has a future ahead of it.
