During the late 1880s much of the Eastern Strzelecki Ranges were systematically cleared of their pristine rainforest vegetation by pioneering families attempting to farm the rich, fertile soils and capitalize on the enviable high rainfall.

Thousands of acres of ancient mountain ash were felled and burnt, gullies of tree fern were swept away and converted to grasslands.

The contest was too formidable for most, the constant battle against nature and the elements proved too great with a continual stream of these settlers abandoning the hills in the following decades.

A century later in the 1980s, the current owners, two idealists selected a tract of such farmland (now known as Koongoora) with a very different motivation and tirelessly began the massive transformation from weed infested, derelict grasslands back to its original natural vegetated state.

Pale silver mists again hang weightlessly above the vibrant young forests, now home to the regions many species of wildlife that have returned instinctively knowing the safety of their re-established environment.

Lyrebirds mimic all the sounds of an otherwise silent microcosm. Wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, koalas and many native birds are in abundance.

Crossover Creek, a small spring fed stream forms the property’s eastern boundary and flows into Merriman’s Creek which originates in nearby Tarra Bulga National Park.

Koongoora’s infrastructure includes several buildings associated with the production of wine, solar system with generator back up, barn and storage shedding. Dams and rain water tanks are the source of water.

This is an off grid, eco conscious, organic or nature orientated lifestyle property.

Today, Koongoora exists as a memorial of the dedicated conservationists who leave behind a ‘completed’ life’s work..….

One small Gippsland valley returned to its natural state and protected in perpetuity.