granada
station
120,000
acre
property
100km
north of Cloncurry
2,500
Brahman
breeders
1300
purebred Wagyu breeders
700
Full Blood Wagyu breeders
Granada Station is a 120,000-acre property purchased by the Hacon Family in 1985. It is located 100km north of Cloncurry in the Southern Gulf region, a region known for quality large-scale beef production. Granada Station is home to 2,500 Brahman breeders and more recently, 2000 Wagyu breeders. It boasts a balanced blend of black and red soils and is traversed by the Duguld River in the northwest corner.
Granada Station History
The history of Granada Station unfolds with Percival E Walsh's arrival in the Gulf Country around 1878, where he established a run on the Duguld River, naming it Granada. Historical records suggest in a partnership with his uncle, Mr. WH Walsh, and a Mr. Brown, the trio acquired 1000 cows from Daandine Station on the Darling Downs. Despite significant losses during the journey to Cloncurry, only 200 cattle survived. Mr. Percy Walsh briefly resided in Granada before entrusting the property to manager Mr. Tom Brown until its purchase by Messrs Hopkins Bros in September 1883, Granada encompassed approximately 800 square miles.
Following this acquisition, 12,000 ewes were obtained from Terrick Station in 1884, with adverse road conditions leading to substantial losses, only 8000 sheep reaching Granada. The flock, however, increased over time, witnessing the shearing of 39,000 sheep in March 1893. The Granada homestead at that time featured six bedrooms elevated six feet from the ground, a store, blacksmith's shed, kitchen, stockmen's humpies, and a vegetable garden along the Duguld River.
By 1894, Granada covered 800 square miles, supporting 30,000 sheep and 14,000 cattle. Over the years, portions of the original holding were sold, and by 1933, it spanned approximately 300 square miles, reducing to 187 square miles by 1941 and remaining the same today. In 1888, the Hopkins Bros sold Granada to the Union Mortgage and Agency Co Ltd, later becoming the Australian Estates Co Ltd, marking the beginning of significant development work.
Under the management of Mr. AA Frazer in 1933, the Granada Shorthorn stud was established Frazer selected 10 Shorthorn bulls at the Brisbane Exhibition and purchased 150 stud cows from Millungera, Julia Creek. The stud gained a renowned reputation for producing bulls well-suited and acclimatized to local conditions. By 1950, the stud boasted 150 bulls, half of which were polled, and around 2500 breeders. Granada supported about 5500 Shorthorns, annually selling 300 herd bulls. Australian Estates successfully experimented with cultivating crops to feed the stud cattle, achieving notable success with a Sudan grass yield of 29 tons on 18 acres.
Following decades under Australian Estates, Granada remained recognised as one of North Queensland's respected cattle properties. The Granada Shorthorn Stud earned a reputation for producing functional, hardy cattle suited to the demanding conditions of Northern Australia, establishing a legacy of careful breeding that would shape the property's future.
In 1985, Granada Station was purchased by the Hacon family, beginning a new chapter in the station's long history. Over the following decades, the family continued to develop the property, investing in infrastructure, water, fencing and livestock while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible land stewardship and practical cattle management.
Today, Granada Beef is led by Peter "Sos" and Hannah Hacon, who are building on more than 140 years of cattle production at Granada. While the property has evolved considerably since Percival Walsh first established the run, its purpose remains unchanged—to produce quality cattle well suited to Northern Australian conditions.
In recent years, Granada has embarked on an exciting new chapter with the development of a significant Wagyu breeding program alongside its long-established Brahman herd. Combining proven northern cattle knowledge with modern genetics, performance recording and continual improvement, the business is focused on breeding productive, fertile cattle for the future.
From the pioneering days of the 1870s to today's progressive breeding operation, Granada Station has remained a place where resilience, innovation and a deep respect for the land continue to define every generation.