In the vast outback of South Australia lies a cattle station so immense it exceeds the landmass of nearly 50 countries. Spanning a staggering 15,746 square kilometres, Anna Creek Station is the largest working cattle station in the world and one of the most impressive privately owned properties on the planet.
Its scale is hard to comprehend. Anna Creek has become a source of global fascination, taller than the Netherlands, broader than Wales, and larger in area than Israel. Despite its sheer size, the station’s landscape is anything but forgiving. With an annual rainfall of just 20 centimetres and summer temperatures soaring up to 55°C, conditions are extremely arid. These tough environmental factors result in sparse grass cover, meaning an extensive area is essential to sustain the station’s 17,000 cattle.
This requirement for vast grazing land puts Anna Creek in stark contrast with the United States’ largest ranch, King Ranch, which is significantly smaller in size yet supports nearly double the number of cattle thanks to its lush and fertile terrain.
However, the surprisingly small team managing its colossal operation truly sets Anna Creek apart. Just 11 people are responsible for overseeing the entire station. The workforce comprises one station manager, eight station hands, a machinery operator, and a cook. Running such a vast property with so few people would be impossible without heavily relying on technology. From remote-controlled water systems to light aircraft used for aerial cattle spotting, modern tools are vital. Once located, cattle are herded by workers riding motorbikes across the dusty plains.
Access to amenities is as remote as the station itself. The closest town, Coober Pedy, is more than just a dot on the map; it’s a famously isolated mining settlement known for its subterranean homes, built to help residents escape the punishing desert heat. With a population of just over 1,700, it offers station workers the nearest taste of civilisation.
Anna Creek’s origins trace back to 1858, though it began in a different location and was initially used for sheep farming. Persistent losses due to dingo attacks forced a shift in location and livestock, with cattle eventually taking centre stage. Since then, the station has changed hands multiple times before being purchased in December 2016 by the Williams Cattle Company for an estimated $16 million AUD (around £12.2 million).
