Cooladdi, officially recognized as Australia's smallest town, is on the market for $400,000 AUD (approximately £210,000). Located in Outback Queensland, more than 800 kilometers west of Brisbane, the town comes with several operational businesses, including a four-bedroom roadhouse, a motel, a general store, a pub, and a four-star restaurant.
The town's current population consists of its two residents, Carol Yarrow and Jo Cornel, who purchased the Foxtrap Road House in 2023 with plans to revitalize the community. With their three-year initiative nearing its end and Ms. Yarrow preparing for retirement while Ms. Cornel plans to relocate, the entire town is available for purchase.
Becky Jeisman of Charleville Real Estate, the agent handling the listing, noted that the town's population count is tied to the ownership of the Foxtrap Road House. This means a new owner or group of owners could significantly alter the town's official population. Ms. Jeisman suggested that the property would be ideal for young groups, empty nesters, or families seeking an unconventional lifestyle.
The new proprietor will effectively assume the role of Cooladdi's "unofficial mayor," with the responsibility of operating the post office, general store, pub, motel, and restaurant. Ms. Yarrow described the role as rewarding, highlighting the importance of the food and pub services and the mail runs conducted as part of the post office duties. She also emphasized the value of the local community and the visitors who pass through.
Cooladdi was once a thriving railway hub that supported a population of 270 residents, complete with its own school, butcher shop, and police station. Its decline began in 1917 when the railway line was extended to Quilpie, and it further accelerated into a ghost town after passenger trains ceased service in 1967. The shrinking local sheep industry and the closure of services and jobs led to residents moving away.
Despite its small size and remote location, Cooladdi still provides several amenities. The area sees a steady flow of traffic from larger towns such as Charleville, located approximately 55 minutes away. Visitors often include former residents returning to see their old haunts. Ms. Yarrow characterized the lifestyle as laid-back, surrounded by the natural landscape of mulga trees.