St. Lawrence #1 has 70,000 acres of undulating, open grassland and scrub terrain for visitors to enjoy. The Conners river traverses the property and it has flowing and semi-dry creeks, as well as nineteen dams.
The property has grazing cattle and horses, and wild animals flourish in this area due to the abundant fresh drinking water from the river.
Motorbikes, quads, Polaris, and buggies are allowed, but dogs are not permitted.
Visitors can hunt, spotlight, and shoot with rifles and crossbows. Saratoga and catfish fishing in the river and creeks are great activities for visitors to enjoy.
To reach this property, visitors must travel 55km from St. Lawrence, 100km from North West Marlborough, 180km southwest from Mackay, or 200km north from Rockhampton.
Four-wheel drive vehicles aren’t needed to access the property but are recommended to cross steep rivers and gullies within the property.
The best arrival time is from 8am to midday, and departure must be between 8am and 10am.
The property offers camping only; there is no accommodation available currently. There are several pleasant, sandy camping spots along the river for tents, which have refreshing swimming holes.
There is no need to bring firewood, as there is plenty to collect within the area. Visitors must bring all their required camping and hunting gear.
Visitors are permitted to sight their firearms and shoot at targets, as long as this is done away from houses, main roads, and livestock.
Terrain
This property is a grazing enterprise located halfway between Rockhampton and Mackay. The total area of 70,000 acres of property has a western boundary, the Conners River, and Lake Plattaway. Lotus Creek feeds into the Conners river.
Main roads dissect the property. It comprises a good balance of developed scrub country, with improved pastures.
There are areas of permanent naturally-watered river frontage broken by channels, brigalow, and box. The open downs country was previously cultivated and has recently been put back to grass.
Temperature and Rainfall
The temperatures are variable and range from a minimum low of 3 degrees Celsius to a maximum high of 34 degrees Celsius. The average rainfall is 680 millimetres (27 inches).
Facilities
Accommodation isn’t currently available, however, there are several pleasant camping spots around the property. This includes a favourite spot along the Connors river, which offers perfect swimming holes. It has sandy riverbanks where small children can safely play, and visitors can also kayak and canoe safely.
There are plenty of saratoga and yabbies to fish for in the river and creeks.
The undulating and open grasslands are perfect for motorbikes, quads, Polaris, and buggy riding.
It is possible to see wild pigs, cats, rabbits, hares, deer, quail, and ducks. You may also see emus and kangaroos.
A phone and internet connection is available, but it’s patchy.
Property Owners Rules
There are only a few rules, as stated in the property access book, and they are easy to follow. Here are the most important ones:
When staying on the property:
Report to property owners on arrival and departure
Leave gates as found
Visitors must take all rubbish and dispose of it in the designated area
Report any suspicious activity or poachers.
During campfire:
Be mindful when starting a campfire, or any outdoor fire
Extinguish the fire when done with it
Obey if there are fire restrictions, especially total fire bans.
During hunting:
Use designated areas for sighting and clay shooting
No shooting at trees
No shooting near livestock
Respect property boundaries
Don't shoot across a boundary
No shooting in designated buffer paddocks
No shooting towards the main road.
When driving vehicles:
Drive vehicles like quads, ATVs, and other four-wheel vehicles slowly and sensibly
Do not chase animals or any livestock
Stay away from grazing livestock.
Items of Interest on the Property
The wild pig population on the property continues to grow, so the owners provide the option to hunt boars coming out of the river channels. Wild deer are also spotted.
Camping sandy spots are along the water's edge, which is suitable for children. The river is also great for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Hunters appreciate the easy access of this property to the main road.
The property is also great for bushwalking, taking photos, and riding visitors' motorbikes, quads, Polaris, and buggies.
Property History and Information
The property owners purchased this property in July 2021 and the previous owners had it for 30 years. After buying the property, the current owners developed the scrub country with improved pastures. Similarly, the previously cultivated open grassland has been converted back to grass.
Opening this property to visitors will help the environmental balance and help protect livestock from predators.
The owners are usually open to chat with visitors and are open to showing them the map and the best places to camp and hunt wild pigs.
Tourist Attractions
St. Lawrence town is 55km drive away on the east coast and visitors can enjoy crabbing and boating here. Major attractions include the St Lawrence Wetlands, freshwater fish habitats and abundant birdlife. Interesting sites include the recently refurbished meatworks site and the Centenary Pavilion.
Additional Supplies
Rockhampton and Mackay offer a full range of shopping centres, schools, universities, campuses, medical and hospital services, and sporting and entertainment facilities.
Regular flights from Rockhampton and Mackay regional airports are available daily.
The townships of St. Lawrence and Marlborough provide a limited range of facilities but do offer general stores, hotels, agricultural supplies, and fuel stores.
Stores are usually open from 7am to 5pm, and hotels from 10am to 10pm.
SUBMITTED HUNTING PHOTOS
{gallery}st-lawrence-1{/gallery}
PROPERTY ACCESS
For access to any of our properties, all Shooters, Non-shooters and Bow Hunters require current membership of one of the following:
All Doggers on dogging approved properties need to be a member of the APDHA
For each non-hunter attending any of our properties, it is compulsory to be covered by current comprehensive public liability insurance. This is a non-negotiable requirement and forms part of your booking contract. Similar to having travel insurance to go on holidays. This insurance is available by being a current member of an AHO, the SSAA or the Shooters Union before your booking is approved.
You enter these properties fully aware of the risks involved and do so at your own risk. IHP, property owners and all related and unrelated parties are not held liable for any claim, accident or injury.
In other words, take responsibility for your own actions, watch what you are doing and ACT LIKE AN ADULT WITH COMMON SENSE.
Risk assessments must be taken for potential hazards whilst using any bikes, quads/ATV or buggy's on the property.
Some properties only allow certain types of vehicles. Please check listing carefully. Helmet and protective gear to be worn whenever operating these vehicles.
We recommend the Yassi Course or some form of accredited training be taken prior to using any bikes, quads/ATV or buggy’s on the property.
Bikes, buggy’s and Quads/ATV are to be taken onto properties entirely at your own risk.
No responsibility will be taken. Assess your own insurance for these recreational vehicles.
You release and indemnify IHP and all related parties against any claim of any kind whatsoever.
If in doubt or you do not agree to or understand these terms, do not bring and or ride bikes, buggy's or quad/ATV.
CLAIM BRAGGING RIGHTS
Your chance to have your story told to 1'000s here.