Set within the quiet cane fields of the Northern Rivers of NSW, Sugar Beach Ranch offers something the east coast rarely surrenders: 60 acres that include 450m of absolute beachfront, held in complete seclusion. Three access points open onto nearly 30 kilometres of uninterrupted white sand extending south to Evans Head, a coastline so untouched that a morning ride from your own paddock straight to the water’s edge is likely to pass without encountering another person. Two of these connect to picturesque rainforest and bush trails that lead directly from the property through native coastal reserve to the dunes, giving horses a rare mix of firm and soft sand, saltwater and trail work right from the gate.

Privacy of this calibre has become one of the most valuable commodities a property can offer, and here it is not engineered but inherent. Approached by road or by way of the Burns Point Ferry across the Richmond River, the ranch carries a distinct sense of arrival, a quiet threshold between the world outside and the one within its boundaries. Discretion, however, need not come at the expense of access. Byron Bay lies around 40 minutes away, Ballina and Bangalow within 30, and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport provides seamless connection to the major cities.

Equine infrastructure

• 3 stables
• Timber round yard
• Sheltered paddocks
• Generous machinery and float storage

The property’s provenance is as compelling as its setting. It was the private sanctuary of the late Chris “CM” Murphy OAM, the visionary behind INXS and a lifelong horseman, who retreated here from public life to reconnect with the land, the ocean and his horses. Through his branded BP and Surfing Cowboys breeding lines, Sugar Beach Ranch became the place where young Australian polo and performance horses were reared and developed. That legacy endures in the character of the place, and it offers a new custodian the rare privilege of acquiring not simply an estate, but a story of genuine cultural significance.

Among the horses raised here was the dual Hunter winner and $2.8million earner, Coal Crusher. Coal Crusher, bred by Chris Murphy and educated, developed and trained on the beach before going on to success on the racetrack. His trainer, Joe Pride, credits that start:

“Coal Crusher has been quite phenomenal in his soundness. Since joining me as a three-year-old, he’s come through his racing career without an injury, which is remarkable. I believe his early education and beach training at Sugar Beach Ranch helped lay that foundation. Giving young horses the opportunity to develop in that environment is a tremendous positive, and he’s a wonderful example of that.”

The possibilities are considerable. A proven and diversified income model is already in place, encompassing horse agistment, short-stay accommodation, private events and award-winning wellness retreats. The landscape lends itself naturally to an equine or elevated eco-tourism offering, with abundant native wildlife, pandanus-fringed dunes and seasonal whale migrations passing just offshore. Alternatively, the holding presents an exceptional canvas for a private coastal residence of real distinction, subject to the relevant approvals, on land of a scale and position that may not come to market again.

The existing improvements provide an accomplished foundation. A three-level main residence features an ocean-view master retreat, soaring ceilings and a double-sided wood fireplace, complemented by a renovated guest bungalow with two private ensuites and a kitchenette, a 15-metre magnesium pool with cabana, a timber entertaining bar and a self-contained ocean-view office. Equine infrastructure is comprehensive, with 3 stables, a timber round yard, sheltered paddocks and generous machinery and float storage, all supported by bore, dams and substantial tank water capacity.

Facilities

• Entertaining Area
• Fireplace
• House
• Pool
• Residence
• Round Yard

Water

• Bore
• Dams
• Tanks

Video

Location

Sugar Beach Ranch 259 Keith Hall Ln, Keith Hall NSW 2478 on Google Maps