Daredevil’s paradise: Homes where you can live out your motocross dreams

As the love of motocross revs up across the country, it comes as no surprise that devotees are building fully-fledged tracks in their backyards.

Now the most popular form of motorcycle competition in Australia, motocross riders make up more than 50% of licence holders according to Motorcycling NSW.

Although the hobby isn’t cheap, with bikes costing between $6000 and $15,000 and a home-built track setting homeowners back approximately $10,000, there are an increasing number of properties popping up on realestate.com.au complete with motocross courses or BMX-friendly trails.

Building your own track includes getting council approval in many cases, sourcing literally tonnes of dirt, finding savvy drainage solutions and complying with local noise ordinances.

Therefore, buying a property with a ready-made track means the back-breaking and budget-busting hard yakka has been done.

This weekend a classic Queenslander in Brisbane’s Burpengary East sold under the hammer for $1.235 million. In addition to the newly renovated four-bedroom heritage house, the 2.68ha block also features a host of adventurous amenities.

Naomi Carter, selling agent with Ray White Aspley, said the property was a drawcard for families seeking a tree change with adventure.

“It was appealing to so many people who wanted lifestyle choices because of the BMX or motocross track, there’s an area to put horses, a big lake around the back for canoes and even an in-ground trampoline. So there’s a lot of stuff for kids to do.”

South of the border in NSW, a sprawling 202ha farm known as Coopawilli in Bucca west of Coffs Harbour also sold last week for close to its $8.5 million asking price according to selling agent Bruce Birch from Ray White Rural.

As well as a full motocross track the vast property with three houses on site also has 40 paddocks, a private jetty, diving platform and boat ramp along Bucca Creek.

For petrol heads who are all geared up to own a lifestyle property with track on title, there are still several listings currently on the market – so buyers need only BYO motorbike.

Disneyland for families

Cloverleigh Farm, a 62ha estate just outside of Brisbane on Parkside Ln, Bald Hills passed in at auction in February so is still awaiting a buyer.

The 160-year old rural retreat has three motocross tracks, two helipads, a tennis court, swimming pool, boat ramp, boat shed and a dock providing private access to the South Pine River.

“This is definitely Disneyland for families, it’s amazing,” said selling agent Patrick McKinnon of Place Ascot.

“It offers such a unique opportunity. Obviously there aren’t many houses that have this much acreage; you have helicopter pads and deep water boat access. It’s unique beyond words.”

Away from the adrenaline-inducing amenities, the contemporary main residence has multiple living areas and there are also several work sheds, a commercial office with boardroom and parking for up to 18 vehicles.

The luxury estate, which is on five freehold titles, was once owned by hotel king Paul Comiskey, co-founder of the Comiskey Group known for pubs such as The Doonan, Sandstone Point Hotel and Big 4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort.

He sold it in 2016 for $7.2 million to the current owners who are now seeking approximately $9 million, down from its $10.5 million asking price in April last year.

Barra, bikes and balls

Also in Queensland, a 5.5ha property on Hervey Range Rd in Bohle Plains on the outskirts of Townsville is on the market with a price guide of $1.6 million to $2 million.

The riverfront landholding is home to two houses, an income-producing turf farm, a dam with a slip and slide, a flying fox, a four-hole golf course and a 510m motocross track.

Selling agents Martin McDonough and Monique Petersen, of McDonough Property Townsville, are marketing the property as “heaven” for anyone who loves the outdoors.

“It’s like a mini theme park – you can’t be bored there,” Mr McDonough said.

“You can even catch barra from your own backyard – the biggest the owner has caught to date is 87cm.”

Horses vs. horsepower

In Victoria’s Yarra Valley, 70kms north of Melbourne a 6.6ha equine estate is not only home to six fully-fenced paddocks, two foaling paddocks and a dressage arena, there is also a professionally built motocross track.

Listed with Integrity Real Estate, the property on Powers Rd has a current price guide of $1.55 million to $1.6 million.

Won’t break the budget

Not all properties with a motocross track will break the budget, like this listing in Sugarloaf near Stanthorpe, Queensland, which has just gone under offer with a modest $299,000 price tag.

Although the 3.5ha block is not approved for a residential dwelling, it does house a private dam, cleared grazing land and a ready to roll motocross track.