Wilgena and North Well Stations

Wilgena and North Well Stations is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located in the remote outback of South Australia, approximately 180km north-east of Ceduna and 197km south of Coober Pedy. It was registered in March 2023 and originally covered 811,300.81 hectares, though a variation in December 2025 removed some listed areas from the overall project footprint.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects establish permanent even-aged native forests by promoting assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, including rootstock and lignotubers. This methodology applies to land previously cleared of vegetation where regrowth has been suppressed by activities like continuous grazing for at least 10 years. For this specific project, the core activity involves carefully managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing to allow the native forest to naturally recover.

The general land use in this region consists of vast pastoral leases primarily focused on grazing merino sheep for wool and meat, alongside smaller cattle herds. The environmental conditions are strictly arid to semi-arid, with highly unpredictable, low rainfall averaging only 150-175mm (about 6 inches) per year. While rainfall is scarce, the soil profiles are reasonably fertile outback soils where hardy native vegetation, particularly saltbush, thrives.

The properties hosting the project share a unique and vast history; Wilgena Station was purchased by the McBride family in 1923 and was at one stage regarded as the largest totally fenced sheep run in the world. In the 1980s, the massive estate was split into two separate enterprises: Wilgena and North Well. Additionally, the property features several large natural rock holes, such as Adelbing and Coolbring, which trap scarce water and hold profound historical significance for local Aboriginal peoples.