An outback station that’s bigger than some countries has sold at auction for the first time in more than 120 years.

Historic pastoral grazing property Wilkatana Station sold under the hammer on Wednesday for $7.4m, with an Aussie buyer named the winning bidder.

“Bidding started at $4m and the six registered bidders were all very active. We ended up negotiating it up to $7.4m…and sold it under the hammer,” selling agent Sam Krieg of Ray White Rural South Australia said.

“It ended up selling to the Doman family next door. They already have three stations and this will be their fourth.

“They own the station north of Wilkatana, so this will help expand their existing portfolio.”

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Mr Krieg said Wilkatana Station attracted more than 130 inquiries throughout the campaign, consisting of both domestic and foreign parties, including some from China, Hong, India and Europe.

He also said the property was of interest to both energy companies and nearby pastoralists seeking expansion.

“The result was a record for the district on a dollar per DSE (dry sheep equivalent basis),” Mr Krieg said.

Located 45km north of Port Augusta on the edge of the Flinders Ranges, Wilkatana encompasses a whopping 44,696.44ha of land, or 446.9644sqkm.

It means the stations, which has been held by Melbourne-based Tony Sawer’s family for the past 123 years, is bigger than Barbados at 431sqkm.

It’s even bigger than Malta at 315sqkm, the Maldives at 300sqkm, Cayman Islands at 264sqkm, and Cayman Islands at 264sqkm.

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‘Wilkatana Station’ at Wilkatana Rd in Yarrah is on the market. Supplied

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This stunning property could serve a variety of purposes. Supplied

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Like sheep? This place has room for literally thousands of them. Supplied

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Comprised of semi-open myall shrubland, Wilkatana Station has for many years employed sustainable land management, with the sellers continually reinvesting in the property’s infrastructure.

It also has the capacity to carry around 5000 ewes and 150 cattle, according to Geoff Schell – Mr Krieg’s sale’s partner.

“As soon as I stepped onto Wilkatana Station, I could tell it had been conservatively grazed for many years,” he said.

“The water infrastructure, the fencing and the condition of the land are exceptional.

“Stock water is the real feature here.”

While water access on some rural properties is an issue, Mr Schell said Wilkatana’s supply is abundant and high quality, serviced by three main bores and a spring, with water transported through an extensive pipeline network monitored by a telemetry system.

“The quality of the water is good enough to make a cup of tea with it,” he said.

Inside a shearing shed. Supplied

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How’s that for a backdrop? Supplied

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One of the property’s stock yards. Supplied

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“The main bores are located back in the Flinders Ranges portion on the eastern side of the property which is approximately 200m higher than the western portion allowing gravity to distribute stock water across the property.”

As well as its grazing potential, with the eastern section of the property set in the picturesque Flinders Ranges, the property has the potential to be used for eco-tourism ventures, due to its stunning 4×4 tracks, bushwalking on the Heysen trail, and historical sites including the Eyre Depot, where explorer Edward John Eyre camped during his 1839 journey.

Part of the Flinders Ranges section of the property. Supplied

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Imagine camping here. Supplied

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The shearer’s quarters. Supplied

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The property has been managed by respected manager Andrew Smart and features quality fencing, water systems and several buildings, including a homestead, an eight-stand shearing shed, and several sheep and cattle yards.

With its elevation and proximity to high-voltage transmission lines, it also is a viable site for pumped hydro energy.

One of the property’s dams. Supplied

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The home offers comfortable living. Supplied

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The home’s living room. Supplied

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Mr Schell said its location was a huge plus.

“You’re just 45km from Port Augusta, so if you need groceries or forgot something, you can go and get it – you’re not seven hours from anywhere – you can be involved in sport in the town, the kids can go to school, everything you need for the farm is a short drive.”