Australian Town For Sale: Licola Listed for $6-10 Million USD

A small Australian town, Licola, located in Victoria, was offered for sale online in December 2025 for between AUD 6 million and AUD 10 million, equivalent to approximately Rp 70.6 billion and Rp 117.6 billion (based on an exchange rate of Rp 11,768). The sale stems from the inability of the current managers, a branch of the Lion’s Club, to continue operating the town.

A Town’s History and Current State

Originally a timber mill established in the 1950s, Licola was acquired by the Lion’s Club in 1968. They transformed it into a campground intended to provide affordable holiday access for disadvantaged children, teenagers, and groups with special needs. Today, Licola is situated three hours from Melbourne and serves as a stop for travelers heading to the Alpine National Park, offering fuel, food, and a caravan park.

Did You Know? Licola was initially built as a timber mill in the 1950s before being repurposed by the Lion’s Club in 1968.

Currently, Licola is home to just five residents, including Leanne O’Donnell, who operates the local general store, her child, a friend, and that friend’s two children. O’Donnell began leasing the store in 2022 with a lease potentially renewable for up to 15 years.

The Decision to Sell and Local Reaction

The Lion’s Club initiated the sale process after a review of Licola’s operations revealed unsustainable costs, including high insurance premiums, aging infrastructure, and declining attendance at the campground. A spokesperson stated the decision was not made lightly. The sale was brought to O’Donnell’s attention in January 2025 by the Licola Lions Village board.

Expert Insight: The sale of Licola highlights the financial challenges faced by organizations maintaining infrastructure in remote areas, particularly those reliant on volunteer efforts and charitable funding. The decision to divest underscores the difficult trade-offs between maintaining a community asset and ensuring long-term financial viability.

The online sale sparked significant backlash from local residents, who expressed concern about the future of the town and the treatment of O’Donnell. An online petition to save O’Donnell’s lease garnered over 8,000 signatures.

O’Donnell was informed that her lease would not be renewed and she must vacate the premises by January 31, 2026.

Future Plans for Proceeds

The proceeds from the sale of Licola, along with future business profits, will be reinvested into a new foundation dedicated to funding professionally managed camping experiences for children throughout Victoria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Licola put up for sale?

Licola was put up for sale because the Lion’s Club, the owners, determined they could no longer afford to manage it due to high costs, aging buildings, and declining campground attendance.

How many people currently live in Licola?

As of February 4, 2026, Licola is home to five residents.

What will happen to the money from the sale?

The money from the sale will be invested in a new foundation to fund camping experiences for children across Victoria.

As Licola transitions to new ownership, what impact will this have on the surrounding communities and the future of tourism in the Alpine National Park region?