Saleyards Services

The Dalrymple (H.M. Clarke) Saleyards is one of North Queensland’s leading livestock marketing and live export facilities, owned and operated by Charters Towers Regional Council. Strategically located on the Flinders Highway at Blackjack, the saleyards sit at a major crossroads linking northern, western, southern and coastal cattle regions, providing efficient access for producers and transport operators across Queensland and the Northern Territory. Purpose built for heavy transport, the facility accommodates triple road trains and plays a vital role in connecting northern producers with domestic processors and international markets.

 

Accredited under the National Saleyards Quality Assurance Program, Dalrymple consistently processes more than 400,000 head of cattle annually across all services, a figure that includes cattle transacted through auction sales and subsequently moved through dipping and clearing operations. For the 2025–2026 financial year, 305,566 head were formally transacted through the saleyards, comprising 103,954 head through combined prime and store sales, 53,678 head through store sales, 686 head through stud sales, and 45,647 head through export movements. A further 76,177 head were processed through cattle tick dipping and 13,809 head through cattle tick clearing, reflecting the facility’s role in biosecurity, compliance and market readiness.

 

With a licensed export capacity of up to 16,000 head, the saleyards remain a key component of the northern live export supply chain. Modern digital systems support real‑time livestock tracking, compliance, sale processing and operational efficiency, ensuring Dalrymple continues to operate at industry-leading standards.

The adjoining Dalrymple Equestrian Centre strengthen the precinct’s role as a major industry and community hub, hosting a wide range of equestrian and regional events. Long‑standing fixtures include the Nutrien Northern Performance Horse Sale, Gold City Campdraft, Northern Beef Producers Expo, NQ High School Cup Campdraft Competition and the Charters Towers Pro Rodeo.

The Equestrian Centre provides seating for 625 people, wheelchair access, toilet facilities, a public announcement system, lighting, a secretary’s office, bar facilities and ample undercover space suitable for dinners, presentations and community functions.

For more information or to hire this facility go to: https://www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au/Services/Facilities-and-services/Equestrian-centre