A New Chapter for Rawnsley Park Station and Barossa Shiraz Estate

24 03 2026

As many of you know, Rawnsley Park Station has been part of our family for generations, and over time we’ve expanded our vision for regional tourism to include Barossa Shiraz Estate. This year marks another milestone for us, as we enter the third generation working in the business. As incoming CEO, I’m looking forward to taking on a more hands‑on role as we guide the business into its next chapter.

For my parents, Tony and Julie, Rawnsley has always been about more than a single property. Through Rawnsley Park Station and Barossa Shiraz Estate, they have spent decades investing in regional tourism - guided by a belief in the long‑term potential of South Australia’s landscapes, communities and visitor experiences. The foundations they have created, both here in the Flinders Ranges and in the Barossa, continue to shape everything we do.

Having grown up in the Flinders Ranges, Rawnsley has always been a defining part of my life, shaping me through its sweeping landscapes, unique natural beauty, and strong sense of community and responsibility. Over the past ten years, I’ve worked in professional services and investment banking, advising businesses across Australia on growth, succession and long‑term planning, while remaining involved in Rawnsley and Barossa Shiraz Estate at a strategic level. The timing now feels right to return home to South Australia with my wife Emily and work full‑time alongside our outstanding team.

Together with my brothers, Greg and Glenn, it is very much our shared ambition to keep Rawnsley Park Station and Barossa Shiraz Estate family‑run and to continue building on the remarkable legacy Mum and Dad have created. While you may see more of me day‑to‑day, the business benefits from the collective involvement of our family and the depth of experience within our team.

Importantly, this next chapter is not about Tony and Julie stepping away. They remain actively involved, continuing to offer guidance, perspective and support as we shape the future of the business together – though we may encourage them to ease into a well-earned retirement over time! Their long‑term approach to caring for the land, investing in people and supporting regional communities remains central to how we operate.

Looking ahead, we see enormous opportunity for the Flinders Ranges, the Barossa and South Australia more broadly. With developments such as The Ghan now allowing passengers time in the Flinders Ranges, the potential World Heritage listing for the region on the horizon, and continued AFL Gather Round matches in the Barossa, it is an incredibly exciting time for our regions. Alongside this, we’re continuing to invest in the future of Rawnsley Park Station, with the development of new guided touring experiences and the opening of our Oasis Eco‑Villas later this year.

Our focus is on delivering a consistently high-quality experience - ensuring every guest feels genuinely welcomed, enjoys first‑class hospitality and leaves with lasting memories.

On behalf of our family, thank you for being part of our story so far. We look forward to welcoming you to Rawnsley Park Station and Barossa Shiraz Estate, and I hope to meet many of you over the months and years ahead.

With warm regards,

Neville Smith

CEO