Today, Eleanor Downs is being shaped by Dick’s grandson, Nathan Trethewey and partner Olivia Baker, bringing fresh energy, creativity, and a deep respect for the land. Nathan, raised on Kangaroo Island, has worked across Australia and overseas — including time as a ringer in the Kimberley — before returning home to carry forward his family’s legacy. Olivia, a concert pianist and arts and community development leader, has lived and worked internationally from the United Kingdom and Africa to Arnhem Land, bringing a rich creative perspective to life at Eleanor Downs.
Their shared love of horses remains an enduring part of the property’s identity. Eleanor Downs is well known for its magnificent stock and long-standing involvement in KI Hunt Club, and while its traditions remain strong, the farm enterprise has continued to evolve. Today it is centred on Angus cattle, supported by the continued use of Australian Stock Horses.
Together, Nathan and Olivia are honouring Eleanor Downs’ agricultural foundations while expanding what the property can offer — not only as a productive working farm, but as a place for visitors, creativity, and community. With farmstays, the Pilgrim shop, The Shearing Shed venue, Grasshopper Brewery, and an airstrip welcoming fly-in guests, Eleanor Downs is entering an exciting new chapter: grounded in history, and open to what’s next.
Eleanor Downs is a fifth-generation Kangaroo Island property with a proud history spanning more than 70 years.
The story began after World War II, when returning soldier Dick Trethewey, was allocated land south of Parndana through the Soldier Settlement Scheme. Countless hours were spent clearing scrub, planting crops, and building up sheep numbers — laying the foundations for what Eleanor Downs would become.
Dick’s son, Richard with wife Suzanne Trethewey, continued farming the property for over 50 years, running sheep and cattle and establishing Eleanor Downs as the base for the family’s extensive agricultural business on Kangaroo Island.
Eleanor Downs Angus
The primary enterprise at Eleanor Downs is our Angus cattle operation. With a herd of close to 1,000 head, our breeding program is steady, consistent, and carefully managed year-round. Kangaroo Island’s clean environment and ideal growing conditions contribute to the exceptional quality of beef produced on the property.
Eleanor Downs Angus beef is proudly certified under the Greenham NEVER EVER program, meaning our beef is 100% grass-fed, with no antibiotics and no hormone growth promotants.
In addition to our commercial herd, we also breed Stud Angus bulls and stud heifers, with an annual beef sale held on-farm alongside a mini festival. This event celebrates the best of Australian beef, horsemanship, and live music — bringing together community, industry, and country culture in one unforgettable day.