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B ARB AR A

WOLV ERIDGE
& C AR OLINE

Y ARR

SO THEB Y’ S

IN THE REALM OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE in Port Douglas, Barbara
Wolveridge, Director of Sotheby’s Tropical North Queensland,
and Caroline Yarr, Senior Sales Executive, form a dynamic duo
dedicated to curating the finest properties. With a combined 60
years of industry experience, they share a relentless pursuit of
excellence and a deep appreciation of the town’s unique charm.
Before this formidable duo met in Port Douglas 15 years ago, they
each navigated fascinating, globe-spanning lives, filled with
unexpected career twists and turns.
Barbara’s career journey began in Melbourne, where she excelled
as a top performer in Yellow Pages sales at just 26. An unexpected vital part in shaping the town’s future, welcoming newcomers and
opportunity in real estate propelled her forward when she joined helping them seamlessly integrate into the community.
a golf course development project. Despite her lack of experience, It was in no other place than our breathtaking Four Mile Beach
she sold out the entire inventory within two years, marking the start that Barbara and Caroline’s partnership took shape. Barbara,
of her successful career. recognising Caroline’s potential, extended an invitation for her to
Following that success, she embarked on a six-month travel journey join Sotheby’s team. Initially hesitant, Caroline ultimately made the
through Europe until her funds ran dry and she returned home. pivotal decision to embrace the opportunity. It was a great decision,
That’s when she met her late husband, and the rest, as they say, is as Barbara and Caroline have collectively contributed a wealth of
history. Taking a hiatus from real estate, she delved into organising knowledge and expertise to every transaction for more than five
and leading golf tours around the world, a venture inspired by her years at Sotheby’s.
husband’s work as a golf-course designer. Their all-female team at Sotheby’s boasts a strong dynamic,
In the midst of her whirlwind travels and dynamic career pursuits, characterised by humour and flexibility. Embracing progressive
Barbara showed her altruistic side by establishing microcredit practices, they prioritise the happiness and well-being of their team
banks for disadvantaged women in India. And that’s not all! members, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
From there, she ventured to Bhutan, where she spearheaded the
construction of a monk’s house.
Barbara’s journey to the tropics began when her husband landed “THEIR ALL-FEMALE TEAM AT SOTHEBY’S BOASTS A
a job designing the golf course at the Sheraton Grand Mirage in STRONG DYNAMIC, CHARACTERISED BY HUMOUR AND
Port Douglas. Despite being a city girl at heart, she grew to love the FLEXIBILITY. EMBRACING PROGRESSIVE PRACTICES,
area’s vibrant community and diverse appeal. Settling permanently, THEY PRIORITISE THE HAPPINESS AND WELL-BEING OF
she re-entered the real estate field, feeling it was the perfect time
to do so. THEIR TEAM MEMBERS”
Caroline’s journey begins in the quaint town of Bairnsdale in country
Victoria, where she spent her childhood. They say country people
make the best salespeople, and Caroline’s path certainly attests to Outside of work, Caroline and Barbara maintain a strong bond,
that. hitting the local gym together three times a week. Despite their
vibrant personalities, they share a harmonious relationship, free of
A true speed enthusiast, she launched her career in Melbourne’s grudges or conflicts.
motor industry, accumulating 15 years of experience. Her journey
took her to the UK in the late ‘80s, where she deepened her passion Barbara remains dedicated to philanthropy beyond her work at
for car racing while rubbing shoulders with icons like Jack Brabham Sotheby’s, supporting local community initiatives. Her unwavering
along the way. passion for travel brings her closer to her goal of visiting 80 countries,
mirroring her late husband’s extensive travels.
Upon returning to Melbourne, Caroline shifted gears into
advertising, focusing on print media. Her adventurous spirit led Weekends are Caroline’s time for adventure, spent riding her Harley
her to work on luxury superyachts in the Mediterranean before with her husband, exploring destinations like Daintree Village. The
eventually finding her true calling in Port Douglas. Over the span of exhilarating feeling of revving up the Harley provides a form of
24 years, Caroline has become a prominent figure in the town’s real meditation, clearing her mind of life’s distractions and offering a
estate scene, making notable sales like Niramaya off-plan for the sense of tranquillity.
original developer and focusing on high-end properties. Recently, With their shared passion, commitment, and friendship, Barbara
she was even recognised as one of the 53 best Queensland women and Caroline have carved out a remarkable legacy in the domain
in real estate. of luxury real estate, standing side by side as a testament to the
For Caroline, Port Douglas is more than just a town. It’s a place enduring allure of Port Douglas.
she holds dear, proud of its unique charm and commitment to
preserving its natural beauty. In her role in real estate, she plays a queenslandsothebysrealty.com

118 Port Douglas Magazine & Travel Planner