Anthony Lagoon Police Trackers Quarters and Gaol
The Anthony Lagoon Police Station Precinct, established 1889, is a significant tangible reminder of a way of life for early Police Officers tasked with applying law and order in the Territory’s remote regions. The precinct is also a tangible link to the association and specific role the police played in assisting with the settlement of the Barkly Tableland. The importance of the site, on the Barkly Stock-route, was reinforced on the 7th January 1904 by the gazettal of a ten square kilometre Water Conservation and Police Reserve.

Anthony Lagoon 1906 and 1945 Cattle Dip
The importance of Anthony Lagoon was highlighted in 1906 with the construction of the Territory’s first government cattle dip. The dip was located near the Police Station and was operated by the police officers. The cattle dip was a vital piece of infrastructure used to control the spread of disease and the transportation of cattle tick, which at the time, was threatening the future of the Territory’s beef industry. The 1906 dip was replaced in 1945 with an upgraded model containing larger drying areas, stock yards, chemical store and improved stock control and management infrastructure.

Davey Paxman Steam Engine
The 5 horsepower Davey Paxman steam engine was supplied to Anthony Lagoon around 1915 by the Commonwealth Government and the Administrator placed it under the control of the local storeowner, Charles Biondi. The steam engine drove a walking beam pump and supplied water to the Gulf Cattle Co, the Police, travelling public and stock travelling the Barkly Stock-route. The steam engine is a good example of the extremes and financial burdens early governments and pastoralist had to overcome in developing pastoral and public infrastructure in the Territory’s remote regions.