Barrow Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
Overview
In 1860, John McDouall Stuart, on his return journey of his first attempt to cross Australia from South to North after reaching Attack Creek, named Barrow Creek after J H Barrow a member of the South Australian Parliament.
The site for the Station was chosen in September 1871 by John Ross' Overland Telegraph exploring party which was assessing Stuart's route for a telegraph line through central Australia. The site was chosen due to the presence of surface water and a good chance of water by sinking a well about 10 to 12 feet.
By January 1872, Stephen Jarvis and the team who had earlier completed the poling and wiring through the Barrow Creek section, had built a little stone hut and partly built the front wall of the Telegraph office.
On 16 August 1872, Charles Todd visited Barrow Creek on his way to Central Mount Stuart for the official opening of the Telegraph Line.
By 1880 the Station was very much in its present form with an elaborate stone fence, wagon shed, blacksmiths hut, cemetary and a verandah on the western side of the main building.
One of the most momentous events at Barrow Creek was the opening of the store and the existing hotel in 1932. This was just in time to take advantage of the gold rush to Tennant Creek the following year.
The Telegraph Station was one of fifteen original Stations, three of which are now managed by Parks and Wildlife as Historical Reserves, the other two being Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.
Over the years, the Telegraph Station has faced many changes such as the installation of a new roof in 1941 to replace the original roof which was destroyed in a gale and in 1965-66 having the verandahs paved and stone balustrades constructed.
In 1980 the microwave telecommunications link replaced the telephone carrier wave system making the Barrow Creek Telegraph Station redundant.
The Station is an important historical site that has had a significant contribution to Australia's pioneering history. The buildings are listed on the Register of the National Estate. The Station was declared an Historical Reserve on 6 April 1990.
How to Get There
Barrow Creek Telegraph Station is located 282 km north of Alice Springs on the Stuart HIghway, approximately midway between the towns of Alice Aprings and Tennant Creek.
What to See and Do
You are welcome to wander around the Telegraph Station site, examine the buildings and artifacts in the wagon shed and blacksmith's hut and imagine how life must have been back in those early days.
If you wish to see inside the Station building, a key is available upon appointment from the publican at the Barrow Creek Hotel.
Visitor Facilties
Toilet facilities are available within close walking distance of the Reserve.
