Barrow Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
Barrow Creek was named in 1860 by John McDouall Stuart after J H Barrow, a member of the South Australian Parliament.
The site for the Telegraph Station was chosen in September 1871 by John Ross' Overland Telegraph exploring party, which was assessing Stuart's route to set up a telegraph line through Central Australia.
The site was chosen due to the presence of surface water and for a well site of about 10 to 12 feet.
By 1880 the station was very much in its present form with an elaborate stone fence, wagon shed, blacksmith's hut, cemetery and a verandah on the western side of the main building.
A century later the microwave telecommunications link replaced the telephone carrier wave system making the Barrow Creek Telegraph Station redundant.
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.
Get the Barrow Creek Telegraph Station information sheet and map PDF (2.6 MB).
Phone: 08 8951 8250
| Park sites | Status | Comments | Forecast opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrow Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve | Open | - |
Barrow Creek Telegraph Station is open all year round.
Travelling on the Stuart Highway, the station is 282km north of Alice Springs.
Check road conditions before you go.
You can view the historical buildings at Barrow Creek.
Barrow Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve has all of the following facilities:
- information signs
- public toilets
- historical ruins.
When visiting the park, remember all of the following:
- stay on designated roads and tracks
- historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected
- fires are not permitted in the reserve
- bins are not provided, so take your rubbish with you
- pets are not permitted in the reserve
- camping is not permitted
- generators are not permitted
- you need a permit to use a drone - you must get it before you arrive..
Have a safe and comfortable trip to Barrow Creek Telegraph Station by doing all of the following:
- observe park safety signs
- carry and drink plenty of water
- wear a shady hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, suitable clothing and footwear
- avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day.
Phone: 08 8951 8250
Last updated: 23 November 2018
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