Place Names Register Extract

Barrow Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve

Extract date: 27/07/2026

Name Barrow Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
Type Designation Reserve
Place Id 10659
Place Type Administrative Area
Status Assigned
Date Registered 7 November 2002
Location (Datum GDA94)  
Latitude: -21° 31' S (Decimal degrees -21.52956)
Longitude: 133° 53' E (Decimal degrees 133.889588)
Locality / Suburb  
  Davenport
Local Government Area  
  Barkly Shire Council
History/Origin Barrow Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve is located at the site named by explorer John McDouall Stuart in 1860 after J. H. Barrow, a member of the Parliament of South Australia.

The telegraph station site was selected in 1871 by John Ross and the Overland Telegraph exploring party because of reliable surface water and suitable well conditions. By 1880 the station had developed into a substantial complex with associated buildings, fencing and a cemetery. The station operated as part of the Overland Telegraph network until advances in telecommunications rendered it obsolete.

It is one of fifteen original telegraph stations established along the Overland Telegraph route.

Register & Gazettal information

Date Gazettal Comment
07/11/2002 NTG S20 Declaration of reserve. Barrow Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve.

The Northern Territory Gazetteer is maintained by the Place Names Section,
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment.
GPO Box 1680, Darwin NT 0801. Ph 08 8995 5333.
place.names@nt.gov.au

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