Barrow Creek Telegraph Station

The Illamurta Springs Conservation Reserve is one of the most peaceful and isolated reserves in the Parks and Wildlife Commission estate. Its natural values are due to the impressive southern foothills of the James Range and the presence of a permanent natural spring. The site provides a moist habitat for several relict aquatic plant species, and it protects the ruins of the Illamurta Police Camp.

The Illamurta Springs Police Camp was established between 1893 and 1912 after the closure of the Boggy Hole Police Station, in Finke Gorge National Park. The establishment of the station was a reaction to Aboriginal resistance, in the form of cattle killing, to pastoral settlement.

After the cattle killing had been subdued, the Police Station functioned for a time, as an administrative centre and as a point for the distribution of rations to Aboriginal people. The site is important to the mythology of the western Arrernte Aboriginal people as it forms part of the extensive Kunnea Snake, Python Dreaming.