Thom Blake Historian

Torrens Creek - a north Queensland railway settlement

Torrens Creek is a small railway settlement on the Townsville to Mount Isa line, 160 kilometres southwest of Charters Towers. It was established in 1885 when construction of the line crossed Torrens Creek. A settlement emerged as it was temporarily the terminus on the line. A police station and school was established. But Torrens Creek never developed into a town and only had a small population.

Today Torrens Creek consists of a hotel, store, caravan park and approximately 15 houses. No railway buildings survive.

The history of Torrens Creek is poorly documented - few images are in the public domain. Joseph Blake was the Headmaster of the Torrens Creek State School from 1916 to 1920. He was a keen photographer and his images of the town provide an insight into Torrens Creek in this period.

Children working in garden at Torrens State School Torrens Creek railway station Sewing class of school children School children and local residents at school event Church of England School building and shelter shed Red Cross fund raising event Goats in school yard Torrens Creek in dry season Children making garden beds at school Headmaster's residence Police station and residence Unloading wool at railway station Main street, Torrens Creek Cattle train crossing Torrens Creek