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.

Location
Torrens Creek

Click on images for larger view

Torrens Creek 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



Headmasters residence

Police station and residence

Loading wool at railway yards

Main street Torrens Creek

Train with cattle wagons crossing Torrens Creek