Captain Charles Sturt & Central Australian Exploring Expedition

Barmera Clock Tower (Sturt Memorial)

Overview

Located in the heart of Barmera on Barwell Avenue, the Barmera Clock Tower is a prominent local landmark built in 1944 to honour Captain Charles Sturt. The monument commemorates his Central Australian Exploring Expedition, which camped near Lake Bonney in 1844 during the historic search for an inland sea.

Historical Background

Sturt’s 1844 Expedition

Captain Charles Sturt set out from Adelaide with a well-equipped party, including future explorer John McDouall Stuart, in pursuit of the long-rumoured inland sea. In late August 1844, the expedition camped on the shores of Lake Bonney for several days. During this time, James Poole conducted surveys of the lake, and Sturt named a nearby inlet Hawker Creek—known today as Chambers Creek.

The expedition faced extreme conditions, with temperatures soaring above 45°C, as they pushed into the harsh environments of the Stony Desert and Simpson Desert. Though the inland sea proved to be a myth, the journey significantly contributed to the understanding of Australia’s interior.

Creation of the Memorial

The Clock Tower was unveiled as part of the Sturt Centenary celebrations in September 1944. The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Wm. Magillivray, MP, with Cr. D. H. Brooke presiding and Mr. C. M. Hambidge delivering a speech reflecting on Sturt’s journey.

Constructed from locally sourced Spring Cart Gully freestone, the tower was originally built with the intention of supporting a clock, though only a memorial tablet was installed at first. The clock and chimes were added later.

Features and Significance

The Clock Tower now features a functioning clock and distinctive Big Ben–style chimes, which sound on the hour and half-hour, adding a unique auditory charm to the town centre.

Set within a public reserve on Barwell Avenue, the memorial is easily accessible and highly visible. It serves as both a tribute to historical exploration and a welcoming landmark for visitors and locals alike.

References

• Monument Australia: construction, inscription, dedication details monumentaustralia.org.au+2monumentaustralia.org.au+2.

• South Australia tourism and Big4 Holiday Parks: location, chimes, and accessibility South Australiabig4.com.authefold.com.au.

• Wikipedia & related entries: Sturt’s expedition, naming of Chambers Creek, and town context Wikipedia+1genkin.org.

• TripAdvisor lists confirming expedition details and chimes TripadvisorTripadvisor.