Terowie was named in 1877, as so many places taking it’s name from an Aboriginal word, this one meaning “hidden water”. Pastoral settler John Aver Mitchell, divided land into the nucleus of Terowie. He obtained a license for the first hotel in Terowie, built in 1874. The railways reached town in 1880, and was the break in guage for the next ninety years until the broad guage was extended to Peterborough. Terowie had a population of 2000 in it’s heyday and was a hub of rail activity with the trans-shipping of goods, livestock and troops to the north during WW2.

During WW2 Terowie was home for a military camp. On his only visit to the town, General Douglas McArthur uttered those famous words, “I came out of Bataan, and I shall return”. These words were echoed all over the world.

Actor and director, J P McGowan, star of 181 Hollywood films, was born in Terowie in 1880. Believed to be the first Australian to work in Hollywood, it’s no surprise that many of his films were based on the railways.

A historical tour of Terowie brochure is available from the Burra Visitor Centre or Terowie Information Outlet. Discover the history, of Terowie’s heritage Institute Hall, it’s massive cemetery and abandoned railway.

Today’s Terowie is well worth a visit, a must see and do along the Barrier Highway. “Discover the ghosts of Terowie’s past.”

“Don’t forget to call in and see the friendly folk at Terowie’s Information Outlet, near the entrance to the historic railway station, for all the latest news, and things to see and do.”

The Dares Hill Circuit ( starts or finishes ) at Terowie, circling out east ( to or from ) Hallett. The trail is well worth taking, and is easily accessed by two wheel drives during fine weather. You will experience gorges and stony creek beds, ruins of abandoned homesteads and outbuildings, an early shearing shed and lightly wooded dry pastures, along with much more.

Access to Terowie from Burra

Terowie is only 45 minutes from Burra. Visitors simply take the Barrier Highway north of Burra, which runs through Mt Bryan, Hallett, Whyte Yarcowie to Terowie. As with many towns, the highway has been re routed around the town, so make sure you get off the Highway for a good look around this historic town.