Cloncurry Court House

The Cloncurry Courthouse, rebuilt in 1898, signifies the development of Cloncurry as a regional administrative centre from the late 19th century. Constructed in stages from 1897 - 1961, the Cloncurry Courthouse is a significant example of a building which served many governmental functions. In 1882, a Police Magistrate and Clerk of Petty Sessions were appointed for the pastoral settlement of Cloncurry; however, the district had no permanent police quarters. In 1885, Cloncurry’s first court building was established. It served as courthouse, police station and lock-up. Cloncurry was designated a District Court Area in 1889 and the Cloncurry Courthouse was finally completed in July 1898. The rectangular timber-framed, two-roomed house featured exposed studwork and a veranda to all sides. Due to increased commercial activity associated with the 20th century copper boom, Cloncurry developed into the Circuit Court centre and the size of the courthouse was doubled in 1914. More additions were made in 1953 and 1961 and conservation work on the house was undertaken in 1977. Today, the Court House continues to operate and is located next to the Cloncurry Post Office, another heritage icon.