Place Names Register Extract

Kings Pond

Extract date: 05/07/2024

Name Kings Pond
Type Designation Waterhole
Place Id 14183
Place Type Feature
Status Recorded
Date Registered
Location (Datum GDA94)  
Latitude: -16° 40' S (Decimal degrees -16.6673)
Longitude: 133° 18' E (Decimal degrees 133.307632)
Locality / Suburb  
  Birdum
Local Government Area  
  Roper Gulf Shire Council
History/Origin Kings Ponds was named by John McDouall Stuart on 2 May 1862, in honour of Stephen King, whose services he highly appreciated. (South Aust. Parl. Paper 21 of 1863, pg 9, pp 5).

Stuart in his journal writes "A short disatnce above this ceased in the dense forest which seems to surround these ponds. I shall endevour to force my way through it to-morrow to the west of north. ... These ponds I name King's Ponds, in token of approbation of his care of and attention to the horses, and his readiness and care in executing all my orders."

Stuart also refers to the waterhole as King's Chain of Ponds.

The Overland Telegraph Line parties, north of the Newcastle Waters, some ten years later appreciated the same waterhole.

Register & Gazettal information

Date Gazettal Comment
  (None Found)  

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GPO Box 1680, Darwin NT 0801. Ph 08 8995 5333.
place.names@nt.gov.au

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