The Mates of the Murranji is a group of like-minded Australians who are driving the resurrection and preservation of the Newcastle Waters Historic Township in the Northern Territory.

Newcastle Waters was once a thriving town, which was vitally important to Australia.

In addition to being the crossroads of major stock routes, it is located along the Overland Telegraph Line and its maintenance track. It was so important to Australia in fact, that in 1926 it was gazetted that Newcastle Waters would become the Capital of ‘North Australia’.

Today a virtual ghost town, a group of Mates joined forces in late 2020 to ensure the importance of Newcastle Waters Township place in Australian history is preserved and shared.

The name ‘Mates of the Murranji’ was chosen to reference the Murranji Track as Newcastle Waters is situated at the crossroads of the Murranji and Birdum Stock Routes.

The future of Newcastle Waters Historic Township

The Mates of the Murranji provide a voice to Government and actively advocate for funding and sponsorship to preserve and restore the remaining Newcastle Waters Historic Township buildings.

The histories of the first Australians, the explorers, the development and completion of the Overland Telegraph Line and the establishment of Australia’s cattle industry all intersect at Newcastle Waters.

We are aiming for a sustainable vision for the future of Newcastle Waters, in addition to sharing the significant role it played in Australia’s history. There are numerous tourism possibilities in this region with existing road, rail and airstrip infrastructure. The Marlinja Aboriginal community is also interested in providing cultural experiences, and the permanent waterholes with substantial birdlife – the possibilities are endless.

More about the Mates

Since 2020, the ‘Mates’ have grown to 380 members from around Australia, and an annual Muster is held at the Newcastle Waters Historic Township.

The Mates continue to forge ahead with advocating for funding to restore the Newcastle Waters Historic Township. After our successful and well attended Musters (read more about them here), we are hoping there will be some significant celebrations in 2026. The 4th June 2026 will be a century since the Northern Australia Act gazetted that Newcastle Waters would be the capital of North Australia.

Additionally, on 18th August 1926, the Governor General of Australia Lord, Stonehaven, accompanied by his wife, flew from Longreach to Newcastle Waters after the newly-built Qantas De Havilland DH50 was christened IRIS by Lady Stonehaven.

Discussions have commenced with Government House and the Northern Territory Minister for Heritage about the prospect of a major celebration of these significant events in the Northern Territory’s history in 2026 at Newcastle Waters.

Become a Mate

The Mates welcome and encourage you to add your voice by joining the Mates of the Murranji and help push this exciting opportunity to share the historical significance and remarkable stories that helped shape Australia.

Sign up for our free newsletter below to show your support and become a Mate.

Additionally in lieu of Mates of the Murranji membership fees, we strongly encourage Mates to become a member of the National Trust of the NT (Tennant Creek branch).

Sponsors

A big shout out to the amazing sponsors of the Mates of the Murranji: Carlton and United Breweries, Redback Productions, Bronte Evans Chartered Accountants and Inspired Promotion.