Young Australian

The steam paddle tug Young Australian was purchased by the SA Government in Adelaide to be used as a tug on the Roper River.

Considerable difficulties were experienced in the construction of the Overland Telegraph line during the Top End Wet Season and the project had fallen seriously behind schedule.

A Telegraph Depot was established near Roper Bar 100 km up the Roper River from the sea. This was successful and materials were transported from the Depot to the telegraph line.

After completion of the Telegraph, the Young Australia was grounded during a towing mishap on 30 December 1872 and could not be re-floated. The wreck remains in the Roper River.

The Young Australian tied up at the Telegraph Depot, Roper River during construction of the Overland Telegraph in 1872
Source: State Library of South Australia

The boiler of the Young Australian in the Roper River near Munbililla (Tomato Island)
Source: Owen Peake

Interpretation Panel and Marker
Source: Parks and Wildlife Division
Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security
Northern Territory Government

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Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Heritage Engineering Marker (HEM)
Award Date	23 May 2011
Heritage Significance	The shallow draught and manoeuvrability of the side-wheel paddle steamer Young Australian enabled it to ferry stores and tow vessels along the Roper River, playing a vital role in the completion of the Overland Telegraph in 1872. Previously, it worked as a tug and lighter at Port Adelaide.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report	Available here.
Plaque/Interpretation Panel Image	Image of the original panel installed in 2011 is not available. Image of the replacement panel installed in July 2023 is available here.

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References:
Letters of support from Northern Territory Land Corporation, Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport; and Department of Planning and Infrastructure.
OT-150 TELEGRAMS No. 21, The Overland Telegraph Fleet No 3: Paddle-Steamer Young Australian.