This roadside monument marks the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Harcourt Valley. Dr William Barker established the head station of the 30,000 acre Mount Alexander pastoral run here in 1845.
Ruins of Dr Barker's house
The ruin of a granite and mud shed, consisting of a single wall incorporated into a shed. There is another standing wall at the western end. The walls appear to be standing at their original height.
A bottle/rubbish dump has been noted on a slope above the creek in the paddock to the north east and may be associated. Ceramic has been found in the garden of the modern house to the west.
Heritage Inventory Significance: Of high significance. These are reputed to be the remains of Dr Barker's house. He was the first settler at Harcourt.
The discovery of gold on the Mt Alexander Goldfields was made on Dr Barker's station by four of his employees. There are in situ archaeological deposits.
Commemorative monument
The stone monument alongside Eagles Road features a plaque which displays the following text:
In the year 1845 William Barker M.R.C.S established here the head station of the 30,000 acre Mount Alexander (No. 1) squatting run.
This plaque was unveiled 7th October 1995 in celebration of the 150th anniversary of permanent settlement in the Harcourt Valley.
How to get to the Dr Barker Memorial
The Dr Barker Memorial is set alongside Eagles Road in Harcourt, 11 minutes from Castlemaine and just a moments drive from the Calder Freeway.
From the Calder Freeway, take Victoria Road, turn left onto Harmony Way, turn right onto Market Street, then left onto Eagles Road.
The monument will be on the right hand side of Eagles Road, before the Barkers Creek crossing.
More to explore nearby
BBQ
Harcourt
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