The History of Curtin Springs

From Cattle Station to Roadhouse: The Origins of Curtin Springs

You may have heard of this iconic cattle station based in the rural outback of Uluru in Australia.

Early days

During the 1930s, Curtin Springs was originally a sheep-stocking location. It was named Curtin Springs after John Curtin (who was, at the time, Australia’s Prime Minister).

1956 and later years

After 1956, Peter Severin arrived at the station with his wife, Dawn. They arrived there with 1500 cattle and their two sons. Their arrival was complemented by two big trucks full of supplies. At that point, the station was 500 square miles. Life there was pretty basic, and the heat was intense – there was no air conditioning back then!

In 1957, the first-ever tours to Ayers Rock ran once every week from the Roadhouse. In the middle of the 1960s, the family built big entrances to Uluru and were a big part in the commercialisation of Uluru.

As of 2004, new accommodations and family rooms were installed and – up to 27 dorms that could accomodate backpackers.

The Severin Family took over the lease as of 1956, beginning a brand new life in such a remote corner of Australia. Over the years, they eventually transformed the whole cattle station into a tourist destination where travellers and those visiting Uluru were able to stay.

Over time, the family managed to get the cattle station into a working hostel, which became a tourist trap. Eventually, it became one of the most famous roadhouses in the area. With genuine hospitality and warmth, the Severins quickly earned the roadhouse as so much more than just a roadstop – it’s a true outback experience.