Originally opened in 1877 as Yanyarrie Whim, (Yanyarrie in the local indigenous dialect is the word for "eagle feathers") with the construction of a post office, the settlement was renamed in 1888 as Carrieton, after the daughter of Governor Jervois, Lucy Caroline.[10]
Railways
The town was on the Peterborough–Quorn railway line which opened in December 1881, served by a Class 1 station. A large goods shed and fettler's cottage were also constructed.
Declining rail traffic saw the gradual withdrawal of services on the railway, with the last station master being withdrawn on 1 July 1971. The railway was closed in 1981 and removed in 1986.[11]
The road was renamed the RM Williams Way in recognition of the area where R. M. Williams had many associations. Carrieton is often referred to as 'Gum Greek' country. The town is serviced through a community general store, hotel, post office, and accommodation, and it is a part of the District Council of Orroroo Carrieton.
Recently, after large downpours in January 2020, many of the creeks surrounding Carrieton were demolished.[13] The bridge over Yanyarrie Creek 10 km north of Carrieton was especially damaged as huge slates of bitumen disappeared down the creek. Yanyarrie creek has since been repaired with a detour, after the first detour was ruined again by another flash flood a few weeks after the first one.[citation needed]
Carrieton Rodeo
Carrieton is home to the Carrieton Rodeo, an Australian Professional Rodeos Association event, held every year on Proclamation Day. It held its 60th anniversary meet on 28 December 2012.[14][failed verification]