[4] Its origin was as a reliable watering point in low-rainfall country, used by Aboriginal people since time immemorial, and by settlers since the 1850s.

Subsequent residential development was substantial; now the town serves essentially as a satellite to Port Augusta.

The town has a few services including hotel accommodation, food shops, general store, fuel outlets, a post office and public telephones.

[6] A weekday local bus service operates between the Port Augusta city centre and Stirling North.

[11] The town's historic Davenport Reservoir and Storage Tank is listed on the South Australian Heritage Register.