It was created in 1885, by dividing the district of Mitchell, with Barcoo taking up its western area. It was named after the Barcoo River, and covered remote rural areas in Southwest Queensland.[1]
The seat was later held by the Premier, T. J. Ryan. Remarkably, his win in 1909 was the last time a member was elected for the seat at a general election. All subsequent members were the victors in by-elections.
The electorate was abolished in the redistribution preceding the 1972 state election.