Considered the birthplace of Alice Springs, the Telegraph Station within the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve is just 4km north of the town centre. Discover a collection of wonderfully preserved buildings that house a plethora of information about this historically significant period in Australia’s history. The telegraph station was established in 1871 to relay messages along the Overland Telegraph Line that ran from Adelaide to Darwin.
The telegraph created the foundation of the Alice Springs township (named after the telegraph’s constructor Charles Todd’s wife, Alice) and played a vital role in connecting the north and south of the country. The line connected Australia to the undersea telegraph network and therefore the rest of the world. The Outback Telegraph Station sightseeing tour is a must-do attraction on any visit to Alice Springs, one that will give you a new perspective on this pioneering achievement in telecommunications.
Before the Overland Telegraph Line’s establishment in 1872, a message from Australia to England would travel by boat taking up to four months. After the construction of the line, Morse code messages sent via Alice Springs could reach London in just five hours, completely revolutionising communication in the 19th century!
Today, a visit to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station is a great way to immerse yourself in not only the history of the telegraph line and early telegraphers but also the story of Alice Springs and its many fascinating and important characters. Don't miss the moving tribute to the Stolen Generation at the site of the Bungalow within the reserve. After ceasing operation in the 1930s, the site was converted into an education facility for local children.
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Aside from the museum and historic buildings, you’ll find a souvenir shop which is also still a working post office. Grab a postcard and pop it in the original red post box onsite (the first post box in Alice Springs); your letter will be stamped with their commemorative franking stamp.
There’s also a café with plenty to choose from as well as BBQ and picnic facilities. And after visiting the historical site, follow the signposted walking tracks that traverse the hill country within the national park area.
Would you like to discover the Alice Springs Outback Telegraph Station with like-minded people on a Fun Over Fifty tour? Take a look at our selection of Northern Territory tours visiting Alice Springs.
The Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve can be reached easily from the town centre of Alice Springs. Head 4km north by car or choose to take the Riverside Path along the Todd River as a scenic walk or cycle alternative.
Guided tours are available daily from March to November, but display information is plentiful so a self-guided visit is a great option.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll find some picturesque mountain biking tracks around the Telegraph Station. Bikes can be hired on-site with guided biking tours for all fitness levels available.
Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.
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