Alice Springs Telegraph Station plays a crucial role in the history of the town. It was originally constructed to send communications between Adelaide and Darwin via Australia’s overland telegraph line in 1871. The station also connected with the British Empire’s undersea telegraph lines, so messages could be relayed to England much more quickly. This is also the location of the original European settlement in the area, making it the birthplace of the Alice Springs Township.
Today, the telegraph station is a historic museum precinct, featuring captivating indoor and outdoor exhibitions, telling the intriguing story of Alice Springs. Visitors can embark on a guided tour, included in the entry price, to learn all about the telegraph station’s fascinating history, the people who constructed it, and the township. See the original Alice Spring, a waterhole named after the wife of Sir Charles Todd, Superintendent of Telegraphs, who was overseeing the construction project.
The telegraph station is located 4KM north of the town centre, within the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve. It was declared a historical reserve in 1963 and has since become the best restored station along the overland telegraph line, with a dedication to authenticity. Within the grounds, you will also find the Trail Station Cafe, which is a delightful place for a delicious coffee or tasty lunch, and a gift and souvenir shop.
The grounds are also a lovely place for a picnic, and the starting point of various scenic walking and mountain bike trails, including the Larapinta Trail.
