Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, Alice Springs

Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, Alice Springs

The history of Alice Springs began in 1871 with the construction of a telegraph repeater station, one of several such stations built between Adelaide and Darwin as part of the historic Overland Telegraph.

The history of Alice Springs began in 1871 with the construction of a telegraph repeater station, one of several such stations built between Adelaide and Darwin as part of the historic Overland Telegraph. The telegraph station was the first site of European settlement here, connected to Adelaide by a dirt road which later became part of the Stuart Highway. It was functional till 1932, and subsequently a welfare home and school for Aboriginal children till 1963. It was also used as an army base during World War II.

The Alice Springs Telegraph Station Heritage Precinct has several restored telegraph-related buildings with historical furnishings and artifacts on display. The post office here allows you to send a letter with a special franking stamp. You can explore the various walking and biking trails around the reserve. A short distance to the east is the waterhole from which Alice Springs got its name.