Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve

overview | how to get there | when to visit | what to see & do | visitor facilities | please remember |
fact sheet & map | Recreational Activities | Scenic and Cultural Features |
Plants & Animals 

Alice Springs Telegraph Station Draft Joint Management Plan

The Territory Government, in partnership with Traditional Owners, has commenced planning for the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve.

Once complete, the Joint Management Plan will provide direction for the future management of the Reserve, and outline how the interests of the community, Traditional Owners and conservation will be served.

The joint management partners invite interested and knowledgeable persons to contribute to the draft plan in one of the following ways:

Public input into the draft joint management plan closes Friday 31 December 2010. All comments will be considered by the Territory Government when preparing the draft Joint Management Plan.

Overview

The Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs.

Established in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide, it is the best preserved of the 12 stations along the Overland Telegraph Line.

Construction of this Telegraph Station began in 1871. The township of Alice Springs takes its name from the waterhole a short distance to the east of the Station buildings.

This Telegraph Station operated for 60 years, and then served as a school for Aboriginal children.

How to Get There

By vehicle, the Reserve is around 4km north of Alice Springs along the Stuart Highway.

Alternatively there is a walking and cycling track into the Reserve via Schwarz Crescent and another along the west bank of the Todd River.

When to Visit

The Reserve is accessible all year round. The cooler months (April to October) are the most pleasant to visit in.

The Reserve is open between 8am and 9pm all year round, and the Historical Precinct is open between 8am and 5pm every day except Christmas.

What to See and Do

Guided Tours of the Historical Precinct operate throughout the year. Phone 8952 3993 to confirm tour times.

The Station was protected as a Historical Reserve in 1963, and a number of stone buildings have now been restored. These buildings house furnishings and artifacts from early last century, and are preserved as an historic display.

Visitor Facilties

Toilet facilities, electric barbecues, picnic furniture, information and a kiosk are all available here.

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Please Remember

Fact Sheet

Recreational Activities

Facilities/activities within the Reserve include:

Scenic and Cultural Features

Many of the buildings have been restored and fitted out in the tradition of the late 1800s, early 1900s period.

Mail can be sent through the Telegraph/ Post Office, which is stamped with a special franking stamp.

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Plants and Animals

Set against the MacDonnell Ranges, the Reserve offers opportunities for wildlife observation. Despite the proximity to Alice Springs, a relatively diverse range of native animals can be seen here, including several colonies of Rock-wallabies.