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Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve Tours
1 review
One of the 12 stops along the Australian Overland Telegraph Line, the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve is a great place for a picnic. The reserve has walking paths, swimming holes, a bicycle path, and shady spots to rest. There are also free electric barbecues.
The Basics
Explore the buildings in the old telegraph station, many of which have been restored, to see how messages were sent across Australia in a time when the trip took weeks by horse. In the Post and Telegraph Room you can still post a letter and send a telegram to a friend. Tours through the Telegraph Station typically run 30 minutes or you can self-guide with a provided map.
In the cooler months (May–October) the wood-fired oven is lit, and damper (Outback bread) and scones are served. Signposted paths allow visitors to explore the area on foot or head into the surrounding national park via a network of mountain bike trails. Several colonies of rock wallabies share the reserve with other native wildlife and some pet camels.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The park is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of central Alice Springs on Herbert Heritage Drive via the Stuart Highway. You can drive, catch a cab, or walk or cycle the Riverside Path from Wills Terrace and Undoolya Road.
When to Get There
The reserve is open daily from morning through late evening. The Historical Precinct is open during general business hours, as is the Telegraph Station and Trail Station Cafe. Tours run from March through November, with only morning tours offered in summer (December through February).
Bridging the Distance
The Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve was established as a telegraph hub in 1871. It sent messages between Adelaide and Darwin via morse code and telegrams to Britain through an undersea network, which shortened the prior 3- to 4-month distance to London to just three to four hours.
The Basics
Explore the buildings in the old telegraph station, many of which have been restored, to see how messages were sent across Australia in a time when the trip took weeks by horse. In the Post and Telegraph Room you can still post a letter and send a telegram to a friend. Tours through the Telegraph Station typically run 30 minutes or you can self-guide with a provided map.
In the cooler months (May–October) the wood-fired oven is lit, and damper (Outback bread) and scones are served. Signposted paths allow visitors to explore the area on foot or head into the surrounding national park via a network of mountain bike trails. Several colonies of rock wallabies share the reserve with other native wildlife and some pet camels.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Time your visit with one of four daily guided tours (included with admission).
- Snacks, ice cream, beverages, and sandwiches—in addition to books and souvenirs—are available at the cafe.
- It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible; service animals are permitted.
- Bathroom and BBQ facilities are available.
How to Get There
The park is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of central Alice Springs on Herbert Heritage Drive via the Stuart Highway. You can drive, catch a cab, or walk or cycle the Riverside Path from Wills Terrace and Undoolya Road.
When to Get There
The reserve is open daily from morning through late evening. The Historical Precinct is open during general business hours, as is the Telegraph Station and Trail Station Cafe. Tours run from March through November, with only morning tours offered in summer (December through February).
Bridging the Distance
The Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve was established as a telegraph hub in 1871. It sent messages between Adelaide and Darwin via morse code and telegrams to Britain through an undersea network, which shortened the prior 3- to 4-month distance to London to just three to four hours.
Address: Herbert Heritage Drive, Alice Springs 0870, Australia
Admission: Varies
Admission Tickets (1)
Attraction TicketsAlice Springs Telegraph Station Entry and Tour Ticket
Save money and time spent waiting in line by pre-booking your admission to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs and the birth of the township. Your entrance ticket includes a roughly 30-minute guided tour that focuses on the history of the area, especially the setup of an underwater cable network to London.
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- 1 hour
From
US$10.97
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
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Did you know?You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.
Learn more
Did you know?
You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.Learn more
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Attraction TicketsAlice Springs Telegraph Station Entry and Tour Ticket
Save money and time spent waiting in line by pre-booking your admission to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs and the birth of the township. Your entrance ticket includes a roughly 30-minute guided tour that focuses on the history of the area, especially the setup of an underwater cable network to London.
... More
- 1 hour
From
US$10.97
Full-day ToursAlice Springs Highlights Half-Day Tour
Discover the legendary heart of Outback culture on this half-day highlights tour of Alice Springs. Visit the historic Overland Telegraph Station and learn how residents have adapted to ultra-remote living at the Royal Flying Doctor Service base and the School of the Air. Encounter fearsome desert creatures at the Alice Springs Reptile Park, and take in sweeping views of the West MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac Hill.
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- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
US$82.61
Multi-day Tours5-Day 4WD Journey from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock
Travel through the rugged Australian outback in a luxury 4x4 vehicle with a small group on this 5-day tour from Ayers Rock. Stay at luxury boutique retreats for 4 nights and dine on gourmet cuisine; let the driver/guide take care of the planning. National park fees and meals per itinerary included.
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- 5 days
- Taking safety measures
From
US$1,896.30
Day TripsBest of Alice Springs Full Day Tour
View spectacular outback scenery and take photos as we travel along through magnificent Outback Country, stopping at the many historic locations. As we depart town we will stop at the historical Flynn’s Grave Memorial. Enjoy beautiful walks at both Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm. In the afternoon, tour the sights of 'The Alice' including The School of the Air, the historic Telegraph Station, and the Royal Flying Doctors Service, as well as the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. The tour concludes with a panoramic view of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges from Anzac Hill.
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- 10 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
US$127.40