Old Telegraph Station, Telegraph station in Alice Springs, Australia

The Old Telegraph Station comprises limestone buildings arranged around a natural water source, housing offices, residences, and maintenance structures in a compact layout. The complex reveals how the facility balanced operational requirements with accommodation for staff working in this remote location.

The station was established in 1872 and operated until 1932 as part of the Overland Telegraph Line, which linked Darwin to Adelaide and dramatically sped up communication with London. After closure, it was repurposed as a residential and educational facility serving a different purpose for many years.

The waterhole Mills named Alice Springs is Turiara to the Arrernte, whose creation story tells of an old Arunga (euro) man scratching it out along the river. Errumphana (Ampetyane) recalled leading the first strangers there from Honeymoon Gap; the station men later called him King Charlie.

The reserve lies four kilometres north of the Alice Springs town centre and can be reached by car or public transport, with free parking on site. A modern visitor centre opened at the entrance in 2002. The grounds sit in a hot, dry region with little shade, so carry enough water.

The Bungalow moved to the station from Jay Creek in 1932, after the telegraph office closed that year. It housed and schooled Aboriginal children of mixed descent until 1942, when most were evacuated south to Mulgoa and Balaklava during World War II. The Australian Army then used the buildings as the Native Labour Headquarters until 1945.