Alice Springs Telegraph Station, established in 1872 to transmit messages from Adelaide to Darwin, was one of 12 such stations along the Overland Telegraph Line. Today it is protected by the state as a historical museum reserve and the site of the of the first European settlement in what is now Alice Springs.
The site was chosen in 1871 by surveyor William Mills, who was looking for a a suitable route for a telegraph line across the McDonnell Ranges. Construction of the station began in November of that year. During World War II it was was used by army units. However, after 60 years of successful operation, the building is now home to a school and boarding school for Aboriginal children.
Today, the telegraph station building and its surroundings are a popular tourist attraction. The shady garden is an ideal place for picnics. On the 4 kilometre long walking trail along the Todd River is located on the territory of the museum-reserve. You can also cycle here and see the Alice Springs spring, after which the town was named. It's located not far from the station. The architectural component of the museum is also interesting: the building of the station building has been under state protection since 1963, and during this time many of the of the buildings have been restored. Inside you can see furniture and other objects from the late 19th century. From here you can still send a letter with a special stamp. And, despite the proximity of the city, on the territory of the museum-reserve, located in the spurs of the MacDonnell Range, there are also wild animals, for example, wallabies.
