The Telegraph Station
Alice Springs owes its existence to a waterhole — the historic Telegraph Station on the original spring, the 1870s Overland Telegraph and the birthplace of the town.
Telegraph Station & History
Alice Springs owes its existence to a waterhole. Just north of the modern town, the Telegraph Station Historical Reserve is set around that original spring on the Todd River — the “Alice Springs” that gave the town its name. Built for the 1870s Overland Telegraph line that first linked Australia to the world, its restored stone buildings are the best place to grasp the town’s origins. Pair it with the Anzac Hill lookout for the classic view over town and the ranges. The Arrernte have known this Country as Mparntwe for millennia.
What to See
The Original Waterhole
The spring on the Todd River that gave Alice Springs its name.
Overland Telegraph
Restored stone buildings from the line that linked Australia to the world.
Anzac Hill Lookout
A sweeping view over the town and the MacDonnell Ranges.
Mparntwe
The enduring Arrernte connection to this Country.
Visiting Tips
- Come early or late for cooler air and the best light on the stone buildings
- Add the Anzac Hill lookout for the classic town-and-ranges view
- Check current opening hours and any entry fee before you go
- Wear a hat and carry water — there is little shade
- Understand the deeper story with our Aboriginal culture and rock art guide
Telegraph Station — FAQ
What is the Alice Springs Telegraph Station?
It is a historical reserve just north of town, set around the original waterhole (the “spring”) on the Todd River. Built for the 1870s Overland Telegraph line, it is the birthplace of Alice Springs and its best-preserved stone buildings tell the town’s origin story.
Why is it called Alice Springs?
The town takes its name from the waterhole at the Telegraph Station, named for Alice Todd. The Arrernte name for the area is Mparntwe. The station gave the settlement its start and its name.
What is the Overland Telegraph?
The Overland Telegraph Line, completed in the 1870s, linked Australia to the wider world by connecting Adelaide to Darwin and on by undersea cable. Alice Springs grew up around one of its repeater stations.
What else is there for history and views?
Climb the Anzac Hill lookout for a sweeping view over the town and the MacDonnell Ranges, and explore the town’s wider Aboriginal and pioneering story — see our Aboriginal culture and rock art guide.
Is there a fee and when is it open?
The Telegraph Station Historical Reserve has set opening hours and may charge entry. Hours and fees change, so check current details before you go.
Alice Springs, Planned Around You
The MacDonnell Ranges and their gorges and waterholes, the Desert Park and the Telegraph Station, and the road south to Uluru — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry