NTRail & telegraph
Alice Springs
A communications outpost became the centre of the Centre.
1872Telegraph station established
WHAT STARTED IT
The Overland Telegraph needed relay stations across the continent. A waterhole supported a station here, establishing a colonial foothold in Central Australia.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
The separate township was originally called Stuart. Rail arrived in 1929, and the town took the name Alice Springs in 1933. Transport and government services helped it grow beyond the telegraph. Alice Springs Desert Park opened in March as a major wildlife, botanic and visitor institution.
TURNING POINTS
1872The telegraph station begins operating.
1929The railway arrives.
1933Stuart is renamed Alice Springs.
1997Alice Springs Desert Park opened in March as a major wildlife, botanic and visitor institution.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A major service centre for Central Australia, with health, education, transport, arts and tourism roles. Its regional importance reaches far beyond its urban population.