Tennant Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
Overview
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Built in 1872, the Tennant Creek Telegraph Station provided a welcome refuge from the harsh and unforgiving surrounds to early settlers in the area.
The Overland Telegraph Line was built along a 3,600km route from Adelaide to Darwin, which had been traversed in 1860 by John McDouall Stuart's expedition party. Compared with today's high technological communication system of optical fibres, satellites and solar powered units, it is easy to underestimate the significance of this once remote Telegraph Station.
Charles Todd, the Superintendent of the South Australian telegraph network, inspired the government to build the thin galvanised line to bridge the gap between Australia and Britain.
In order to protect stores he ordered "...it is imperatively necessary that a log hut of some kind be built at Tennant Creek before the Wet Season sets in."
A temporary bush timber building was erected and by 1875 a permanent building made from stone quarried from a site nearby, was near completion.
The discovery of gold by a linesman in 1925 quickly led to the establishment of the present Tennant Creek township. By 1935 a Post Office was operational in the thriving town of Tennant Creek, leading to the closure of the Telegraph Station. This brought to an end the vital communications function of the Tennant Creek Telegraph Station.
How to Get There
The Tennant Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve is 10km north of Tennant Creek on the Stuart Highway.
When to Visit
The Reserve is accessible all year round. The cooler months, from April to October, are the most pleasant.
What to See and Do
There is a self guided walk around the Station buildings.
Visitor Facilties
While there are no facilities at the Reserve, fuel, accommodation and food are available from the nearby township of Tennant Creek.
Please Remember
- All cultural items and wildlife are protected.
- Observe park safety signs.
- Beware of theft, and lock all vehicles and secure valuables.
Fact Sheet
- Download fact sheet (pdf 829Kb)
- Self Guided Walk Information Sheet (pdf 213Kb)
Recreational Activities
- Walking Tracks
The Tennant Creek Telegraph Station offers a unique insight into the world of yesteryear. Treat yourself to a self guided walk around the Station buildings.
Scenic and Cultural Features
Warumungu Aboriginal people were the first occupants of the region. During the severe droughts of the 1880s some Aboriginal people chose to camp near the Station to take advantage of the water supply from the well.
In 1890 the Telegraph Station became a rations store with staff distributing flour, sugar, tea and blankets to Aboriginal people.
By 1892 the Warumungu Aboriginal Reserve was established and this lasted until 1934 when a mining permit was issued over the area.
Renowned pioneering anthropologists Spencer and Gillen used the Telegraph Station as a base, setting up a dark room to process photographs and observing "... Warumungu people at the Station perform such a variety of ceremonies that both researchers are quite exhausted keeping records."
Ranger Guided Activities
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Guided tour
- When: Mondays 12 May to 29 September 2008
- Time: 3 pm for 1 hour
- Meet: Information Shelter at the Tennant Creek Telegraph Station
Tales from Tennant - Explore the historic Tennant Creek Telegraph Station with a Ranger and learn some of the amazing local history.