Telegraph Station

Visited: dry season

Recommendation: Hot, exposed and seemingly barren, this place doesn't look like much but don't be deceived. It is a great place to spot wildlife, just head out early in the morning!

The Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve is famous for its role in the history of telecommunications in Australia. It was the site of the first overland telegraph line in Australia, connecting Adelaide to Darwin and linking Australia to the rest of the world. The reserve is also home to a number of historic buildings, including the original telegraph station, a blacksmith's shop, and a hospital. These buildings have been restored and are now open to the public. The reserve is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can learn about the history of the telegraph station and the role it played in the development of Australia.

Within the confines of the station are some pleasant lawns and picnic areas, and a permanent waterhole. It varies in size but is obviously a great draw for wildlife. The Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and Pacific Heron braved the noise and activity of a small group of school children throwing rocks in the water.

Away from the historical centre of the Telegraph Station, there are several walks you can enjoy. The area is part of the Finke National Park and joins up with the eastern end of the Larapinta Trail. It is set up for mountain biking and you can even walk back to the centre of Alice Springs. I took the shorter route along the Trig Hill and Cemetery Walk. It takes you through the rocky, grassy area north of the station. And there was plenty to see. 

Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) 

There were lots of lizards here, sitting on the rocks in the early morning sun. My favourite was the Central Bearded Dragon. If you can get close enough to them before they bolt, then they just freeze and will sit there while you photograph them.

In the low trees were several small groups of Budgies. While I was chasing them around, I could also hear fairywren. With a stroke of luck, I got the male wren sitting up just as I was also shooting the Budgie. Both are pretty skittish so I was very happy with that.

Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) 

Just outside the station, as I was leaving a Wedgie flew right in front of the van. Relieved to have missed it, I pulled up as I saw it had landed right next to the road. Seeing them close to roads is not uncommon but they never stick around once they have seen you. But this bird was distracted and as I watched, it became clear why. Its partner was already sitting up. And they stayed. I took a lot of photographs in the following 10 minutes before they took off. It was an incredible experience to be so close to such magnificent animals.