The old one had lasted for something like 50,000 years, as the Aboriginals had the place to themselves. The Europeans arrived in the 18th century, but there wasn't much that could lure them out to the Outback upon the arrival. Better to stay on the coast where there was plenty of water.
Sure enough, by 1860 it was time to look around at the inland portions of the continent. Surveyor William Mills was put in charge of trying to find a spot for a telegraph station in the middle of it all. He picked a spot near a waterhole. Eventually it became known as Alice Springs, and several buildings went up around the office. A town grew up around it.
The telegraph station was closed in 1932, and the small complex was used by the military in World War II. Eventually, the authorities decided it had some value as a tourist attraction, so some restoration has taken place on the grounds. A visit offers a quick history lesson into the region.
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