From truly isolated to tourist destination, how the Old Tele’ Track came to be
The Old Telegraph Track in Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia, holds a rich history that dates back to the early days in the region. This iconic track, formerly known as the Cape York Telegraph Line, played a crucial role in connecting Australia to the rest of the world and served as a lifeline for those living in Cape York. In this yarn, we’ll take a deep dive into the fascinating history of the Old Telegraph Track, exploring its construction, the challenges faced by early pioneers, and the legacy it has left behind. The construction of the Old Telegraph Track was part of a larger project known as the Overland Telegraph Line, which aimed to connect Brisbane with the northern outposts in the Cape, and then onto the rest of the world. Completed in 1887, the line stretched from Laura at the southern end of the Peninsula to Thursday Island. The northern section of the line, passing through the rugged terrain of Cape York Peninsula, presented significant challenges for the survey and construction teams. Led by John Bradfield, the initial surveying expedition commenced in 1883, becoming only the fourth overland expedition to Cape York Peninsula. The construction work itself involved clearing a corridor approximately forty meters wide, with galvanized iron poles manufactured specifically to support the telegraph line. These poles, along…
