Tewantin celebrates 150 years of communications
As part of the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival 2025, the Tewantin
Heritage and Historical Society Inc. is planning to recognise and celebrate the 150th
anniversary of the completion of the Gympie to Tewantin electric telegraph line and
telegraph office.
On a track cut through some very dense bush in early 1875, the 30+mile-long
telegraph line, erected on bloodwood and ironbark poles, enabled messages to be
sent from Tewantin via Gympie to Brisbane within minutes, rather than the hours or
even days previously required. What a day it must have been for the ‘metropolis’, as
it was described, when the first message was received in the temporary telegraph
office set up in Mr Richardson’s Hotel and accommodation house in Sidoni Street, on
6 May 1875. Only 14 or so years after the first line was erected in the fledgling
colony of Queensland, Tewantin had joined the communications revolution.
A proper telegraph office and post office was constructed later that year in much the
same prime position as that enjoyed by the current Tewantin Post Office.
Join the Tewantin Heritage and Historical Society for a fun-filled morning as they
celebrate the remarkable milestone of 150 years since that first message was
received, at an event to be held on Saturday 3 May 2025. Step back in time and
experience history firsthand with fascinating static and interactive displays featuring
old telegraph equipment including morse keys, sounders, and more. Visitors will
even be able to test their skills at sending a message in Morse code, just like the
revered telegraph operators of old.
A highlight of the morning will be a story-telling circle where descendants of three of
Tewantin’s pioneering families will share their ancestors’ stories, with personal
insights into the region’s rich history.
Displays of old photographs will be on show at both Parkyn’s Hut Visitor Information
Centre and the CWA Hall in Poinciana Avenue. For further information go to
Parkyn’s Hut website at www.parkynhut.com
By Bruce Cuttle
Vice president and historian researcher, Tewantin Heritage and Historical Society.