A tall spire, like a fantastical sceptre from a fairy tale, stands on the summit of Black Mountain. One of the best-known landmarks in Canberra, Telstra Tower is a transmitting station for television, radio, mobile phones, and conferencing via video or telephone.
Telstra Tower opened in 1980 and stands just over 192 meters high, or about 632 feet. The lower level features a model of the tower and a short video about the tower’s design and construction. Telstra Tower won two design awards, one in 1979 for the imaginative and effective use of concrete and a Civic Design award in 1980.
Telstra Tower opened in 1980 and stands just over 192 meters high, or about 632 feet. The lower level features a model of the tower and a short video about the tower’s design and construction. Telstra Tower won two design awards, one in 1979 for the imaginative and effective use of concrete and a Civic Design award in 1980.
Model of Telstra Tower. Photo courtesy of Diane Williams.
Accessible by elevator is an interior viewing gallery, gift shop, and a café with the best hot chocolate in Canberra (according to my daughter). The highest mail box in the Australian Capital Territory is here as well, a vintage beauty from around 1912. Mail is gathered from the box Monday to Friday and stamped with a “Telecom Tower” mark.
Two levels of exterior viewing galleries offer superb 360-degree views of Canberra’s suburbs, lake, and mountains. It’s the perfect spot for newcomers to orient themselves to the Bush Capital.
The summit of Black Mountain, with its trails, wildlife, and flowers, is well worth exploring too.
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