Black Mountain Tower (Telstra Tower)

Telstra Tower, also called Black Mountain Tower, is a telecommunications tower and lookout in Canberra, the capital of Australia. It rises 195.2 metres above the summit of Black Mountain, making it the tallest structure in the city and a famous landmark. It is named after Telstra, Australia's biggest telecom company.

Besides carrying radio and television signals, the tower offered an indoor observation deck and two outdoor viewing platforms with sweeping views of Canberra and the countryside. It opened on 15 May 1980. The tower closed to the public in 2021 and is planned to reopen in the summer of 2027 to 2028.

Planning the tower

In April 1971 the Postmaster General ordered a study for a tower that would carry communications equipment and also welcome visitors. It was meant to replace a microwave relay station on Red Hill and TV masts on Black Mountain.

Not everyone liked the idea. Some people protested that a tall tower in a nature reserve would spoil the view. A court case argued that the government had no power to build it, but the High Court of Australia ruled for the government.

Opening and name

Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser opened it on 15 May 1980, when it was named Telecom Tower. When the company was renamed in 1993, it became Telstra Tower.

Before it, a television station had its studios at the top of Black Mountain. Today the hill is still a nature reserve with the tower rising above the trees.

On the globe

The model shows the tall tower with its round top above Black Mountain, looking over Canberra.