Distant view of the radio station at Applecross, c. 1912
they just don't make antennas like this any more.
Perth Radio was established at Applecross, a site midway between Perth and Fremantle on the south side of the Swan River. This high-powered station opened on 30 September 1912.
An extremely busy station, Perth issued time signals, weather reports, handled traffic with Sydney and worked ships from long distances.
In the station's early days, the only transport to Perth was by means of a ferry across the Swan River, a three kilometre walk from the station. Flies and sand fleas were of almost plague proportions.
By 1931, Applecross was less isolated. Bitumen roads had been built to Perth and Fremantle and the ferry service ceased operating. The bushland along the roadsides had been cleared, houses built and the beginnings of a shopping centre could even be seen. Staff housing had been updated to include electric power, water heaters, septic tanks and all 'mod cons'.
Perth Radio operators' desk, early years
Over the years the equipment was updated both by the Navy and AWA, and eventually operated using mains power. In 1932, a 500 watt transmitter was installed for use by the 6PR radio broadcasting station.
From 1939, the station operated as a communications point for naval shipping. During World War II, it served as a relay station on the international radiotelegraph circuit, issuing fleet weather forecasts four times a day, ABC time signals (after 1943) and, after 1944, had a triple watch on high frequency work with ships at sea.
Perth Radio was still operating from the same site when OTC took over the CRS in 1947. The station at Applecross closed in 1968 and became a telecommunications museum.
