Australia So Much to See
Nyngan has become an RV Friendly Town again, relisting with CMCA.
Free camping is available at Flood Memorial Park
(adjacent to Mid-State Shearing Shed Museum) where there are toilets and room for around eight rigs. An additional area is at
Teamster’s Rest where the dump point is and this would accommodate around three rigs, but is intended to be mainly a day area.
Dump Point and potable water are available at Teamster’s Rest, Pangee Street, Nyngan which is just across the railway line from Mid-State Shearing Shed rest area. Update August 2017: Dump point and water now at Mid-State Rest Area, not Teamsters Rest.
Potable water is also available at the Flood Memorial Park (tap beside a picnic table)
Casual Parking (near retail centre) at Teamster’s Rest Area in Pangee Street and at Nymagee Street (adjacent to Mid-State Shearing Shed Museum) and Truck Stop, across from Truck and Travel Service Station.
See Mayoral Statement 23 July 2013 following closure of showground to campers and loss of RVFT status
14 January 2014
The failure of the septic system at the beautiful and popular Dumaresq dam camping and recreation ground near Armidale in New England
region of New South Wales has necessitated this closure. Armidale Council management explains:
The septic system failed
inspection and our licence to operate was revoked. The trenches are no longer working and an internal baffle of the system has collapsed
so it is not an easy fix. The location is difficult because of large granite boulders so the trenches would be hard to get constructed.
The system was never designed for the loads experienced today so we may have to consider a new location away from the creek and with
capacity for expected visitors. At this point, no toilets so no visitors. We don't want faeces and toilet paper behind every tree
as this will create a health and environmental problem.
Council will soon make a decision about whether they will continue camping
as this will dictate the future facility requirements. If they go down that track we will need to submit a development application
and provide certain infrastructure so this is a long term fix.
In the meantime, we are looking to get some temporary facilities
to cater for day visitors only. So this means no camping as the temporary facilities would not cope with the additional loads.
Any
new facilities must be at least 100 metres from a waterway (including the dam itself) and comply with disability access requirements.
Investigations are currently under way for a suitable site.
High visitation and dry weather have impacted on the grassed areas so the place isn't looking that good.
16 January 2014
Update: With an interim fix to the septic system, Dumaresq Dam is now open to day visitors, but remains closed to campers and it is not envisaged that this will change during the next few years. See latest Statement from Armidale Council
Early visitors to Tasmania this summer may miss well out on two of the most popular things to do in the West of Tasmania.
TheWestern Explorer Road in the State's North West is impassable south of Donaldson River after a twenty to thirty kilometre section
collapsed in heavy rain in August 2013. The Western Explorer Road will remain closed and unsafe for vehicles for at least the
next five months.
The Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (DIER) is aware that this is a significant closure for
an important regional tourist route but the damage caused by the recent landslip is so significant that its prolonged closure is unavoidable.
The
area has been assessed by geo-technical experts and their recommendations are that given the size and nature of the slip that major
rehabilitation work is required to make the road safe again for vehicles.
See the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources
Tasmania Road Closures
The Abt Railway between Queenstown and Strachan was suspended from the end of April
2013 when Federal Holdings Tasmania Pty Ltd surrendered its lease for the railway following ten years operating the Abt railway as
the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Railway passenger services on the railway have temporarily ceased and bookings are not being
taken.
This suspension period will enable major infrastructure maintenance and capital improvements to be undertaken with funding
of $6 million from the Commonwealth Government being committed to the Abt railway to ensure that it continues to operate at a safe
standard.
The Abt railway has become an important feature of the tourism industry and economy of the West Coast of Tasmania,
and the Tasmanian Government is working to have the railway operational for the 2013-14 summer tourist season.
Progress on the
West Coast Wilderness Railway has been complicated following heavy rains in August causing a landslip in the area. The landslip
occurred on the Queenstown side of Rinadeena Station late and is causing further difficulties because the landslip is still potentially
unstable and in an area which has limited accessibility.
The latest news is that The Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (DIER) has received two expressions of interest from potential new operators. While DIER has a preference to have a private operator, it is likely that the Abt Railway Ministerial Corporation which owns the infrastructure will be operating the railway during the first tourist season.
See update above about the re-opening of the ABT railway
16 October 2013
Additional reserves for Tasmania
The additional conservation areas, regional reserves and national parks amounting to approximately
95,700 hectares and will transfer to the Parks and Wildlife Service to manage.
Park name Type Hectares
Catamaran River Conservation Area new 3,926.00
Central Plateau
Conservation Area extension 3,615.80
Florentine River Regional Reserve new 7,477.69
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park extension 16,507.77
Hartz Mountains National Park extension 4,976.00
Humboldt Ridge Regional Reserve new 610.60
Clear
Hill Regional Reserve new 2,775.00
Mount Field National Park extension 6,702.44
Picton River Conservation Area extension 4,614.00
Russell Ridge Conservation Area extension 8,364.00
Southwest National Park extension 18,360.48
Styx River Regional Reserve new 12,829.00
Tarraleah Conservation
Area new and extension 346.80
Weld River Regional Reserve new 4,619.00
18
December 2013
Road closure for bridge replacement fourteen kilometres east of Couta Rocks, Western Tasmania
Work in underway to replace the
Nelson Bay River Bridge and the closure is expected to last around three weeks from commencement on 11th February 2014. See
map for location.
This is on Tarkine Drive between Couta Rocks and the junction of Wuthering Heights Road near the northern
end of the Western Explorer, closing this fifteen kilometer route and access to Couta Rocks from the east. Couta Rocks
settlement will remain accessible from the north.
This drive is part of a loop through the Southern Arthur Forests which I outlined here.
We are pleased to be in the position to advise you that the iconic Abt railway will be reopened for passenger services on the 6 January
2014. Read the story of the closure here
The journey is a half day Tasmanian heritage experience which operates original Dubs & Co. Abt steam locomotives. The route traverses rugged mountains and travels through enchanting Gondwana rainforest, still home to the ancient Huon pine. See our travelogue for more.
Journey deep into the heritage of the wild West
Coast, where tales of resilience and triumph showcase the iconic local spirit. Discover how the Feud of the Irishmen and other legendary
characters helped shape the rugged and isolated region.
The full line has not been cleared and the train will only go half way; to Dubbil Barril after crossing the range then return to Queenstown. Work on the line will continue.
The train departs from Queenstown station at 9.00 am, and returns at approximately 12.30 pm.
Heritage Carriage Experience: Step back into
a period style carriage where your authentic guide tells the story of the railway’s triumph over adversity.
Fares: Adult ticket
$89 for Heritage Carriage
Family ticket $195 (up to 2 children)
Child ticket $30 (up to 2 years old free)
Wilderness Carriage Experience:
Enjoy a glass of champagne on arrival as you step on board our Wilderness Carriage. Sit back in comfort as you immerse yourself in
the stories of resilience of the railway and its people. Enjoy access to the Wilderness Balcony and let the aromas of the rainforest
invigorate your senses.
Fares: All tickets $115 for Wilderness Carriage
See West Coast Wilderness Railway on Facebook
9 December 2013
Update: The Abt railway commenced as planned.
6 January 2014
Changes to speed limits in Tasmania
From 1 February 2014, a new speed limit applies to all gravel roads in Tasmania.
Unless otherwise signposted, the maximum speed
limit on gravel roads will be 80 km/h.
Gravel roads can be unpredictable, and the conditions can change quickly.
In
some instances the 80 km/h limit may be too fast and you will need to slow down to a more appropriate speed. When you are on
a gravel road think ahead and make sure you drive to the conditions.
See more about speed limits in Tasmania
The default speed limits currently in force in Tasmania are, (unless otherwise signed) -
50 km/h in built-up areas (like in cities and towns)
100
km/h in rural country areas (outside cities and towns)
February 2014
Mullumbimby Showground management are very pleased to announced that they have approval to reopen for casual camping. Located
on the Brunswick River in North Easter New South Wales, with Mount Chincogan overlooking the town. Mullumbimby is close to the
coast at Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay.
Powered sites are $20 and unpowered $15 and pets are permitted. Contact caretaker on 0474100189
27 February 2014
Bendemeer Rodeo Ground 24 hour rest area. After a long running saga about the traditional free use of the grounds, which includes
the use of onsite toilets, the proprietors of the Bendemeer Tourist Park will now manage the facility and collect the fee of $5, implemented
today, 4th April 2014. Collection box on site for out of hours payments. Permit slip must be displayed. Due to proximity
to the MacDonald River, grey water may not be discharged onto or disposed of on the grounds. The Tourist Park offers discount
voucher for their caravan park should visitors choose to stay at the caravan park following their night at the rodeo grounds.
The new Bendemeer Tourist Park owners are also implementing changes to their caravan park to make it attractive
for families. Roomy grass sites with beautiful views priced at $10 per adult plus power an further $5 if required, and a generous
discounted rate for members of CMCA (Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia).
4th April 2014