peoples who travel the 'bush'

[def-90]

ok so i'm having a stab in the dark here, but i've been contracted to design the town entry x 2 and road joining these entries at a small country town approx. 900k's north west of brisbane. its a mining town, so miners live there and use the dirt footpath that currently runs up the main drag (on the highway on the edge of town), and currently not many people (grey nomads) stop and see the town, i want to find out what actual travellers would want!

my given objective is to create a strip of road that encourages people to stop and use a possible park/toilet/sullage point and 'enjoy there experience'.

so my question for people who do alot of outback travel is what makes u want to stop at a township/roadside stop and use it?

my thoughts and designs so far are i need to encorporate water, green, and natural shade. the 1.2k or so from enty to entry will have a wide footpath with signage along the way describing how water is getting treated from one stage to another (as the the road gets run off from a sewage plant currently, and road/stormwater runoff) through a series of weirs, that continue its current natural flow to the nearby creek. amongst other ideas. the project will be a 'green' project as it is being funded by a major mine in the area.

sorry for all the crap, but i need to find out off people what makes them want to stop at a township/roadside stop and have a break and enjoy the space they are in, when they are travelling 'outback qld'?

thanks

sam

[bblaze]

ease of parking for larger type vans, good signage, ammenties including sullage and a potable water tap.
cheers
blaze

[rockyroad]

Are you allowed to tell us which town?

[KarlB]

Natural shade (ie trees) is a good idea. I steer away from shelter shade (ie sheds and awnings). The place needs to be clean which in design terms means it needs to be easily cleaned. If there is no long term comitment to regularly clean the toilets then you are better off without them. Interpretive info signage can be attractive. Needs to be a bit spread out so that more than one vehicle can stop without feeling crowded (personal space thing).

Cheers
KarlB

[The ho har's]

As already said..

Plenty of long vehicle parking...ease of getting in and out.

Potable water tap.

clean amenities and a dump point is always an advantage.

maybe signage to the attractions about town including shops.

free 1-2 overnight stays encourages people to spend money in town.

Mrs hh:angel:

PS where is it and we will be sure to stop:)

[Blknight.aus]

for me its a decent layout, a little off the road (say 200m) with local flora on the "island" to act as a visual and audio block from the main road (really important if you're aiming at getting people to stop over night.

I personally like the abultions to be on one side of the carpark (preferably on the "Island") downwind and across the carpark to the eating/rec area.

The best stop I've been to (about 4 years ago now on the way from albury to here) had sheltered tables, electric BBQ's, was a 5 minute walk to a lookout with spiel boards about some of the local flora/fauna and in the open space there was some basic kids play equipment.

excusing the ascii artm roughly it was laid out


Turn off**********************Turn off*
=<==========MAIN ROAD============>==
**\*****************************/***
***\ *******Natural Barrier*********/****
****\********Ablutions***********/****
------\___""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""____/------
-----------""""""""CAR PARKS"""""""""-----------
-----------""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""-----------
-----------Tables BBQ BBQ Tables------------
-------------Kids play equipment-------------
------------------- Open --------------------
-------------------Space------scenic walk----

the ---- indicates grass fenced off area and the *** represent natural Flora

the car parks were about a 50/50 mix of trailer friendly double long angle parks and normal parks, on the entry way and exit way there were marked bays for B double size semies, probably 8 on each entryway.

I dont recall seeing a dump point for grey water/sewage but the ablutions block had a sink setup for doing dishes, coin operated hot showers (I didnt use them but it looked like you paid to open the door) there was 2 solar hot water units on the roof.

It looked pretty new at the time, the tarmac wasnt torn up by trucks and there was no grafiti anywhere.

[Hymie]

I'm with all of the others here.
As a bloke the world is my Urinal, but traveling with Mrs Hymie and two daughters requires an attitude adjustment on that point.

[alien]

Her's my 2 cents.
Set it back from the road
Seperate truck bay at front.
Large drive in/out trailer bays, preferbly flat for caravans(boil the jug ect.)
Natural shade where posible.
Include 1 or 2 steel shelters for when rain/dew ect. drips off the trees.
BBQ hot plates with table/chairs in the shelter/s.
Playground for the kids(Or by the time I use it grandkids,don't tell the wife:o).
Clean toilets with after hour lighting.
Room for 2 to use sullige point.
Town map and atractions sign.
Maybe a nature walk that is wheel chair freindly.

[Michael2]

Fuel Access nearby, as people don't like to stop for fuel and then relocate for lunch. Include well posted fuel prices. - This way the family can jump out and start on lunch while dad refuels nearby and joins them.

FREE WiFi Internet Access..

Swings / Playground for the kids.

Tourist Guide map with contacts for local garage, auto elec, pharmacy & GP.

[Redback]

Interesting things to see, art, old wares, history of the area, indigenous history, landmarks, good pub and eatery, good van park and camping areas, free would be a bonus.

Baz.

[def-90]

thanks for the input so far guys/gals, not sure if i'm allowed to say but the town is Dysart, in between Emerald and Moranbah.

keep the ideas flowing.....

thanks again

sam

[miky]

I like an overnight stop with a CLEAN toilet. And there is the problem, they need to be cleaned every day.

Forget allowing trucks to stop. Having a freezer truck with a motor going 24/7 is not good.

Surrounds seem to have attractions.

Here is a link (http://www.broadsound.qld.gov.au/visitors/InfoDysart.shtml).

May be more.

[The ho har's]

I like an overnight stop with a CLEAN toilet. And there is the problem, they need to be cleaned every day.

Forget allowing trucks to stop. Having a freezer truck with a motor going 24/7 is not good.

Surrounds seem to have attractions.

Here is a link (http://www.broadsound.qld.gov.au/visitors/InfoDysart.shtml).

May be more.


must say we have never been to Dysart:eek:...Tieri, Middlemount, Capella, Nebo, Emerald, Clermont, Blackwater yes been to them all but never Dysart:(...Best we do somthing about that:D..looking forward to the new rest/camp area there;)


Mrs hh:angel:

[isuzutoo-eh]

When I were a kid...
Climbing frame/playground, even better if it was really really tall (compared to a kid) and you got a good view of town. And kids like to do a bit of exploring, so some plaques with history and landmark info always went well. An old train, tractor, boat or aeroplane with a story to go wit it helps too. Not just plastic fantastic manufactured play equipment with no soul.
Grassy space for kicking a ball around with a low fence and plenty of gates between it and the road. Timber (not concrete) picnic tables with roofs and without birdpoo, not far from the vehicles, otherwise its too inconvenient for oldies to go back and get whatever they forgot too often. Tall shade trees.
But its not just the park and parking, every town worth its name has a bakery with chocolate eclairs and cream horns. Without custard tarts, your town is stuffed.

Oh yeah, you have to put the town two to 3 hours from worthy towns in each direction, that might be hard to accomplish though :p

[The ho har's]

When I were a kid...
Climbing frame/playground, even better if it was really really tall (compared to a kid) and you got a good view of town. And kids like to do a bit of exploring, so some plaques with history and landmark info always went well. An old train, tractor, boat or aeroplane with a story to go wit it helps too. Not just plastic fantastic manufactured play equipment with no soul.
Grassy space for kicking a ball around with a low fence and plenty of gates between it and the road. Timber (not concrete) picnic tables with roofs and without birdpoo, not far from the vehicles, otherwise its too inconvenient for oldies to go back and get whatever they forgot too often. Tall shade trees.
But its not just the park and parking, every town worth its name has a bakery with chocolate eclairs and cream horns. Without custard tarts, your town is stuffed.

Oh yeah, you have to put the town two to 3 hours from worthy towns in each direction, that might be hard to accomplish though :p


We assume you are talking about your parents here Mark;):D

And yes agree with most of the above;) but choclate eclairs and cream horns are fattening for hh:o:D

Mrs hh:angel:

[isuzutoo-eh]

We assume you are talking about your parents here Mark;):D

And yes agree with most of the above;) but choclate eclairs and cream horns are fattening for hh:o:D

Mrs hh:angel:

How right you are :D:D (about the oldies, not fattening up hh:eek::angel:)

[3toes]

While people seem to be suggesting somewhere they could stay for a few days perhaps this may need to be scaled back if there is an existing caravan park in town. Nothing like setting up a free site in competition with someone who is attempting to make a living from the same to put noses out of joint big time.

This seems to be directed towards travellers stopping and spending some time and cash in town. On this basis think the facilities and parking need to be directed at the target audience and keep the trucks out. Nothing against them however are a different market whose needs are not the same. If combined the parking for the trucks has to be seperate and a little distance away. Drivers do not want the tourists keeping them awake with all the late night noise they tend to generate.

The stop needs to be well sign posted in advance with easy entry access and plenty of space to run up to traffic speed when exiting.

As a traveller with kids some basic play ground activity equipment encourages a stop.

No matter what the rest of the place is like the wife will not stop if the toilets are not clean. Clean toilets are a reason to stop.

Care also needs to be taken that you are not building a new venue for the 14 to 25 year old locals who are out drinking and having fun.

[jonesfam]

As someone who goes everywhere with 5 young kids my wife looks for,
Enclosed playground, shady trees with benches, clean toilets with a changing bench, space for kids to run but not end up on the road & space so our kids don't annoy everyone else.
The kids like things to climb, jump off, run around & swing from.
I like quietness, a place to get away from the kids for 10 minutes & space to drive in & out without turning around.

We hate, no grass, no protection for the kids from the road, dirty toilets & excessive noise.

A nice outlook is a bonus. A pie or drinks van is also a bonus.
Jonesfam

[willem]

Much of what I would look for has been said already. Important for us:



Natural shade - lots of trees.
Grass.
Safe area for kids - doesn't have to be fenced off, but away from vehicles.
Clean BBQ area. Clean! That takes ongoing commitment from locals.
Clean toilets. Clean! as above.
Quiet. After a long drive you don't want to be parked next to a freezer truck/ disco/ loud music, etc. That would cause us to leave immediately.
Fairly close to town. Different towns are interesting and to be able to walk there and explore is good. Also helps the town because you are more likely to spend your money there.
Clean. Its not fun to have to go thru and pick up the rubbish before you can have breakfast. Happened to us at a park in Sydney. About a dozen shopping bags full! We are not keen to return there ...


It calls for an ongoing commitment from locals. But that's the price of attracting visitors!

Willem

[digger]

just a thought, consult with your locals and aim high!!

this was brilliant in Shepparton (a facility which I now hate to admit is not in SA)

SPC Ardmona Kidstown (http://www.kidstown.org.au/)

also check out some of their simple ideas, the painted cows park area (kids loved it)

or maybe go with the mining theme?


just some thoughts (as I said maybe a bit unreasonable but...)


park trucks away from other facilities but give them their own our town has build a truck parking area and on corner a truck parking bay for quieter overnights etc, has a toilet/shower area there free for thr truckies and whichever passers by use it.

[Mick-Kelly]

I agree on separating the trucks. Every truck bay ive ever stopped in reeked of ****. Good garbage facilities as well, the ones i see are usually overflowing. Keep them separate as well to try and keep the flys at bay i summer.

[Tusker]

Plus,

Good vision & plenty of notice that the said turnoff is coming up. Last minute decisions with a trailer are almost always "continue straight ahead, too hard to stop".

And those big simple signs that show something like a big "D" - they indicate if you turn off you can rejoin the main drag a km or two later, a graphical representation of the detour.

Regards
Max P

[PhilipA]

I think the best rest areas I have found are the VC Rememberance rest areas along the Hume between Sydney and Canberra.
They are all different and each has their own features.
Maybe contact the RTA who would probably be able to send photos and layouts.
Regards Philip A

[87County]

I like an overnight stop with a CLEAN toilet. And there is the problem, they need to be cleaned every day.

Forget allowing trucks to stop. Having a freezer truck with a motor going 24/7 is not good.

Surrounds seem to have attractions.

Here is a link (http://www.broadsound.qld.gov.au/visitors/InfoDysart.shtml).

May be more.

... perhaps what is really needed is an increase in the number of "golden arch" establishments :o

[rutmutt]

For me personally, you need to be able to take a dog there. Even if it's on a leash. I won't stop anywhere that dogs are prohibited as he's my travel companion. Which would also mean that putting a stand with water tap, bags & a bin would be a good idea as you don't want doggy doo everywhere.

[rockyroad]

The problem you face is that not a lot of travellers go past Dysart, just locals.

There is plenty of room at the turnoff to town to implement plenty of the good ideas that have been put forward and Dysart is a great little town.

Not the sort of road that you would expect to see many caravans on but it is still a good idea as it might get a few more tired coal miners pulling in for a nap instead of trying to drive straight home after their shift.

[PhilipA]

Just a another thought.

In my travels I have seen Many many toilets and rubbish facilities.

It is clear to me that whoever puts in the rest stop toilets and rubbish bins rarely if ever budget enough for maintenance.

Perhaps it is an idea to also install TV monitoring to catch the lazy bs who dump their van toilet contents in the toilets and the commercial operators who stuff the bins.
Local councils seem to hate providing bins as they probably add to their own disposal problems.
Regards Philip A

[Tusker]

Thinking about it a little more, this is about what makes travellers stop. Whether the facilities they encounter live up to expectations is another matter, but at least they've stopped.

So the traveller's decision is made well out of town. Signs with facilities available, when the next rest afterwards is, & similar.

Where are the majority of travellers coming from? What's the next town with campgrounds/motels? How many hours on the road? That is, do the travellers arrive for morning cuppa, lunch, afternoon cuppa, or something awkward in between?

Has anyone counted the passing traffic to see if there's a pattern with the travellers? (Numbers & time of day?)

Regards
Max P

[Michael2]

Playground :

what about several series 2 Land Rovers bolted to the ground. Maybe some tan bark and some boulders and large fake animals to add to the adventure and a large shade cloth shade over the top so they don't get burning hot in summer.

People will see travel photos and ask "where was that cool playground?" and then they'd be sure to stop by when next travelling though.

A lot of towns have old steam engines, but Land Rovers would be cheaper, more interesting and novel.

[jonesy61]

Just google earthing and to be honest, I have never ventured up into that part of Queensland. It would appear Dysart may have an avenue to tap into any traffic from Emerald to Mackay. The road from Capella to Dysart has some very interesting scenery. Capitalise on the views as being better on the Cotherstone Road..advertise the fact that it is 8km shorter via Dysart than Clermont going to Mackay.

Aggitate to upgrade the Cotherstone Road as the main road from the south. Now, once you have us on the road, what are we going to do in town? Nicely planned village with central ammenities right in the heart of the village. Lions Park and the pool grounds would look like the opportune sites for a nicely designed rest stop. Once we have rested then a bit of a read about the place on an info board and then aggitate the mining company to put in a good look-out of the Saraji mine on the way to Moranbah.

My dad knew the guy who used to work for the mines, looking after the miner accommodation and contract catering in town. Dad took his coach there because he knew someone. The people on the tour loved the place. So, you need to get a reason for someone to go to Dysart. Shorter distance, good scenery, a good stop in town, very important..somewhere to have a good look at the mine at good signage to get into town , the lookout and how to get to Mooranbah and on your way.

[Disco44]

I think the best rest areas I have found are the VC Rememberance rest areas along the Hume between Sydney and Canberra.
They are all different and each has their own features.
Maybe contact the RTA who would probably be able to send photos and layouts.
Regards Philip A

I've driven past those at times, are there time limits e.g. are overnight stays allowed? Thanks.

[CraigE]

A nice entrance point, with decent shaded parking and some nice information on the town, not the usual garish facade. Toilets and tables etc would be a nice touch. Something people will remember.
Maybe when you are finished you could do Kalgoorlie.:p

[alien]

A couple of thoughts after reading some of the replies..
A few self cleaning toilets starting to get about now but I don't know about water usage.
The dreaded truck(earning money) vs the tourist(spending money) debate;)
Trucks aren't a problem if it's not a main through route.
Limited hours for fridge motors may solve that problem but don't forget to include caravan gen-sets:mad:(don't start me;)).
Is it intended as a rest stop or o'nite stop? need twice the parking for o'niting?
Grassed areas need water so maybe synthetic surface?
Long off ramp to reduce entry speed with plenty of signage(500Mtr, 300Mtr, 100Mtr).
Exit ramp long enough to get to 80% of highway speed.
Might incude a static display of an old mine machine to entice people to go visiting.

How much space have you got???
Lay out may be...
Road--Buffer--Trucks--Buffer with toilets/town sign ect. on wall--single car bays--playground(fenced with a shade sail) and covered BBQ--long car bays(caravan/boat)--coverd BBQ and open benchs(near cars) and nature walk/other .

[alien]

Originally Posted by PhilipA https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/768.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/110750-peoples-who-travel-bush-post1308234.html#post1308234)
I think the best rest areas I have found are the VC Rememberance rest areas along the Hume between Sydney and Canberra.
They are all different and each has their own features.
Maybe contact the RTA who would probably be able to send photos and layouts.
Regards Philip A
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've driven past those at times, are there time limits e.g. are overnight stays allowed? Thanks
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wasn't any retrictions 5 years ago:D
In fact often caravans pulled in around 3PM to get off Sesame Street(Hume Hwy).
Long w/ends some are used as driver reviver stops (free tea and coffee,and a good cheap feed with money back to the local community).
I think there was a couple who cleaned the BBQ's and toilets daily at some of them.

You could still hear the passing trafic at night.
Just fired up my fridge motor and didn't hear them:wasntme:(Only joking,I used to turn it off:)).

[dullbird]

Wi-fi hotspot:angel:......................OK maybe not:D

[Redback]

I've driven past those at times, are there time limits e.g. are overnight stays allowed? Thanks.

No time limits, it will state on a sign if there is no camping allowed, most if no all the VC rest stops allow camping, as well there is FREE camping in designated parks in all the towns along the Hume and Federal Hwys in NSW, Jugiong and Gunning are 2 we have stayed overnight at.

Jugiong uses an honesty box, gold coin donation to go towards the upkeep of it's free camping area, great spot too right on the Murrumbiggee River

Baz.

[def-90]

thanks again for all the replys so far. the site in question is the main drag on the fringe of town, the width of the area at places isn't great, so we have to work with what we've got.

after sending through a rough initial concept for comment (basically to get them off my back for a bit) they have come back with not wanting to push my 'stop and go' idea for the grey nomads ( i believe they see this as more of a council issue then the mines), instead focusing more on my bio-retention idea to catch storm water runoff, etc and treat before continuing the natural discharge into the nearby creek. on a good note though, they were stoked with the concept and now have the big wigs in brisbane involved, so it's getting stepped up a few notch's and has become a 'priority' issue for BMA. so once my presentation happens in a few weeks - fingers crossed hopefully i'll get the thumbs up and can do a few tweaks then start recruiting other consultants and start construction drawings!!

their main focusing is creating a 'green' park for the locals (many of whom are miners). my argument will continue to them that we have to include a small stop and go section for camper trailers, etc (not an over night spot) with green toilets, possible showers, sullage point, BBQ, and potable water, seating, etc. if i can't get the road infrastructure done for tourists the above will hopefully still be incorporated for the locals



at the least this area will be earmarked for future consideration (the 'stop and go infrastructure) and at a min we will create a space for locals with wide walking tracks linking back through the town, info signs describing the treatment process in the 'weirs' with planting, etc, replant with endemic species, and try to create a little ecosystem for flaura and fauna

[Bigbjorn]

First and foremost, proper flush & odour free toilets THOROUGHLY CLEANED twice daily.

[zulu Delta 534]

An interesting toilet lighting concept near Lightning Ridge that may well be worth consideration.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/08/889.jpg
Regards
glen

[DiscoMick]

So there're not interested in attracting visitors? Bit short-sighted.

[The ho har's]

Yes short Sighted but this is the Mining company doing the park/picnic area not the council who would benefit more by doing a roadside park/overnight stop;)

Mrs hh:angel:

[eddiec]

Playground :

what about several series 2 Land Rovers bolted to the ground. Maybe some tan bark and some boulders and large fake animals to add to the adventure and a large shade cloth shade over the top so they don't get burning hot in summer.

People will see travel photos and ask "where was that cool playground?" and then they'd be sure to stop by when next travelling though.

A lot of towns have old steam engines, but Land Rovers would be cheaper, more interesting and novel.

Coming in a bit late, but I'd agree with this (although being with kids, I'm probably biased, always looking for places they'd enjoy a break!)

Our experience with this says 'do something unique'... We'd never stopped in Keith, SA before - But ever since we discovered (through a geocache of all things) the little playground 'roller coaster' they have, we stop every time -whether we have kids or not!

[russ55]

Sam- one thing Dysart's got is big skies. What about a telescope attraction type thing. Not as big as Parkes, obviously, and you're bound to have some sky perves up at the mine who you could talk to.