Thread: Sealing the Outback Way

so, what does it matter , the roads and sites available from them are everybodies , not just the domain of 4wd vehicles.

now, a lot more people will be able to share this beautiful country , even if it is from a caravan towed by a Toyota.

Originally Posted by Sitec

There's the problem... It'll no longer be remote and a challenge to get to, because all the 'dudes' with 'sports cars' will be there to take the 'selfie' with the token 'arm candy' attached to their arm! There'll also be the busses, and all the litter that goes with it. Part of the thrill of the outback is the challenge and risk of getting there... With that comes the respect for it and the understanding that its to be left as its found. Just my opinion tho.

I understand your viewpoint but have you seen the **** and rubbish and damage done to the Simpson Desert by responsible 4wd owners.

They all say "it's not me , it's the other drivers"

at least with bitumised access rubbish points etc can be serviced by councils etc...jobs , jobs , jobs.

Excellent progress for such a huge continent.

Still plenty of places to duck off the black top...

And hopefully we can move some people from the Capitals and start making this place diverse and prosperous...

Originally Posted by ramblingboy42

I understand your viewpoint but have you seen the **** and rubbish and damage done to the Simpson Desert by responsible 4wd owners. They all say "it's not me , it's the other drivers".

Not yet. Hope to over the next few years once the truck is trip worthy! I hear you re damage. Is a lot of that caused by trailers, or just not airing down etc?

Originally Posted by justinc

Not happy. Before you know it there'll be a maccas in the middle. Totally against.

Its the thin end of the wedge.

RIP outback australia.

Jc

Pretty sure there is already a Maccas in the middle - in Alice.
Sealing a central route would be a great benefit to many people and communities. It would be very effective at getting people away from the coast and out exploring our fascinating country.
Why would permits be required to travel public roads?
It's a big country out there and there will still be many rough roads to explore.

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Originally Posted by Tombie

Excellent progress for such a huge continent.

Still plenty of places to duck off the black top...

And hopefully we can move some people from the Capitals and start making this place diverse and prosperous...

I 99% agree with you Mike....

However, thinking back to a 8,500km trip I did with just my son, who was 12 at the time..... part of which crossed the plenty highway, those remote places have some special memories, and it's a little sad to see that change..

Geez last time I drove the outback way I got overtaken by a Camery towing a trailer at about 110ks . Was like a 3 lane wide highway, only rough section was corrogations near Docker river. Would have seen a dozen 2 wheel drive cars on the section west of Docker river , plus a couple of tour coaches.


Cheers Ean

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Why would permits be required to travel public roads?
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That's a good question, but at present there are 2 requirements for permits to travel this road (a public road)
One is from the central land council and the other is from the Wa aboriginal affairs authority. Even the road maps state "permit required" on these roads. Apparently it is because you are traversing aboriginal land and there are certain conditions attached like no driving offroad or camping or fires except on areas nominated. I just recently Travelled from Laverton WA back to Hay Point on this road and was absolutely thrilled at the lack of traffic on the road - no kidding, between Laverton and Alice Springs I only passed approx 6 vehicles and most of them were aboriginals from the local comunities like Docker River - love it!!! Most people I spoke to before travelling this way informed me that no one ever checks travellers for permits and they are a waste of time but someone else told me that that gather statistics from the permit applications to strengthen the case to have the road upgraded. Anyhow I decided to do the right thing and applied online for the permits and just took a photo of them with my phone when the came through in case I got checked anywhere. Didn't stop me camping off the road at night and lighting a camp fire but I did it discreetly and as usual left no mess behind.
I too hope it stays dirt (at least the majority) as this keeps it inaccessible for the small cars and campervans/caravans etc. Nothing like rough/dusty/rocky roads to keep it pristine.!!!!