Docker River Campground

Submitted: Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 10:00
ThreadID: 132890 Views:4174 Replies:6 FollowUps:9
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Is the consumption of alcohol permitted at the camping ground at Docker River and other camping areas along the Great Central Road?
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Reply By: Member - Bigfish - Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 12:04

Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 12:04
As far as I know there is a no alcohol ban on all aboriginal land. You may transport alcohol through the land but it cannot be opened. I love a beer as much as anyone but common sense and respect for the communities wishes saw me give it away for a time whilst travelling through such areas. Penalties can be harsh. If someone feels that they need the grog regardless of the law then they are probably better off spending a week at AA rather than drinking in an illegal area. Best thing for a definitive answer is contact The Central Land Council. Laws/rules can change. Good luck.
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Follow Up By: Life Member - Fred B (ex-NT) - Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 12:59

Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 12:59
Sorry, but the above is not strictly true. There are areas where there is a strict alcohol ban and the transportation of alcohol through those areas is forbidden (especially in the NT). Having said that, some areas have changed and you will have to check that the area you are travelling through has no restrictions. The best way to do that is contact the local police or aboriginal land council.
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Fred B
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Follow Up By: Life Member - Fred B (ex-NT) - Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 13:07

Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 13:07
This from the Central Land Council website:
Can I take alcohol?
The possession, consumption and sale of alcohol is currently banned on Aboriginal land under the Northern Territory emergency response measures. Severe penalties apply.

However, residents living on Aboriginal land may apply for alcohol permits and transit visitors may carry alcohol which is not for consumption on Aboriginal land. See the FaHCSIA website or contact the NT Licensing Commission for details.

CLC website
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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 13:25

Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 13:25
Alcohol was banned in East Arnhem Land. I lived there for 16 years. However, even though the grog was banned it was legal to carry it from say Darwin or Katherine to Nhulunbuy. So long as the alcohol was not opened in transit all was good.Police would carry out spot checks. Stopped a few times but all was good. If I had of been driving off the main road and into a community things may have been different. Permit required you to stay on the Central Arnhem Hwy and not to camp over night. One opened can or stubby and there would have been heavy fine plus I would have been sacked by the business I worked for.
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Reply By: Member - John - Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 15:57

Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 15:57
G'day, most would re commend not stopping at Docker River Camp ground.
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Follow Up By: Flighty ( WA ) - Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 16:07

Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 16:07
Totally agree, last time I was there it was very run down and totally uncared for.
Biggest concern was night time visits by unwanted "visitors"
Was pretty well vandalised
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Follow Up By: Member - nick b - Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 20:46

Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 20:46
Mchapo : i hope your reading between the line o'lmate !!
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 21:19

Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 21:19
Sounds like the area at the rear of the Pink Roadhouse was when we made the mistake of staying there!

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Follow Up By: OBJ - Friday, Jul 01, 2016 at 08:55

Friday, Jul 01, 2016 at 08:55
X 2 on the Pink Roadhouse. Worst night's camping I have ever had. Who was it thought that putting a pub there was a good idea ought to be tried and then hanged.
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Follow Up By: Member - Blue M - Saturday, Jul 02, 2016 at 19:59

Saturday, Jul 02, 2016 at 19:59
OBJ,
Maybe the pub was there first, and the camping area came later.

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Follow Up By: Member - Judy and Laurie - Sunday, Jul 03, 2016 at 05:59

Sunday, Jul 03, 2016 at 05:59
Hi , we were there last year and chose not to camp at Docker River , went to Warakerna , great choice, the campground is at the rear of the roadhouse, with clean showers and toilets. Not far from Giles. Enjoy your trip we had a ball.
Cheers ?Judy and Laurie
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Reply By: Member - nick b - Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 20:52

Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 20:52
The taking of alcohol into most lands has been a NO NO as long as i can remember !!! .... and asking for trouble !!!!! :(
Cheers Nick b

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Reply By: Motherhen - Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 23:48

Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 23:48
There have been changes over the years. The latest advice is

"As each community is responsible for that community's Alcohol Management Plan, the specific requirements need to be sought from the Land Council for that region."

Bigfish gives the best answer to contact the Central Lands Council.

While travelling through on roads traversing Aboriginal Lands with unopened small quantities for your own consumption only was considered a defence if inspected, the lines are moving. Using that as a guideline, you are in Prescribed Lands so opening or drinking in the campground would not be acceptable or wise.

The Docker River camp is as reported often trashed with nothing working. Although a lovely location, we moved on.
Motherhen

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Reply By: Member - MARIC - Friday, Jul 01, 2016 at 20:04

Friday, Jul 01, 2016 at 20:04
The 11th commandment says if you want a drink "Thou shall not be found out"
Passing through last July travellers were having a quite tipple.
Suggest you be totally self sufficient, no charges applied for camping
It is only when you see mosquito land on your testicles that you find another way to solve problems without violence

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Reply By: Members Pa & Ma. - Saturday, Jul 02, 2016 at 17:08

Saturday, Jul 02, 2016 at 17:08
Docker River Campsite, when we saw it many years ago was extremely unpleasant. Filthy!
We'd planned our day's drive to stay there and spend money for the local community.
It was very clear that we tourists & taxpaying friendly people weren't wanted there.
Underpants stuffed down toilet bowls & nothing worked.

Plan your trip to give it a wide birth alcohol or no alcohol, we don't think you'd feel safe there and don't think you would be safe there.
Take care, safe travels. Ma.
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