Monday, Dec 22, 2014 at 20:28
Wombat, where did the advice come from that the GCR was "unsafe" to
camp on?
I travelled through the GCR alone in late October and didn't experience any feelings of "unsafeness".
There are plenty of
places well off the road that are suitable for making
camp.
However,
places close to the Aboriginal communities could be prone to numbers of people intent on vandalism arriving - which would make one feel unsafe.
I went into
Warburton town and I was pretty appalled at the living conditions and generally unsafe feeling of the town.
However, once out along the road away from the communities, you shouldn't have too many problems.
However, be aware that there's a very high chance that you will be stopped by Aboriginals who have broken down, and they will want assistance in nearly every form - petrol, water, oil, spare tyres, tools - or a tow - because they have done no preparation for their trip.
I was stopped by a single Aboriginal in a Barina East of Docker River. He was a pretty decent sort of bloke, and could speak satisfactory English - but he had a shredded tyre, the wrong wheelbrace, no water, and not enough fuel.
I couldn't help him with a wheelbrace, the Barina had some tiny wheelnut size like about 14mm - and I was travelling light, and nothing I had would fit.
It was 38 deg, and of course he had no water, so I gave him a few litres - then out came the 15L petrol container for a refill as
well!! At least they're consistent! LOL
The upside is that Aboriginals will all stop to help you, when whites will roar past - but they also expect anyone and everyone to assist them at the drop of a hat.
Most of the people out there are quite satisfactory to deal with - but drugs, leaded petrol, and alcohol continue to find their way into the communities, much to their detriment.
Cheers, Ron.
Cash the currency of the alcohol and drug trade in Central Australia
AnswerID:
543267