Trans Continental Railway Service Access Track (SA)

Hi Di

Seemingly we did a similar trip to Maralinga, and then onto the Anne Beadell Highway, and loved every minute of it!

Can I say that my response is not so much directed to you, but more thinking out aloud, as this is an important question that deserves consideration…

I commend those who have opened up Maralinga as a four-wheel drive destination, it is a great place to visit for those with an interest in this part of Australia’s Atomic Age. Mind you, it won’t be for everyone, but given the proximity and access to the Anne Beadell Highway, it will have an appeal to many in the four-wheel drive touring fraternity.

Increasingly, the question about how to travel there will become more common place as people become familiar with the opportunity to visit Maralinga, and the ARTC route will feature heavily in the discussions. Ultimately, there may end up being a more formal response from the ARTC if there are an increasing number of incursions on the restricted access parts of the ARTC road west of where the Googs Track intersects.

And whilst we were not challenged by anyone whilst driving on the road, I think one needs to be careful viewing that as tacit approval and may be a case of it isn’t a problem, until it is a problem, and then all hell-breaks loose.

Travellers need to understand that by using the restricted access parts of the ARTC road without approval they are exposing themselves to potential legal action for the incursion, and secondly, could be exposed to liability claims that may not be met by their motor vehicle insurer whilst travelling this route if there is an incident.

Ultimately it is for individuals to determine their own viewpoint and position. As I indicated, we travelled it based on advice given, but in hindsight whilst I believe it was well intentioned, it was also imperfect.

If we travel to Maralinga in the future we will do so only on the public access routes.

For clarity, my understanding based on information available is the road from Glendambo to Tarcoola is a public road, and the same for the road west from Tarcoola to Malbooma, noting Malbooma is about the point where the Googs track intersects.

The only other section of the ARTC road that can be travelled on within the restricted access area is where it is designated a public access road 5-kilometres either side of Ooldea. Presumably this is to facilitate access to the local aboriginal community and Maralinga.

And whilst us ExplorOz forumites can debate the existence of two roads, and split hairs around that one, it may be a different scenario and outcome for us in a court with a smart ARTC barrister debating the toss…

Good luck out there, Baz - The Landy

Fair enough Baz. However I must say I didn't rely on EO because no one on this forum has any idea. Everyone is guessing and going by old reports. I went to the source to get my answer - ARTC, who told me about the dual roads and the fact that the main, well made road isn't theirs. It's Telstra's from when they put the fiber optic line in. I am guessing that all the info about not being able to travel on that section predates Telstra's optical installation.

That's why the sign prohibiting travel isn't there. I wouldn't mind betting that if you actually did follow the old ARTC service tracks you would find that old sign. So in reality if permission is needed then it should be from Telstra.

hi Laurie
your a member so if your not logged-on thanks button wont function
go to top of page and click on --home -- you can then log-in and then the thanks button should work
but in saying that I just tried to log-off and it's not working ???
I even went off the internet and came back on and it still hadn't logged me off ???
and also I asked the question where do new users register and couldn't find an answer??
this site is a continuing learning curve
such is life on the net
cheers barry

Thanks Barry
I thought that was the case, and was puzzled that being logged on, that I was being denied access. Like you, I have tried to log off, and it wont let me ….. we have been imprisoned in the EO Forum.

David and Michelle ………. HELP

:-)

HAHAHA
your coment brings back memories out the back of kalgoorlie we were doing a drilling program behind the KCGM waste dumps
for this we had a temporary crossing and i was staying camped in the bush there in my 2wd camper.

at one stage i saw a machine i didnt know going up an down - little known to me it sorting the ballast out between the rails

i went to go over like the other dozen times and BANG the lack of ballast in the centre meant i was bottomed out !!!

my mind instantly flicked to the many films and TV series id seen with vehicles stuck on railway tracks----- i put it into reverse, said a prayer ----- and got off

--- and found a better crossing