Maralinga contact

thanks steve, i',m not giving up yet. I thought I was just me as i' a bit like Robin and not always around due to working away and not having tele communications. I'm still trying to download the Caravan track link but my son in law is working in N.T and will be back shortly to help me. Its obviously a problem with the ipad and the correct format regards garry r

Hi Boobook

Please keep trying as it is a fantastic place to visit and the Range Tour is what it is, fantastic made possible by the wealth of knowledge that Robin has at his fingertips.

I will keep everyone posted.


Cheers



Stephen

Stephen, working for a US company and living in Asia and Europe for many years with about 50 international flights a year, I have done what I guess is a fair bit of travelling overseas, plus quite a bit of travel in Australia.

I went to Maralinga 15 months ago ( on your advice) with my then 9YO kid and he has bugged the hell out of me to go back ever since. We even went to Hiroshima and Nagasaki as follow ups, a shocking follow up trip and part of a broader Japan holiday.

Our trip to Maralinga was one of the most interesting places I have ever been.

There are 4 things that make it great.
1)The history of the place
2)The fact that you feel what went on at the time and it changes your thinking about government's attitude toward it's people etc
3)Robin. What a great guy. ( I love his railway stories too)
4)Love the deserts ( a love largley spawned from the last trip there)

My son has done a few presentations at his school and his teachers didn't believe that he really went there, until he showed the pics and they asked me. ( I'm not sure they believe it to this day)

I'll be back this year, taking in Emu no matter what.

I know Robin has done a great job and is probably over busy right now. That's the way it is right now I guess.

I'm glad it's not just me though and will keep trying.

Now how do I get to the Montebello Islands, and is there a Robin there? LOL

rang this office and they refered me onto Robin at Maarilinga last week. The person I spoke to was a little unsure of my request, so just left it at that

And, as for the costs. Well, the Maralinga land council is running the show and with the various insurances that need to be paid the cost is what it is. No use complaining about it, but if people reckon it's too high your option is to not go.

James

Hi James

the website is not the ONLY way to organise a visit to Maralinga.

As I have said above, there have been a few issues and Robin is still taking bookings direct.

You may ask how do I know?? Robin is a good friend of mine and I often get told a lot of facts that are never made public here on the forum.

You will enjoy Maralinga, it is a top spot, with so much history.



Enjoy your visit.



Cheers


Stephen

Stephen,
As far as the general traveler would know the website is the single way to book tours. I attempted to contact Robin directly as long as six months ago to arrange a visit on our way to WA with no success. Finally I received an email from Chris who suggested that I book via the website and it is now sorted out. Most people would not have any inside knowledge, as you do, so online booking is the way to proceed. My question is, if you know the answer, is it cheaper $$$$ to book with Robin direct? If there is a difference in cost, it would seem unfair that the general public pay one cost online and those in the know pay another. I would hope that in the interests of all that is not the case. And, I have a reasonable knowledge about the history of Maralinga, as I worked for the Department of Defence for 35 years so I have done plenty of research, and that is why I arranged for a small group of friend to visit with me. The history is too important to remain in the background.

Cheers
James

Hi James

Trying to get in contact with Robin is a problem and the success of the tourism venture comes down to first point of contact - the phone.

We have told Robin many times that he must return phone calls and emails, but for some reason, it often does not happen.

The history aspect is so important and credit where credit is due, Robin knows it all and is a wealth of knowledge about the testing out on the range and other events in the area. It was for that reason that we were invited to be the first ever tourists to come into Maralinga via the Nawa Junction Track from Dingo Flat Gate.

Over the coming moths of the trip, I had made many phone calls to Robin and had organised him to meet us out at Dingo Flat Gate. Then it come to the final week and the usual happened, I was not able to get hold of him, event leaving messages with the satellite phone. The afternoon that we were to meet Robin, he was true to his word sitting in the shade at the corner, knowing that we would be coming along.

As for the costs, we have been out on the Range with him 3 times and we paid $100 per head to cover the cost of each 2 day tour. The same applied last year when we went again, we were able to be the very first group our tourists to head in by vehicle to locate the plane wreck of a Cessna that crashed back in 1988.

Well before the new online booking site was up and running, we have been pushing Maralinga here on the forum and I even have done a couple of Trek Notes about the Range tour and on how to get to Maralinga.

Make sure that you have given yourself lots of time to see the area, as there is such a lot to see.



Cheers


Stephen

Stephen,
I understand that there are many reasons for the higher prices to visit Maralinga now, some obvious and some maybe not so. I found the online booking system works very well compared to the difficulties I experienced trying to contact Robin via email and phone. I find it a little disturbing that what I would perceive as "mates rates" are being charged for some tours of Maralinga, and I only have the information that you have posted as an indicator of that. I and my group paid the costs as per the website booking, and although it seems to be a high price I think it is worth it as I and my friends are happy to be going. As I said prior IF there is a difference in cost, it would seem unfair that the general public pay one cost online and those in the know pay another. If that is true then it should be stopped, in fairness to all.

James

Hi James

The pricing that we have paid in the past was not a "Mates Rate" but the full fee payable at the time we did the tours. Others that I have sent there have paid the very same pricing in the past.

What is the pricing now, as before I went online Robin had meetings with various bodies and they were looking at a price of $220 per person covering the Range Tour Cost, cost of the permit and the camping fees for Maralinga.



Cheers


Stephen

Stephen,
I think that the term "mates rates" may have been misunderstood. I use it all the time and mean it to be those in the know, as in this case or a friends of a friend. No offence meant, if that happened. The price I paid as a couple was $412. Now, some people would see that a a bit steep, but it is what it is. My personal opinion is that it is a rare privilege to visit places like Maralinga and we will be there for two nights camping as well. The fees being charged are less than short helicopter flights at a lot of the overrun tourist spots around the country, to put them in some perspective. My friends and I are really looking forward to visiting a unique part of our magnificent country. In fact it was your posts on this site that alerted me to the possibility, so I am pleased that you shared your experiences.

James

Hi James

That is no problems at all. You will be in for a great time, and a BBQ tea at Fort Maralinga is a must do.

Also make sure that you take a drive out to airstrip at night, as it is a real experience to see the coloured runway lights at night and to drive on a super highway.....lol

All the best and put the pressure on Robin to get his phone act together.



Cheers



Stephen

Hi Les

Have you had a look on a map to see where Mamungari Conservation Park is in relation to Maralinga?



As you can see from the screen shot, Maralinga in now where near Mamungari, and as Robin has often told me, the Ceduna Office would not even know where anything out there is.

If what they have told you is fact " The Ceduna Maralinga Tjarutja Administration Office advised me recently that you don't need a permit to drive to Maralinga, unless you are going to camp in Mamungari Conservation Park (to the south) as you head up."

This what they told you is correct, this is a clear case of the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. If you are coming to Maralinga from the south, the only two access points travel either through the Nullarbor Regional Reserve to Watson and then Maralinga, coming in from Nullarbor Roadhouse, or coming up through Colona and then you will travel through the Yellabinna Regional Reserve. These are the only Access point from the south.

If on the other hand you were coming in from Western Australia, via the Anne Beadell Highway, this is the only way that you will ever get to travel through Mamungari Conservation Park and from when I went to school, is Northwest of Maralinga, not South.

As for the Emu Road, Robin has told me that he has approval from the Elders to give permits on an individual basis. The Only reason why it could be closed at the moment, is they are going to grade the track north from Maralinga to Emu, to clear a lot of the close vegetation from the side of the track and to cater for the increased traffic that they hope capture coming south from Emu.

If you contact Ceduna office again, ask them where Brownies Highway is, or the Caravan Track. and the person will have no idea.

As I have always said, Robin the best person to contact for information about any of the tracks in the area.


Cheers


Stephen

Thanks Stephen, I was going on what Chris told me in an email re the 'previously unnamed conservation park' to the south, and to contact the trad owners in the Ceduna office by email to confirm travel through there.

Also he advised about Emu being closed, by email mid Feb.
"The road north from Maralinga to Emu is closed, at the request of the Traditional Owners" but I think the info about travel might have been a misunderstanding with the unnamed park etc.
Told him we were just coming up and back from Fowlers Bay area, he then gave info above.

Yes, very confusing and in the majority of cases any of the Nat Parks office staff don't have / know about other park info, understandable as they aren't normally on the ground or even been to those places most times.

Tried contacting Robin by phone and email myself wiht no luck, but obviously problems can exist for such a location, and he wouldn't want to be stuck up there in the Feb heat either.

Hi Les

As I have always said, go straight to the top regarding travelling anywhere in that area. Robin has far more power out there than most people think and we have always done what he has given us permission to do.

Another reason why Robin has not answered any phone calls, is because he was away for 3 weeks with a few of the senior Aboriginal Elders of Special Aboriginal Business.

I even tried to contact him again last night, but could only leave a message. Deal direct with him and ask if you are able to travel into other areas.


Cheers



Stephen

Fair enough Stephen but if you are going to run an organised tour such as this they need to be more professional.

You can't have this situation where this regularly comes up, how do I contact Robin.

Maybe it's early days and things may improve but given the amount they are charging ( from $610 for a family ) they would want to sort it out and fast.

We tried to organise a trip there in April last year but Robin didn't respond to our email's or calls, so we went elsewhere.

Dean

Hi Dean

What you have said is 100% correct and you do not know how many discussions we have had about it with Robin, and I have even offer my services to Robin in an attempt to acknowledge the many phone calls and emails that Robin receives, but he said that he has it under control.

Another issue is the pricing, and I have personally told Robin that the charges are far to dear, which he agreed. The times when we have taken Range Tour Guests to Maralinga, he has charged $100 per head and children under 16 were free.

Like we have told Robin, it is better to keep the fee cheap so people will want to come back.

As for the issue you you, trust me that this is not the first time that I have heard it back through the grape vine, which as you say is just not good enough. I do hope that you try to get there again, as it is such a great place to visit.


Cheers



Stephen

Hello Stephen....
.I certainly hope your continuing faith in Robin is justified, as I've booked and paid for the tour to take place in May, and been advised by Robin as to what to do on entering etc.....I sure as hell don't want to be stranded at the gate because he won't answer the phone when we ring for admission as advised.----- our group of three vehicles has paid $206 ea person not $100, and if as you say it's better to go straight to the top, one can only ask how do you do that when the "top" never answers.
I hope I haven't wasted my money, but after reading all the above blogs, I'm a bit sceptical
Regards.....Sapper D

Hi Sapper

As I have said above, the price we paid was well before the new online booking was implimented this year.

I know that this time of the year is hard to pin him down but with the change in weather conditions, he will be very busy again as in past years.

If you have any issues, please keep trying to contact Robin and in a worst case situation, contact me and I will try my very best to get things sorted out.



Cheers


Stephen

Stephen I can see what is going to happen here. You eventually get onto Robin and say I will be there next week, and by the way I will have a few mates with me. Next week you rock up to the gates with 30 4WD's in tow. LOL

Hi Chris

Now that's a thought. All I can do is keep trying to contact Robins to find out what is going on.


Cheers


Stephen

Send him a link to this forum post so he can see the trouble he is causing. I don't know there is a lot he can do about it as there are 24 hours in a day and he only has two arm and two feet.


Gidday Robin can't wait to get there again, I reckon it will take about 4 visits to get to "really" know the place. All the best.

Hi Chris

I have sent Robin a link to this forum post and am now waiting on his response.


Will let you know the outcome.


Cheers



Stephen

Hi Chris

I have spoken with Robin on the phone and have given him a run down of the issues raised on this forum post.

There are issues going on up there and Robin is busy at Oak Valley.

I have to give him another call tonight and will let everyone know of the outcome.


Cheers


Stephen

Well said Idler Chris, this area is too good to miss out on.

Peter

Your loss.

Wholehog

Please do not go on the above issues, as since I have been pushing Maralinga as a top "Must Visit" tourist venture, there have been hundreds of very happy people that have been on the Range Tour.

I am trying to contact Robin to see what the issue is, so please to not just give up without even trying to get there.


Cheers



Stephen

Bloody go Wholehog. That's an order! You will really regret it if you are passing by and don't go.

Hi Chris

Thanks for taking the time to post your great reply.

I was speaking with both Tory and Nobsy last night and they are going to send me a detailed reply that I will post on his behalf when I receive it in a new forum post.

Tory as you know has been up at Oodnadatta and has not been able to get down to Maralinga, so she will be busy today to get as many emails answered and follow up phone calls.

I have been a good friend of Nobsy for a number of years and have some great trips into that fantastic area.

If you have been following my rantings here on ExplorOz, you will have noticed that I have been pushing Maralinga as a must visit site for its history, location and of course the wealth of knowledge that Nobsy has on hand. In simple terms, Nobsy makes Maralinga what it is to visit, and nothing is a problem for him. ExplorOz was the first official site to offer the general public details on how to get there, who to contact and what the area has to offer.

If there is any way that I can ever help you out in any way, please get in contact with me and I would like to offer my services. We have a great background in Tourism, have owned Bed and Breakfast Accommodation and having Managed High Class Apartments here in Clare.

I know that the pricing will be an issue, and I feel that with increased numbers through the front gates, that pricing can and should be restructured. It is far better to offer visitors a cheaper price in the hope that they will want to make future return visits, rather than a higher priced dearer once only visit. Every person that I have recommended to head to Maralinga are now making their third and fourth returned visits, but with with the prices having double, would not make returned visits, just on the new price structure only, which in turn is lost revenue to the Tourism Venture.

We have also offered Nobsy details on how the campground should be set up, with the biggest issue that must be looked into, and to date has not is the amenities, eg showers and toilets. Yes there are 2 new toilet huts, but the plumber has let the team down on that matter and they have not be connected correctly. With prices now double, the end consumers will expect better services that are now on offer. A little dearer than what the prices were previously and customers are happy with what is there.

Please get in contact with me if you need any further information and again, thanks for making first hand contact here on the forum.


Best Regards


Stephen Langman
Clare SA

Good reply Chris, both of them :)

I am still trying to arrange a bit of a 4x4 Earth group for late Sept tour, which hopefully will catch some good desert blooming in the area too.

Price was a big issue for most, and while I personally recognise the value in this tour from the unique location and Robins local knowledge, and don't mind the cost so much, it is borderline for many considering travel to / from being a fair cost too.

Good on you for your positive input, hopefully the whole system and contactability will be settled soon.

We will be on the ground @ Maralinga in exactly four weeks, and can't wait to arrive.

James

Chris, just a thought about a plan "B" for those of us who might not be able to contact Robin in an emergency for whatever reason, (like stuck at the gate etc)--do you yourself have a phone contact, or is that not possible?.......Also many thanks on the clearing up of the issues...............Regards...Sapper D

I actually don't live at Maralinga so no help with my mobile.