Docker River Campground
Submitted: Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 at 10:00
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mchapo
Is the consumption of alcohol permitted at the camping ground at Docker River and other camping areas along the
Great Central Road?
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.
AnswerID:
601977
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.
regards
FollowupID:
871554
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
FollowupID:
871555
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.
FollowupID:
871557
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.
AnswerID:
601985
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
Cheers
Flighty
FollowupID:
871564
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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871581
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!
FollowupID:
871585
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.
FollowupID:
871598
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.
Cheers
FollowupID:
871643
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
FollowupID:
871649
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 !!!!! :(
AnswerID:
601996
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.
AnswerID:
602000
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
AnswerID:
602027
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.
AnswerID:
602045