Sunday's History Photo

Kiwi Kia
That is perfectly correct, and that road in the photo is just that , also the Barkly Hwy was sealed during the War .

.

Thanks Doug,

That original seal stood the test of time pretty well then.

Kiwi, There is a book written on the construction of the road during the war. It is called "The Long Road North" written by Alex Tanner i think. It tells the tale of the army supply units that built and used the road to supply Darwin with troops and supplies to be shipped overseas. Is a good read too.

Thanks Dasher, I will certainly have a look for it. I wonder if they not only made the road for going 'up' to Darwin but also so they could use it as an escape route incase of invasion ? Some of the airfields were built well inland out of range of Japanese sea and air attack so perhaps that road was made extra well to take evacuation traffic south in a hurry if needed.

Axle
I use to always think just how many millions of tons of freight was moved over that old road on the roadtrains over the many years and it stood the test of time, I don't think the newer road will last as long

Dunworkin
Yes it is good to look back , I often go through my photo's
, you in another 50 years, maybe this photo is Barrow Creek 2058.
Image Could Not Be Found

.

Dunworkin
You know I don't think a lot will happen at Barrow creek in the next 50 years, .....lol, and like you I too won't be here to see it .

.

Yes I know you were only joking Doug!!!!!!!!

Cheers

D

Dunworkin
Was just thinking...in 50 years with the cost of fuel and newer technology roads as we know them could be obsolete.

.

That could be spot on.

Cheers

D

...not to mention the Old South Road from Alice to Adelaide. Dirt all the way with corrugations, mud and washouts. Now that was fun...not.

Off-Track
Was he driving for Co-Ord..???
The South Road, I remember 1966 the sealed road ended at a bridge not far South of Alice, maybe 40 miles , could have been Hugh River, and dirt all the to Ayres Rock , and to within about 30 miles North of Pt Augusta.

.

Off-track
Here's a couple for you .

Image Could Not Be Found

Image Could Not Be Found

.

He did indeed drive for Co-Ord / RedNorth as well as Buntine Freightways and a little for Buntine Roadways. A little later than those pics though - 74 to 82.

Most of my school holidays were spent in the left side of the cab, and sometimes the right.