Overland Track Reference - Important stuff

[north-north-west]

That's *&%$#! ridiculous!

[Nuts]

Maybe it is.

It's unfortunate they needed wider buses, and to make that a firm reason, from the viewpoint of disabled people. There's obviously a strong desire to up numbers and make more $, but considerations could purely be driven by equity for disabled people.

Making money set aside, perhaps, there's also now an obvious question. Given that this move alone would greatly alleviate traffic on the road, why is there then any need for a cable cart?

[Tortoise]

Cradle Mountain /Vehicle Access:Those vehicles accessing the park before or after these times will be free to leave at any time, but can only exit with shuttle bus escort if departing before the end of the daily service.

I'm actually ok with this, as long as the bigger buses come just as frequently. Knowing that one day we'll probably have no access when they build on the carpark (denying us long day trips that require early starts and late finishes if we don't want to add a long road walk*) this will still allow us access in the meantime. We already need to get there before about 8am to make sure we can get through the randomly-closed boom gate (anytime after this, but especially after 9, no matter how many cars aren't there). My favoured position driving out is just behind a bus. I think they're in radio contact with each other. It avoids me driving with the likelihood of a bus or car speeding around a blind corner at me on the largely one-lane road. More relaxing.
*Maybe we'll just have to toughen up, take a leaf out of Louphi's book, and plan on walking for hours into the night.

[gatesy]

https://architectureau.com/articles/cum ... g-shelter/
This source says that the new service will operate every 15 minutes.?
I hate driving in and out of there because of those tourists who cannot drive!!! At least we should stop seeing those wicked camper vans at Dove Lake.

Always good to get there early before traffic anyway and I'm more keen on walking on where I would expect tourists to be anyway... Doesn't faze me really

[Nuts]

There's a bus every 20mins now. There's sometimes a line up, and potential to think the situation ridiculous, but i'm sure they'll work it out. Access could very well be limited when any cable cart goes in.

I just hope someone's thought of limiting all the additional 'bums on seats', to just stay in their seats and loop back to the visitor center. Because many more will only further trash the day-walk area. And I think the ''day-walk/no camping' concept is still necessary. Unfortunately, Tortoise, our new mate, had to go and camp in this 'day-walk' area.

[Warin]

the day-walk area

I believe the 'day-walk area' is not well defined?
Can you camp off the barn bluff track? Who says?
Until 'they' define the 'day-walk area' some will break the 'rules', untill it is defined I treat it as a guide.

Unfortunately I see the new centre as being further restricting visitor numbers. They can do that by limiting the frequency of buses, the resulting queue will deter people from coming in. Possibly independent tour operators will provide a 'service' ($$) that gets around the queue issue for those willing to pay and probably suffer 'guided walks'.

[Nuts]

Maybe the area is poorly defined. Other than stating that there is no camping in the day walk area, I don't think there's a lot of promotion of the fact, ie. further defined on maps and in publications/ many signs. Without further definition it quite simply looks like this:

Screen Shot 2018-09-23 at 12.12.40 pm.png (550.82 KiB) Viewed 47305 times

The camping opportunities are at Lk Rodway and Waterfall Valley.

Despite the (possibly) ill-defined area, most people seem to know the restriction. Personally I think anywhere south of Pencil Pine on that map is justified/responsible. Around the commercial lodgings is as likely considered to protect their income.



Can't see a lot of commercial advantage in closed roads for tour operators. Wouldn't say never though, anything is possible. I'd expect some of the inner circle / big money enterprises will already have exemptions.

[Nuts]

One Hand for Yourself. At the end of the day this experience gives a great insight into what can happen even if all the safety boxes are ticked, even on such a popular track. Josie had an experienced guide and an alert was triggered as soon as it was realised she was in trouble. Yet still, fickle weather sets the agenda. She sounds very lucky to have the support and that her condition was survivable. Well done to those involved in this difficult rescue. Reminder of the limits of the safety net:

https://vimeo.com/295919326

[Nuts]