Australia So Much to See

As of 1st September 2017, there has been a small price rise in park camping park entry fees. This includes rises in the cost of annual and holiday park passes.

For the latest prices, see National Park Passes.

21st September 2017

The Outback Way is an often rough journey between Boulia in Queensland and Laverton in Western Australia.

• Boulia Shire has been actively sealing the Donohue Highway to the Queensland/ Northern Territory border with only 160 kilometres to go.
• Plenty Highway now sealed from the Stuart Highway to Harts Range.
• Sealing from Docker River to the Border and then continuing the seal from Kata Tjuta towards Western Australia.
• Laverton and Ngaanyatjarraku Shires have finalised surveying and will be sealing 100 kilometres of the Great Central Road between them in the coming months.

2nd May 2017

The Outback Way - sealing programme

With the latest announcement from the Hon. Darren Chester MP, a further $125 million has been committed for the Outback Way priority projects allocation, for sealing on "Australia's Longest Shortcut".

"This announcement means we will seal a further 210 kilometres of the Outback Way linking Perth to Cairns and Laverton WA to Winton Qld."said, Mr Patrick Hill - Chairman Outback Highway Development Council Inc (OHDC Inc.).

Over the last six months the State and Territory governments and the OHDC Inc. have met and developed an investment strategy for the Outback Way project. This announcement allocates the current $125 Million.

• Western Australia will seal 80 kilometres with $46.5 million
• Northern Territory will seal 60 kilometres with $52.06 million
• Queensland will seal and widen 69 kilometres with $26.44 million

Besides linking East and West through the heart of the nation, the development of the Outback Way is critical for the economic development of the sixteen rural and remote communities and centres along the Outback Way, enables the development of tourism, mining, the agricultural sector, and efficiency for freight and logistics across the nation. The 'Shortcut' is 2,700 kilometres. By 2020, 1,500 kilometres will be sealed.

1st November 2017

A new caravan and camping area opens at Broken Hill

Following a long development period, the new Starview campground situation in the Living Desert Reserve will be open for camping and caravanners from Tuesday 7th November 2017.

The Living Desert Reserve is nine kilometres from the city of Broken Hill, and features a desert flora and fauna sanctuary, Aboriginal heritage sites, and high on a hill overlooking Broken Hill and surrounds, the Sculptures feature twelve stone carvings by different international artists.

Entry to the Reserve is $6 per person. For those staying at Starview, one payment will cover the two day camping limit. No pets.

The new Starview campsite has fifteen marked bays for caravans and motorhomes, suitable for rigs up to eleven metres in length. Extra large rigs can park in bay 1, or in the large vehicle parking area approaching the campsite. This only allows for two large rigs at a time, and only fifteen permits per night will be issued. In addition there is an area with room for eight tents, which has two picnic shelters. Some water is provided from a tank (non potable).

Two unisex toilet and hot showers are provided, situated between the caravan and tent camping areas. One is disability access enabled. There is a larger barbecue and picnic shelter adjacent to the caravan sites. Gas barbecues are free.

Camping cost is $10 per person per night, with children under sixteen no further charge, and must be paid at the Visitor Information Centre to obtain a permit and gain an after hours access code for the gate. Reserve entry fee is payable at the entrance gate (cash or card), or annual pass can be purchased from Council office for $22 ($18 concession).

An open day for locals and visitors to inspect the site and chat with those involved in the project was held on 4th November 2017, with a sausage sizzle. Photos taken on this open day hereunder.

Updated 4th November 2017

Good news for the future of camping at Dumaresq Dam, Armidale, New South Wales

Remember the disappointment when camping at the lovely Dumaresq Dam was closed? Council was supportive of the camping, and hoped that upgrade to the toilets and sewerage could in the future be funded. See news from 2014 from Armidale.

Although not expected to be completed until 2020, there is hope with today's news of an upgrade which will include camping being restored.

See our report on staying at Dumaresq Dam in 2009.

14th December 2017

Home > What's news on the travel scene in Australia > Archive 30

The Victoria Highway, Northern Territory, is CLOSED at Butler Creek, four kilometres east of the Western Australian Border due to flooding 8th January 2018.

Later in the day, opened to high clearance vehicles.

OPEN 9th January 2018

Updated 9th January 2018

Great Northern Highway in Western Australia will be CLOSED from 4.00 pm 11th January 2018 between Roebuck Roadhouse and Marble Bar Road Intersection and remain closed overnight due to tropical low weather conditions. RE-OPENED 12th November 2018.

Other roads may also be affected by excess rainfall.

Updated 12th November 2018