Any tips on Dalhousie Springs?

[Flying Ted]

Hi Guys,

A visit to Dalhousie Springs is on my "to do" list.

The Pilots Touring Guide say permission must be obtained from SA parks office but they say the airstrip is closed to visitors. A look on google earths shows the airstrip looks in pretty good condition.

Other parks seem to welcome visitors. As anyone flown there? Any tips about how to get permission?

[PLovett]

Ted, SA Parks closed the strip when they moved the rangers out of there so there was no-one to do a safety inspection of the strip.

I wouldn't place any faith in Google Earth as the quality of airstrips can change very quickly in the outback.

If you land on a closed airstrip your insurance is null and void. In addition, should a ranger be visiting at the time you face prosecution.

[Aussie Bob]

So has anyone landed on it since it has been closed?

In addition, should a ranger be visiting at the time you face prosecutionDo you? It is a national park for the people when all said and done. Suppose I inspect it then land, any legal opinion available? Who would prosecute and what would be the likely outcome if they tried? I sincerely doubt CASA would be interested if it was a private flight. What if it was an emergency?

[Squawk7700]

Generally aircraft are not permitted to land in National Parks and that includes helicopters in off field operations.

[kaz3g]

National Parks & Wildlife Regulations 2001 (SA)...

13—Use of aircraft
(1) A person must not, without the permission of the relevant authority, use an aircraft on land or water in a reserve except in an area set aside by the relevant authority for that purpose.
(2) A person must not, without the permission of the relevant authority, jump into a reserve from an aircraft or drop an object into a reserve from an aircraft.

General offence provision $1000 court fine or $75 infringement.

Seems to me you either phone the Department and ask or risk copping a fine. I hear the airstrip is ok for bush Aircraft but obviously a precautionary search would be a must.

Kaz

[Ultralights]

and boats arnt permitted on Lake Eyre either.... but that doesnt stop them (when theres water in it)

[compressor stall]

For what it's worth the Dalhousie strip looked ok at Easter as I drove past.

Apparently Dave's finally sold and there are new owners at Mt Dare recently. Might still be finding their feet but can't hurt to ask. The Dalhousie strip was flash flooded in when I was there -as well as water all around the dyke.

It's about 90 mins drive each way to Dalhousie from Mt Dare. When not flooded.... :eek:

[Flying Ted]

Thanks for the replies guys.

From what I can see on google and confirmed by the comments above it seems the issue is not really the airstrip. As far as outback landing areas are concerned it is as good as any and, with the usual precautions, could be happily and safely used. (As far I as I can tell it looks a lot better than, say, YARK.)

I'm guessing this airstrip is maintained, to a limited extent, for the Parks own use and for the RFDS to pick up the occasional grey nomad out of the nearby camping ground. It seems a shame that it isn't more widely available for air touring groups. It would seem ideal extension to any trip Lake Eyre or northern Flinders tour.

Is anyone aware of any other air strips within national parks that are worth visiting?

[Howard Hughes]

Dalhousie Springs was great when I used to fly in there and also Mount Dare, sadly I can't help with up to date information as that was 15 years ago now! :eek:

[HarleyD]

Prolly been 20 years or more since I took an air safari through central aus. Mt Dare was awesome! Did an early morning run ( flight actually, I don't run) down to Dalhousie next day and every one piled in for a dip. It was Great!

The Guest Book was very entertaining!

Whatever you need to do to find out if it is a goer do it. It's worth it. Mt Dare and Dalhousie are a couple of worthwhile stops on any tour of the GAFA

HD

[HarleyD]

Make that almost 30 years ago, sigh!

Time flies when you having fun

HD