Rabbit Flat

Brian,
I just noticed this post on the Caravanners Forum:

"Was open Fri - Mon when we passed thru in 2005
to confirm ring Rabbit Flat Roadhouse - (08) 8956 8744

Other fuel at..
Tilmouth Well Roadhouse - cheapest
Yuendumu Store -
Billiluna Roadhouse - dearest...& only open some hrs..call out fee
outside hrs.

the info here maybe helpful
Site Link

Cheers John

Brian
Grumblebum is right. We travelled the Tanami last year. The station is closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We arrived there on a Tuesday and there was a rope with bunting on it across the track saying the roadhouse is closed. As I understand it there is no camping at the roadhouse Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays. There is a large red sign at the Alice Springs end of the track with these details. Be warned the owner is very unhappy if anyone goes in when he is closed.
Col.

Much better to have sufficient fuel to bypass Rabbit Flat.
Top up at Tilmouth Well and carry extra.
The old bugger at R F really rips people off and he can be quite rude to customers.

When fuel was $1.20 at Tilmouth he was charging $3.60.
Some customers argued the price while we were there and he told them to pay or walk.

Lousy campsite anyhow.

Bob

Thanks for the info, I will pass it on.

Seems like nothing has changed since 1983 when we passed through in company with a white man travelling with a full blood aboriginal wife. He said that because his wife was with him he wasn't permitted to go into Rabbit Flat.

Brian

Brian,

We were there last year in July. Yes you need to plan your trip like we did so that you travel through RF on the open days.
Please be aware camping spots along the Tanami are very limited, & RF is as good as you will find. Cost was $3.00 per person. They also have showers at the roadhouse at $3.00. The campground has a long-drop toilet but you need to bring your own supplies.
Fuel is expensive out there, its about 450km from the nearest civilisation, & was $2.20/l for diesel. We topped up at Tilmouth well at $1.86/l. (Alice Springs was $1.46/l) Not the rip-off Bob was told.
You need to experience the environment at RF to understand why Bruce Farrand & his wife Jacqui run the place the way they do.The locals are as primitive as they come, & everything must be locked up. The store is like the counter of a bank & I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't a 12 gauge under the counter too.

We found both Bruce & Jacqui very approachable & interesting people. But you have to be tough & take no sh--t from anyone to survive out there. Be thankful that someone is prepared to put up with the privations of this area & to provide a very necessary service. No its not Tilmouth Well, but its the best your going to get between TW & Halls Creek.

Plan your trip to arrive between Friday & Monday, and enjoy the unique experience at Rabbit Flat, & don't forget to ask the owners to explain why it is so named.

Neil & Pat

Howdy,

Totaly agree with Tourist if you want to pay totally rip off prices for fuel and wonder around a junk heap go to RABBIT FLAT . The owner does nothing to encourage your patronage. Plan your trip arround this place and support one of the other fueling points who are at least having a go. Tilmouth Well is acredit to its owners.

Regards Hendo..