I am humbly overwhelmed…thank you to everyone who has enjoyed the journey so far and I am pleased I have been able to bring some really positive and memorable reflections as they venture down Memory Lane. I love this country and I really enjoy showing off the Outback. Thank you all!
@@mongreldogproductions thank you for showing it off, I used to be a tour guide in central Australia and nowadays stuck in Darwin. Your videos are a timely reminder to get back out there and kick myself in the bum to finish off that 4wd project in the shed. Thank you mate! Keep it going
My view.....all the shiny resorts lack the one thing people like us thrive on.....authenticity. Your videos are a case study in authentic outback motorcycle adventure. Love it and grateful!
We did the Tanami in 2009, camped at Rabbit Flat. It was a fantastic ‘roadhouse’. Their love story was even better, and they made a life in the desert. There was an Australian Story on RF a number of years ago. Absolutely amazing! I’m still amazed that they made a life for their family in the middle of the desert. It would have been hard and lonely. I remember there was a large pile of VB cans at the turn off to RF, Bruce would sell VB to the indigenous but they were not allowed to drink it within the property. Bruce’s wife was the tiniest lady , we bought fuel and when I went in to pay, she was so softly spoken and could hardly see over t he counter. That place has always stayed in my memory. Thank you for documenting this, I always wondered what would happen when they got too old. I know there was sons. Enjoying the vids!
Bruce's wife was french and an artist. They had 2 boys, twins, who joined NorForce, ( army). I know their bore ran dry. They would have got a little too old to stay there. Yes, they also did weather reports.
When we did the Canning Stock route called into rabbit flat for fuel and some pies The government cancelled there lease and they were forced to leave extremely sad fantastic people
Wow, beautiful stories, thanks folks. Many thanks again Steve for the vicarious adventures to the wilds outback. Just love the footage, drones, campfires and adventures!
Rabbit Flat was an amazing place, especially in1978 when you'd been on the dirt track from the Alice with absolutely no buildings or people around and all of a sudden there was the Rabbit Flat roadhouse. Bruce and Jackie Farrands were fabulous people who struggled with such harsh conditions out in the middle of nowhere. It was hard to believe Jackie moved from Paris (where she was born, to the outback of Australia). Something I thought might interest you was that they met while they were working on "Mongrel" Downs Station. We used to bush camp at the Granites which was just a disused second world war gravel airstrip.
A bit of a shock to rabbit flat like that as i often think of the place. I spent a week there in 76 waiting for parts to come from Alice. I was also there a cupel of years later. That first room was added some time after that, had a copal of meals in the restaurant cooked by Jacqui. The camp site was down by the lagoon at the back and the was a windmill about where the tank is. And super petrol was on the hand pump bowser.
Rabbit Flat caught my eye. 1960/61 the mother of a friend went missing, middle aged housewife from suburban N.S.W. She did return home eventually but kept to herself what or who led her to such a remote place. Ah memories, thanks for bringing that one back to me.
Reading through the comments really shows how you light up peoples memories. I've done some back country rides throughout SA and North West WA but nothing compared to your adventures.. Thanks for more satisfying videos and narrative. Really worthwhile for anyone interested with off the beaten track.
We travelled on a coach camping trip, and camped just a hundred meters from the pub, in very long grass. When you walked into the pub the only thing i remember was the service window, looking like an old bank tellers hatch, with just enough room to pass small bottles of beer, and take your money. Well protected from the local customers.
I could imagine…I’m not even sure where the local Community was. Were they transients from Bililuna going East and vice versa??? There’s not a lot out there. I wonder how much a carton of beer cost back then 😂😂😂. Captive audience.
As a kid of 10 back in '77, had a family caravanning trip around Oz. Stopped for a looksy at Ivanhoe Crossing, Dad waded out a bit turned and said don't run as its slippery with algae. Well I ran slipped up landed on my chin, had to have stitches at the Kununurra hospital. Still have a lump to this day on my chin! Great trip Steve, keen for the next instalment!
For a minute there, I thought you were gunna say your dad was taken by a croc! Sorry about your chin but glad it was a worth a trip (pardon the pun) down Memory Lane. 😂😂😂
Ah Rabbit flat … I stopped in there a couple of times back in the nineties A French guy was running the place back then as I remember He was a little unpredictable…. Sometimes welcoming….. Sometimes not !!!! Think he may have been out there way too long !!!! Oh the memories!!!
@@mongreldogproductions Correct Bruce was Australian, Jackie was French. They had a few children as well. Jackie I think for memory got sick, so Bruce was there by himself in the later years. He use to do manual observations for BOM. I use to work for BOM and current weather station is maintained every 6 mths or so.
10.55 Nice drone capture of the sun's rays Steve, and thanks for the Grand Tour of Rabbit Flat. I followed a couple of the links Wicki Leaks have on the place. The book by the people who lived there many years makes interesting reading. :) Excitement there to close with!.😗
Great video and brings back memories of working through the Tanami in the mid 90's! When the Sturt Creek was in flood we'd have to drive to halls Creek via Lajamanu and Kalkarindji which generally was an easy drive than the Tanami Track.
Lovely stuff. Been looking for the title of the book written by the Farrand's about their time at Rabbit Flat, which they ran for 41 years. Seems like beginning the sale of alcohol and cold drinks led to a number of unwelcome consequences.
Went through there on a ride from Weipa with 2 other GROWL members 20 odd years ago. Nice old European couple looked after us. He told us about a quartz field off the road to camp, nice spot, round white small rocks. We didn't even get dirty feet!. It's so sad to watch this.😢
Hi Guys Long time viewer Love all the videos awesome stuff. We left Alice Springs to go straight up the middle of Australia This was back in the late 80s, I saw a light & thought it may have been Rabbits Flat got up on my Roof rack then the light went off. We arrived some 10 minutes later opened the door it was going on dark the door squeaked I looked in the VB cans were up to my knees. You could not walk you had to drag your feet through the beer cans. I saw a Buzza and sometime later a little old Lady came out with a candle she explained the Genset had broken down They use to sell fuel by 1/2 a litre. We were debating to stay there or hide in the bush. A gold Miner turned up & said there was over 200 People here last night drinking & fighting. We ended up had tea a sleep & left in the early hours of the morning. No Problems told this story hundreds of times that brought so many great Memories back Thanks again really appreciate your great adventures Stay Safe Cheers
Used to work with a guy who was part of the Rabbit Flat shutdown/cleanout, he had some tales to tell about the owner... Basically they stripped the site of absolutely everything usable.
Awesome videos Steve. Many thanks for sharing them. Ditto: re: watching for the rider behind you. Even worse than a breakdown, a crash resulting in a rider being hurt and helpless until their dumbarse cohort wake up could be catastrophic. Words like yours are great reminders for riders to keep an eye out for each other. Anyhoo, carry on. 😁😃🤣
@@mongreldogproductions Some folks say the adventure doesn't begin until things start going wrong. And getting out of the sht is what makes for fun memories and good stores to recount some other time.
@@mongreldogproductions You must have nice driveways. Half the time, I stay in a place that's a mile away from pavement, with a lot of steep gravel in between. Going in and out on the RT has been interesting.
Great video. Did the Canning stock route a few years ago with Outback Spirit. 16 days, amazing trip. I love the Australian outback. I'm from New Zealand.
I love how you comment without constantly showing your face. So many vloggers think we want to see their faces. Keep up the good work. Thanks, lads. I was in Aus in 1956 it's changed a bit now.
Great vid lads…… I use to work in the Pilbara mines as a young guy, Tom Price, Shay Gap, and Alice Springs and Central Desert Communities for 6yrs. So I resonated to your visuals of the land out Tanami way and your journey itself. I been living in Chiang Mai, Thailand the last 6yrs, so do sometimes miss that open country out there. Some excellent rides in Thailand if you are ever this way. Remember the Warumpi Band?? Pull up their song Fitzroy Crossing on utoob and they reference Rabbit Flat in the lyrics. Thanks for letting us ride along with you, and we acknowledge your efforts in camera set ups, drone footage et al. Good work, cheers lads…
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I cycled from Chiang Mai down to Bangkok and then crossed into Cambodia from there. Gotta lot of trusty’s up that way.
Another amazing vid.. Bloody Tourists.. Tom what are you doing.. Amazing how the scenery has changed in 12 & not 18 days.. Lookimg forward to the trip home.. for the Adventurers that is...
Another good one thanks Steve. We recovered a bike for a chap who had an off about 30km north of Rabbit Flat a week or two after you went through. Chap was flown out and on the mend.
The Rabbit Flats roadhouse was in operation when I visited in the mid 1980's ( can't remember the exact time) . I drove down the to Rabbit Flat from Lajamanu via Picaninny Bore . The first two hours I used low range 4 wheel drive in the Toyota LC . I was pleased to have on board a local couple with their new born baby to assure me that we were on the correct track. I took them to Picaninny Bore outstation so the family could meet the new born baby. I did enjoy the day. Bruce
That sounds to me that you were really remote and had anything gone wrong it could have ended very badly. The Outback is very unforgiving. Glad you were able to survive that journey. What were you doing out there in the first place?
The reason for being in the area was to build and commission a satellite based telecommunications system for the Warlpiri people of the Tanami Desert. Prior to the completion of the project their only comms was via the HF radio. I was well equipped for the project with late model Toyota LC, H F radio system with dial up features and the usual supplies in case of an emergency. Once the satellite earth station was up and running I was able to talk back into Sydney ( Belrose). Bruce
Are you talking about the Duncan and Buntine? I did those some years ago and other then a couple of bull dust patches, I remember them being good roads (for Adventure Riders). Thabks for watching.
I used to be 1 of the drilling mob. Rockdrill contractors. Rabbit flat was the place to go for Anzac Day, massive bbq's, and two up events. That place would go offf. Brings back good memories 😊
It would probably be on a par as the Melbourne Cup, Birdsville Races or Bathurst 1,000….for those guys who use to go there and form great memories of a life lived long ago. Hope you enjoyed your journey down Memory Lane. Thanks for watching.
Enjoying your trips away with a like minded, self reliant group of people and keeping your machines working. Used to work for group that hold Carranya station north of Bililuna and Tanami road is being sealed to NT border in next couple of years.
Steve i have only just found your channel mate and i must say i enjoy watching your channel so much . I have travelled a lot of the lower south west of WA and love how you present your journey with us all . Were they pushbikes you guys passed
Hi Dave, Welcome aboard. Yes, two Swedish tourist on bikes...crazy. In a later vid, you'll see a guy walking along Great Northern Highway pushing a barrow, also crazy!
Love your drone footage and melody. Recording mates riding their bikes gives another perspective. Overall, awsome video of Tanami. Sad about that last scene. hope guys inside are ok..
I was a little surprised I was first on scene cause other people would have witnessed it before me I think. Maybe people don’t want to get involved. Watch the next vid…out in a few days. 😀
Mongrel downs close by renamed Tanami downs..Rabbit flat a weather station was the only weather station for 500 kms...makes me teary spent many nights playing eight ball in that room...Bruce Farrell left us with the key often..sad that it's abandoned
Great vid mate and spectacular country. Old mate in the car n van was sitting way too close for all the dust. If you radio the trucks and let them know your steam past they will hold steady. How do you find the 1250 on dirt … touring is perfect but soft stuff is it a bit heavy?
You need a particular skill set and it is a handful in the snotty stuff. It is a very versatile bike and is only limited by the skill set of the Pilot. It is perfect for what I do….Outback touring. I love it!
Hi Steve, thanks for this Ep which is Epic on a M/C. 25:45 I carry a small bottle of Oil of Cloves and an ear bud stick for application - stops tooth ache almost instantly. I also carry Amoxil for tooth abscesses; and a pain killer a little bit stronger than Panadol Forte. The latter two are script only but an understanding GP will prescribe them, before journey's start, when the remote travel situation is well described. Another tip - GPs can do 'tele' scripts - my GP is able to digitally provide a script to a pharmacy in a nominated town before I arrive; I call her and then I get an SMS when the job's done; show the SMS which has the script authority in it and the RSM's your uncle. Class 8 MAINTDEM satisfied.
There was no Pharmacy for about 1,500km where we were going but we did pick up some clove oil in the middle of bu* f*** nowhere at all remote community. It all worked out well in the end. Thanks for watching.
This brought back memories for me. In 2005 I took the then Belgian ambassador on a camping trip through the Kimberlys. We camped at Rabbit Flat and the ambassador enjoyed speaking French to the wife of the owner. Someone should do an archeological dig near the campsite as there was smallish quarry/cutting full of all sorts of rubbish.
Full of envy for what you do and see - makes my efforts seem puny although I have travelled much of Western Europe and east coast USA on four wheels as well as some fairly long trips in UK on m/bike. Next year I’m planning to have shifted some weight and riding a 125 to the Alps - I could do it on a big bike but there is no challenge in that! I have seen much of Australia thanks to you and Million Dollar Bogan!! Thanks mate love your vids 😊
Nice goin. Some Nice Corigations you had there. Could use one of thos blokes with the grader and caravan we saw in one of your last vids. Nice goin, glad Tom go thru there. Done well again, lookin forward to the nextie. Thanks m8, stay vertical Eh!
Another fantastic video Steve. Never done the Tanami but great to see it. I did do the Gary Junction road around Haasts Bluff a while back. Great country. I always pull over when those road trains approach and also turn off the engine of my 4WD so as not to suck all the dust onto the air filter. I think you left your engine running? Hard to tell on the video. Anyway many thanks for all the time you spend making and editing these videos.
What spectacular country and it all looks in such good Nic following the rain. Those drone shots were ace 👍 a shocking end to that video, let’s hope all on board were ok
Sad to see Rabbit Flat in ruins, visited there around 20 years ago, we had a beer and spoke with Bruce (Farrands) , he was an intelligent and well informed man. I hope he got to enjoy retirement.
Great vid as usual..you made a comment about doing highway speeds not having to fuel save...interested as to how fast you are generally going on these roads as I have a 21.6ft off road van towed with a trailblazer and do between 75 to 85kph on likes of oodnadata etc.
Good question! It will depend on your skill set and how comfortable you feel at speed. The big BMW can handle some pretty snotty conditions at speed and can comfortably handle those outback roads at 110 o r120. When it goes pear shaped, it can get ugly quickly and that is the trap for young Grasshoppers. I’ve been lucky. 😀
When Bruce and Jackie Farrands ran the Rabbit Flat Roadhouse it was a Godsend and a popular waterhole for all sorts of wildlife, including local indigenous folk. And it did get wild from time to time. So much so that Bruce would wear a handgun at times and be connected with Darwin for assistance should be needed... Army and Police. Truly the Wild West.
@@mongreldogproductions I remember the lady was so sweet to us, the little shop was the post office, corner store (not on a corner), the hospital, the petrol station and the pastor if needed, 😂, what a really cool memory.
Nothing worse than a tooth issue whilst on the road and reasonably remote!! 😮 I had to have first stage root canal surgery done in Broome back in 2015 (after the tooth got infected at Point Samson), then 2nd stage in Townsville 8 weeks later....only to get home 3 months after that to be told the tooth actually couldn't be saved and needed to be extracted!!! A very expensive exercise! Hopefully you got yours sorted!! 👍
What a way to finish this episode! An old fashioned cliff hanger!!! Love it and look forward to the next one! And one quick question. I have been watching your videos for a few years; how many ks on the clock of the GS?
I stayed there for a couple of nights in their last year, 2009, when I rode my bicycle to Halls Creek and beyond. Bruce was the most foul-mouthed bloke I ever came across, but he was an entertainer who had plenty of stories, some of which might have been true. They closed because they needed to put in new tanks to take Opal fuel, but the ground was solid limestone and needed plenty of explosives to excavate. He said for the amount of fuel they sold each year there was no way to pay for the installation. Jacqui was the calm one because he needed it. Don't know if they are still around, but they were in poor health back then.
Back in 1984 I worked there at the gold Fields drank at the Rabbit Flats pub it was owned by a French Couple those were the days, on pension day alot of indigenousness came in to buy grog haven't been back there for ages, from Qld 🦘
It was fortified so when the locals got drunk n started fights,he could lock it down ,when you bought a carton of beer it only just fit by small window in a room about the size of an old phone booth could only fit one person at a time
It’s a work in progress but it will be sealed to the Granites within a couple of years. They are also working on the road from Gt Northern Highway to Biliuna so you better get in quick. Thanks for watching.
@@mongreldogproductions driven it a few times, it’s one of those happy & sad at the same time moments. Sure bitumen for the win, but it’s going to lose its “remote” feeling
I am humbly overwhelmed…thank you to everyone who has enjoyed the journey so far and I am pleased I have been able to bring some really positive and memorable reflections as they venture down Memory Lane. I love this country and I really enjoy showing off the Outback. Thank you all!
Loving it. Thanks for sharing Steve.
@@mongreldogproductions thank you for showing it off, I used to be a tour guide in central Australia and nowadays stuck in Darwin. Your videos are a timely reminder to get back out there and kick myself in the bum to finish off that 4wd project in the shed.
Thank you mate! Keep it going
Always a good watch ol mate 👍🏻
My view.....all the shiny resorts lack the one thing people like us thrive on.....authenticity. Your videos are a case study in authentic outback motorcycle adventure. Love it and grateful!
Excellent honest, documentary quality footage, and mercifully no pointless musac. Thank you for sharing. Ride safe.
Peace 🏴
We did the Tanami in 2009, camped at Rabbit Flat. It was a fantastic ‘roadhouse’. Their love story was even better, and they made a life in the desert. There was an Australian Story on RF a number of years ago. Absolutely amazing! I’m still amazed that they made a life for their family in the middle of the desert. It would have been hard and lonely. I remember there was a large pile of VB cans at the turn off to RF, Bruce would sell VB to the indigenous but they were not allowed to drink it within the property. Bruce’s wife was the tiniest lady , we bought fuel and when I went in to pay, she was so softly spoken and could hardly see over t he counter. That place has always stayed in my memory. Thank you for documenting this, I always wondered what would happen when they got too old. I know there was sons. Enjoying the vids!
It sounds like a fond memory of a time long ago. Glad you were able to reflect on the past. Thanks for watching.
😀
Bruce's wife was french and an artist. They had 2 boys, twins, who joined NorForce, ( army). I know their bore ran dry. They would have got a little too old to stay there. Yes, they also did weather reports.
When we did the Canning Stock route called into rabbit flat for fuel and some pies
The government cancelled there lease and they were forced to leave extremely sad fantastic people
@@johnwarwick634All governments only know how to take and waste money, and make a good thing bad.
Peace 🏴
Wow, beautiful stories, thanks folks. Many thanks again Steve for the vicarious adventures to the wilds outback. Just love the footage, drones, campfires and adventures!
Rabbit Flat was an amazing place, especially in1978 when you'd been on the dirt track from the Alice with absolutely no buildings or people around and all of a sudden there was the Rabbit Flat roadhouse. Bruce and Jackie Farrands were fabulous people who struggled with such harsh conditions out in the middle of nowhere. It was hard to believe Jackie moved from Paris (where she was born, to the outback of Australia). Something I thought might interest you was that they met while they were working on "Mongrel" Downs Station. We used to bush camp at the Granites which was just a disused second world war gravel airstrip.
Interesting to know there was a kinship (Mongrel) all that time ago. Spooky!
@@mongreldogproductions Possums🙂🙂
Mongrel downs did a couple of years jackarooing there
Another great series Steve. You just keep on adding to your long list of adventures and I'm sure everyone enjoys each and every video.
Glad you like them!
can't believe the amount of trips you get completed, great videos
Me neither…it’s almost an obsession. I didn’t give up work to watch daytime TV.
😀
Great way to end the video and capture an audience. Thanks for sharing - fantastic trip.
Glad you enjoyed it
A bit of a shock to rabbit flat like that as i often think of the place. I spent a week there in 76 waiting for parts to come from Alice. I was also there a cupel of years later. That first room was added some time after that, had a copal of meals in the restaurant cooked by Jacqui. The camp site was down by the lagoon at the back and the was a windmill about where the tank is. And super petrol was on the hand pump bowser.
I’m sure a lot of blokes like you can recall stories and memories from a long time ago…good times I hope.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Rabbit Flat caught my eye. 1960/61 the mother of a friend went missing, middle aged housewife from suburban N.S.W. She did return home eventually but kept to herself what or who led her to such a remote place. Ah memories, thanks for bringing that one back to me.
I guess if you want to disappear and ‘find yourself’ then that is about as remote as you can get. Glad you were able to go down Memory Lane.
😀
Thanks for taking me places I can’t go yet. I be retiring in 5 years and following your tyre tracks. 👍🏍️
Grab ya gear; Let’s go!
😀
Reading through the comments really shows how you light up peoples memories. I've done some back country rides throughout SA and North West WA but nothing compared to your adventures..
Thanks for more satisfying videos and narrative. Really worthwhile for anyone interested with off the beaten track.
Thanks for the positive feedback and thanks for your continued support over the years.
😀
We travelled on a coach camping trip, and camped just a hundred meters from the pub, in very long grass. When you walked into the pub the only thing i remember was the service window, looking like an old bank tellers hatch, with just enough room to pass small bottles of beer, and take your money. Well protected from the local customers.
I could imagine…I’m not even sure where the local Community was. Were they transients from Bililuna going East and vice versa??? There’s not a lot out there. I wonder how much a carton of beer cost back then 😂😂😂. Captive audience.
I paid $50 thirty years ago ....worked at the Granites
Well, that was an unexpected ending!!! look forward to seeing what happens next!
Watch this space..
As a kid of 10 back in '77, had a family caravanning trip around Oz. Stopped for a looksy at Ivanhoe Crossing, Dad waded out a bit turned and said don't run as its slippery with algae. Well I ran slipped up landed on my chin, had to have stitches at the Kununurra hospital. Still have a lump to this day on my chin! Great trip Steve, keen for the next instalment!
For a minute there, I thought you were gunna say your dad was taken by a croc! Sorry about your chin but glad it was a worth a trip (pardon the pun) down Memory Lane.
😂😂😂
Ah Rabbit flat …
I stopped in there a couple of times back in the nineties
A French guy was running the place back then as I remember
He was a little unpredictable….
Sometimes welcoming…..
Sometimes not !!!!
Think he may have been out there way too long !!!!
Oh the memories!!!
I think he was an Aussie..she was a French National from what I can gather. Not important, glad you could travel down Memory Lane.
@@mongreldogproductions Correct Bruce was Australian, Jackie was French. They had a few children as well. Jackie I think for memory got sick, so Bruce was there by himself in the later years. He use to do manual observations for BOM. I use to work for BOM and current weather station is maintained every 6 mths or so.
Fun Fact, both his sons joined the Army and deploying to Timor, Afghastion etc etc
I always get an eerie feeling when you show those abandoned buildings, Steve. Really great series!
Glad you like them!
Thx for documenting this great trip, spectacular to see the spinifex in flower
Glad you enjoyed it
10.55 Nice drone capture of the sun's rays Steve, and thanks for the Grand Tour of Rabbit Flat.
I followed a couple of the links Wicki Leaks have on the place. The book by the people who lived there many years makes interesting reading. :)
Excitement there to close with!.😗
Hi Noel, Glad you enjoyed it. Next upload in a few days.
😀
Learnt a valuable lesson from this episode...its not difficult to take a standard sedan off-road, its getting it back on-road that is the challenge.
Looks to be a rental. I hope they got the extra insurance or they're in for a nasty surprise.
Rabbit Flat Roadhouse, what a fascinating place! Absolutely loving this series!
Thank you…
Great video and brings back memories of working through the Tanami in the mid 90's! When the Sturt Creek was in flood we'd have to drive to halls Creek via Lajamanu and Kalkarindji which generally was an easy drive than the Tanami Track.
Lovely stuff. Been looking for the title of the book written by the Farrand's about their time at Rabbit Flat, which they ran for 41 years. Seems like beginning the sale of alcohol and cold drinks led to a number of unwelcome consequences.
Would not surprise me in the least…
😞
Went through there on a ride from Weipa with 2 other GROWL members 20 odd years ago. Nice old European couple looked after us. He told us about a quartz field off the road to camp, nice spot, round white small rocks. We didn't even get dirty feet!.
It's so sad to watch this.😢
Channelling your ‘inner Steve McQueen’ at 9:47. Great series, again.
It was nice to ride without all the gear on out there…very liberating. 😀😀
Hi Guys
Long time viewer Love all the videos awesome stuff.
We left Alice Springs to go straight up the middle of Australia
This was back in the late 80s, I saw a light & thought it may have been Rabbits Flat got up on my Roof rack then the light went off.
We arrived some 10 minutes later opened the door it was going on dark the door squeaked I looked in the VB cans were up to my knees.
You could not walk you had to drag your feet through the beer cans.
I saw a Buzza and sometime later a little old Lady came out with a candle she explained the Genset had broken down
They use to sell fuel by 1/2 a litre.
We were debating to stay there or hide in the bush.
A gold Miner turned up & said there was over 200 People here last night drinking & fighting.
We ended up had tea a sleep & left in the early hours of the morning.
No Problems told this story hundreds of times that brought so many great Memories back
Thanks again really appreciate your great adventures
Stay Safe Cheers
I hope you enjoyed your journey down Memory Lane…thanks for sharing.
😀
Thanks for sharing, just fantastic to see more of the great outback. There's something special about the outback that can't be put into words!
Couldn't agree more!
Used to work with a guy who was part of the Rabbit Flat shutdown/cleanout, he had some tales to tell about the owner... Basically they stripped the site of absolutely everything usable.
Have watched a few on and off but now I think I’m hooked, great video. Thanks.
Next upload in a few days time, welcome aboard.
Awesome videos Steve. Many thanks for sharing them. Ditto: re: watching for the rider behind you. Even worse than a breakdown, a crash resulting in a rider being hurt and helpless until their dumbarse cohort wake up could be catastrophic. Words like yours are great reminders for riders to keep an eye out for each other. Anyhoo, carry on. 😁😃🤣
Wow. I remember when I was there in 1989. There was a house directly behind the shop. Im sure it was a tougher life than i would like
Oh dear. Never a dull moment.
You got that right!
@@mongreldogproductions Some folks say the adventure doesn't begin until things start going wrong. And getting out of the sht is what makes for fun memories and good stores to recount some other time.
@@suzyamerica4679 You are in complete control, until you leave your driveway. After that, all bets are off. 😂😂😂
@@mongreldogproductions You must have nice driveways. Half the time, I stay in a place that's a mile away from pavement, with a lot of steep gravel in between. Going in and out on the RT has been interesting.
@@suzyamerica4679 Hahaha…you get the idea???
Great video. Did the Canning stock route a few years ago with Outback Spirit. 16 days, amazing trip. I love the Australian outback. I'm from New Zealand.
Good stuff
Another brilliant video, thanks for sharing your adventures with us. 👍👍👍
Thanks 👍
I love how you comment without constantly showing your face. So many vloggers think we want to see their faces. Keep up the good work. Thanks, lads. I was in Aus in 1956 it's changed a bit now.
Now I am completely confused….
Great vid lads…… I use to work in the Pilbara mines as a young guy, Tom Price, Shay Gap, and Alice Springs and Central Desert Communities for 6yrs. So I resonated to your visuals of the land out Tanami way and your journey itself. I been living in Chiang Mai, Thailand the last 6yrs, so do sometimes miss that open country out there. Some excellent rides in Thailand if you are ever this way. Remember the Warumpi Band?? Pull up their song Fitzroy Crossing on utoob and they reference Rabbit Flat in the lyrics. Thanks for letting us ride along with you, and we acknowledge your efforts in camera set ups, drone footage et al. Good work, cheers lads…
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I cycled from Chiang Mai down to Bangkok and then crossed into Cambodia from there. Gotta lot of trusty’s up that way.
Thanks for the efforts on these videos, I thoroughly enjoy them!
Thank you for the feedback. It makes it all worthwhile.
are you going to save someone?
another great video. I do enjoy them, thanks for taking the time to produce them 😎👍
That's the plan! Not all Superheroes wear capes.
😂😂😂
Another great episode 😁 Thanx again for sharing.😁
Glad you enjoyed it
When a mate and I went there we were lucky the were grading the road and we just camped were ever we could find a good spot as well
I worked out there in 1981, I met the owners, incredible people, an Irishman ☘️and a French woman.🇫🇷👩
What a wonderful adventure ,pretty cool ,cliff hanger lol hope they are ok 😊
I hope so too! Next upload tomorrow (Saturday).
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Another amazing vid..
Bloody Tourists..
Tom what are you doing..
Amazing how the scenery has changed in 12 & not 18 days..
Lookimg forward to the trip home.. for the Adventurers that is...
More to come!
Another good one thanks Steve. We recovered a bike for a chap who had an off about 30km north of Rabbit Flat a week or two after you went through. Chap was flown out and on the mend.
Oh wow! Hope he heals completely.
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The Rabbit Flats roadhouse was in operation when I visited in the mid 1980's ( can't remember the exact time) . I drove down the to Rabbit Flat from Lajamanu via Picaninny Bore . The first two hours I used low range 4 wheel drive in the Toyota LC . I was pleased to have on board a local couple with their new born baby to assure me that we were on the correct track. I took them to Picaninny Bore outstation so the family could meet the new born baby. I did enjoy the day. Bruce
That sounds to me that you were really remote and had anything gone wrong it could have ended very badly. The Outback is very unforgiving. Glad you were able to survive that journey. What were you doing out there in the first place?
@@mongreldogproductions unless the road has deterioted, the track for lajamanu is used by the community there and should be a typical outback track.
The reason for being in the area was to build and commission a satellite based telecommunications system for the Warlpiri people of the Tanami Desert. Prior to the completion of the project their only comms was via the HF radio. I was well equipped for the project with late model Toyota LC, H F radio system with dial up features and the usual supplies in case of an emergency. Once the satellite earth station was up and running I was able to talk back into Sydney ( Belrose). Bruce
Great video and trip. Would've been good to see you go from Bililuna to Nicholson Stn and north to Kununurra...was all dirt and it skirts Purnuluiu
Are you talking about the Duncan and Buntine? I did those some years ago and other then a couple of bull dust patches, I remember them being good roads (for Adventure Riders).
Thabks for watching.
Between you guys and workshop Wednesday my viewing is complete 😊😊
I’m glad we could be of service.
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Got diesel at Rabbit Flat road house in 1999 it flogged the crap outta my off-road camper trailer, love your video very well done
Thanks for the positive feedback…next upload is tomorrow (Saturday).
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I used to be 1 of the drilling mob. Rockdrill contractors. Rabbit flat was the place to go for Anzac Day, massive bbq's, and two up events. That place would go offf. Brings back good memories 😊
It would probably be on a par as the Melbourne Cup, Birdsville Races or Bathurst 1,000….for those guys who use to go there and form great memories of a life lived long ago. Hope you enjoyed your journey down Memory Lane. Thanks for watching.
Steve ! Thanks for remaining so faithful to the job description There's no place like home
You are very welcome
Enjoying your trips away with a like minded, self reliant group of people and keeping your machines working. Used to work for group that hold Carranya station north of Bililuna and Tanami road is being sealed to NT border in next couple of years.
Steve i have only just found your channel mate and i must say i enjoy watching your channel so much . I have travelled a lot of the lower south west of WA and love how you present your journey with us all . Were they pushbikes you guys passed
Hi Dave, Welcome aboard. Yes, two Swedish tourist on bikes...crazy. In a later vid, you'll see a guy walking along Great Northern Highway pushing a barrow, also crazy!
Love your drone footage and melody. Recording mates riding their bikes gives another perspective.
Overall, awsome video of Tanami.
Sad about that last scene. hope guys inside are ok..
More to come!
Bloody hell Steve. That guy who went off the road is bloody lucky you were in the right place at perhaps the wrong time (for them)
I was a little surprised I was first on scene cause other people would have witnessed it before me I think. Maybe people don’t want to get involved. Watch the next vid…out in a few days.
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Bloody tourists made me chuckle .
Mongrel downs close by renamed Tanami downs..Rabbit flat a weather station was the only weather station for 500 kms...makes me teary spent many nights playing eight ball in that room...Bruce Farrell left us with the key often..sad that it's abandoned
Warrants sorry
Farrands
Great vid mate and spectacular country.
Old mate in the car n van was sitting way too close for all the dust. If you radio the trucks and let them know your steam past they will hold steady.
How do you find the 1250 on dirt … touring is perfect but soft stuff is it a bit heavy?
You need a particular skill set and it is a handful in the snotty stuff. It is a very versatile bike and is only limited by the skill set of the Pilot. It is perfect for what I do….Outback touring. I love it!
Loving this series Steve, sittin here in Tokyo with a cuppa hiding from the rain fabulous episode again. Many more to come hopefully ?
Next upload in a few days. Tokyo??? I’m currently cycle touring South Korea and have been blessed by good weather.
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@@mongreldogproductions enjoy the good food over there Steve, I know i love tucking in to it when I visit 😄
Hi Steve, thanks for this Ep which is Epic on a M/C.
25:45 I carry a small bottle of Oil of Cloves and an ear bud stick for application - stops tooth ache almost instantly. I also carry Amoxil for tooth abscesses; and a pain killer a little bit stronger than Panadol Forte.
The latter two are script only but an understanding GP will prescribe them, before journey's start, when the remote travel situation is well described.
Another tip - GPs can do 'tele' scripts - my GP is able to digitally provide a script to a pharmacy in a nominated town before I arrive; I call her and then I get an SMS when the job's done; show the SMS which has the script authority in it and the RSM's your uncle. Class 8 MAINTDEM satisfied.
There was no Pharmacy for about 1,500km where we were going but we did pick up some clove oil in the middle of bu* f*** nowhere at all remote community. It all worked out well in the end. Thanks for watching.
This brought back memories for me. In 2005 I took the then Belgian ambassador on a camping trip through the Kimberlys. We camped at Rabbit Flat and the ambassador enjoyed speaking French to the wife of the owner. Someone should do an archeological dig near the campsite as there was smallish quarry/cutting full of all sorts of rubbish.
@@nealgowen Geez…you took the then Belgian Ambassador on a camping trip 😂😂😂😂welcome to Outback Australia!
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Full of envy for what you do and see - makes my efforts seem puny although I have travelled much of Western Europe and east coast USA on four wheels as well as some fairly long trips in UK on m/bike. Next year I’m planning to have shifted some weight and riding a 125 to the Alps - I could do it on a big bike but there is no challenge in that! I have seen much of Australia thanks to you and Million Dollar Bogan!! Thanks mate love your vids 😊
Many thanks!
Another great vid. You could clean up Rabbit Flats and have a reunion there ever year.
That's a great idea!
Good to see the drone back in action,adds a lot.
Nice goin. Some Nice Corigations you had there. Could use one of thos blokes with the grader and caravan we saw in one of your last vids. Nice goin, glad Tom go thru there. Done well again, lookin forward to the nextie. Thanks m8, stay vertical Eh!
Next upload in a few days.
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Another fantastic video Steve. Never done the Tanami but great to see it. I did do the Gary Junction road around Haasts Bluff a while back. Great country. I always pull over when those road trains approach and also turn off the engine of my 4WD so as not to suck all the dust onto the air filter. I think you left your engine running? Hard to tell on the video. Anyway many thanks for all the time you spend making and editing these videos.
Thanks for the positive feedback..it makes all the effort worthwhile.
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Good shit Steve , adventure season just starting here in NZ ❤
Your videos never disappoint. Looking forward to finding out what happened with the car and driver 🍻
Coming soon!
What spectacular country and it all looks in such good Nic following the rain. Those drone shots were ace 👍 a shocking end to that video, let’s hope all on board were ok
Glad you enjoyed it. Watch this space.
Blimey, wasn't expecting that ending 🫣 I spent a few miserable weeks picking onions in Kununurra back in the really 90s 🥵 😅
I’m really enjoying your adventures Steve. Almost makes me want to sell my road bike and get an adventure bike!
Go for it! It will open up a whole new world.
Rabbit Flat Roadhouse closed at the end of 2010. Photos of its more glamorous days can be found online.
Correct…
Sad to see Rabbit Flat in ruins, visited there around 20 years ago, we had a beer and spoke with Bruce (Farrands) , he was an intelligent and well informed man. I hope he got to enjoy retirement.
Retired in Alice I think…never met him but would have liked to.
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Great vid as usual..you made a comment about doing highway speeds not having to fuel save...interested as to how fast you are generally going on these roads as I have a 21.6ft off road van towed with a trailblazer and do between 75 to 85kph on likes of oodnadata etc.
Good question! It will depend on your skill set and how comfortable you feel at speed. The big BMW can handle some pretty snotty conditions at speed and can comfortably handle those outback roads at 110 o r120. When it goes pear shaped, it can get ugly quickly and that is the trap for young Grasshoppers. I’ve been lucky.
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When Bruce and Jackie Farrands ran the Rabbit Flat Roadhouse it was a Godsend and a popular waterhole for all sorts of wildlife, including local indigenous folk. And it did get wild from time to time. So much so that Bruce would wear a handgun at times and be connected with Darwin for assistance should be needed... Army and Police. Truly the Wild West.
Ah, good times.
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I was there in 77, the welcome sign had welcome to Rabbit Flat, population 2 was crossed out and a 4 was put next to it and it said we had twins 😂
Correct…
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@@mongreldogproductions I remember the lady was so sweet to us, the little shop was the post office, corner store (not on a corner), the hospital, the petrol station and the pastor if needed, 😂, what a really cool memory.
Very disappointed to see Rabbit Flat abandoned went through in 1988 and still have the stubbie holder
Might be worth some money on EBay 😂😂😂
@@mongreldogproductions you might be right original plastic with foam insert not many of them still around
Nothing worse than a tooth issue whilst on the road and reasonably remote!! 😮 I had to have first stage root canal surgery done in Broome back in 2015 (after the tooth got infected at Point Samson), then 2nd stage in Townsville 8 weeks later....only to get home 3 months after that to be told the tooth actually couldn't be saved and needed to be extracted!!! A very expensive exercise! Hopefully you got yours sorted!! 👍
Yeah, it was a positive outcome for me thankfully. I’m glad I live in a first world country.
Thanks for watching.
Great video mate. Luv following along on google earth.
Thanks 👍
Beautiful
Thank you! Cheers!
FLAT NOT FLATS, FLAT NOT FLATS!!! But you're still a legend, that place was great when it was open
Go on, bust my balls. Gimme a break.
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Itchy boots is getting a new bike. Very interesting discussion with the bike builder in latest vid.
What is an itchy boot???
google it
What great way to travel the outback
What a way to finish this episode! An old fashioned cliff hanger!!! Love it and look forward to the next one! And one quick question. I have been watching your videos for a few years; how many ks on the clock of the GS?
More to come! 150,000km last time I checked. 😀
Great video Steve ride safe
Thanks 👍
If your tail end Charlie carries something important, he's never left behind 😅
I stayed there for a couple of nights in their last year, 2009, when I rode my bicycle to Halls Creek and beyond. Bruce was the most foul-mouthed bloke I ever came across, but he was an entertainer who had plenty of stories, some of which might have been true. They closed because they needed to put in new tanks to take Opal fuel, but the ground was solid limestone and needed plenty of explosives to excavate. He said for the amount of fuel they sold each year there was no way to pay for the installation. Jacqui was the calm one because he needed it. Don't know if they are still around, but they were in poor health back then.
I believe they moved to the Alice. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Great video, i really appreciate the effort you put in to make a great channel, even with a toothache....
Thank you very much!
Back in 1984 I worked there at the gold Fields drank at the Rabbit Flats pub it was owned by a French Couple those were the days, on pension day alot of indigenousness came in to buy grog haven't been back there for ages, from Qld 🦘
Another “ cliffhanger “ !!
Gotta keep ‘em hooked.
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I wonder if the road to Warrego is still there. From the 80's.
Dunno, you should jump on a bike (or in a car) and go for a ride/drive. Let me know how you go.
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I was there a few years ago and there was hardly anyone there
Really Sad it closed, an Essential stop for Remote Australia
By crikey talk about leaving us on a cliff hanger! BTW when are you going to do the CSR? Might need a lighter bike for that one though!
I’ve done the CSR…twice! But not on a bike. Too old for that shi* now. I’ll leave it to the young ones.
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@@mongreldogproductions You're 2 up on me then! Sadly I can't see myself ever doing that one.
The Leyland Brothers were never like this 😳
They were Pioneers…maybe the first ‘Influences’ back in the day😂😂😂.
Whoa! Just when you think everything was going smoothly... a car goes off the road. Lucky you were not in his path!
First to comment …. now I’ll watch it. 😂
Don’t have to say its good because I know it will be.
Geez, I hope I never disappoint!
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@@mongreldogproductions 😀😀
Steve, did the car leave the road to miss Tom? 🤦🏼♂️. Seriously I hope all turned out well for the occupants of the car.👍🏴
It was fortified so when the locals got drunk n started fights,he could lock it down ,when you bought a carton of beer it only just fit by small window in a room about the size of an old phone booth could only fit one person at a time
Granites to billuna is the the only bit of dirt left on the tanami?
It’s a work in progress but it will be sealed to the Granites within a couple of years. They are also working on the road from Gt Northern Highway to Biliuna so you better get in quick.
Thanks for watching.
@@mongreldogproductions driven it a few times, it’s one of those happy & sad at the same time moments. Sure bitumen for the win, but it’s going to lose its “remote” feeling
I guess there are worse places for Tom to have his head. Anyway, nice vid. Thanks
No problem
Had a laugh with the "poor prick in the caravan" comment. However the said poor prick could have backed of a couple of k's and enjoyed the scenery.
Most wobbly box "operators" would be dangerous towing a box trailer.
Ahh yes, the old 'MLOT' strikes silently (momentary lapse of talent / concentration)
You gotta agree…it is dark up there.
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@@mongreldogproductions 🕶🤣