Happy New Year 2022 | Maralinga Tours

Thanks for your patience, it has been a topsy-turvy ride with the COVID monster and we are finally ready to open up for bookings. Tours will begin in April with the first being on the 5th April. As per usual, they will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays through until the end of October.

Two day tours will generally be scheduled for the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Some dates may already be taken by groups.2021 was a relatively successful year despite the lock-downs and lock-outs.

Our new guides have further developed the tour and settled into its presentation during 2021, feedback has been fantastic. They have also been busy researching historical and technical facts and figures and are constantly adding to the museum exhibits and tour itself.

The Team

The Maralinga team on-site, consists of Roger and Priscilla Petersen and Greg and Jacqui Phillips. Roger is the village and site manager and an accredited atomic safety officer as well as airport manager. Priscilla and Greg present the tour together, combining and sharing their knowledge well. Jacqui makes sure that the facilities are neat, tidy and clean and everyone has hand in making sure that your stay is pleasant and informative.

The Maralinga team on-site, consists of L-R Greg & Jacqui Phillips and Priscilla & Roger Petersen

Offsite, with bookings, email and on the phone, you’ll mostly be talking to Tim Froling. He’s the dude in front of the GQ Patrol in the banner. Behind the scenes, our wonderful CEO and staff at Ceduna process permits and other important bits and pieces.

Accommodation

During 2022 we hope to bring new accommodation online for groups and individuals. This will be in one of the original “BQ” buildings which is being renovated and fitted out. We’re not sure when this will be ready, but will keep you informed when it does come online.

The COVID Monster

As always, COVID looms large in our minds. In 2022 we will be strictly enforcing our protocols related to COVID. This will mean that all participants will need to be fully vaccinated and by April this will probably mean the two shots AND a booster.

COVID declarations and vaccination certificates will need to be submitted for every participant before travelling. Notification will be emailed that travel permits have been approved or not, so if that hasn’t happened, make sure you call and check.

The phone-in check and 3 days prior to the tour will be insisted upon.

People will NOT be able to roll up at the gate with their paperwork.

We will no longer be taking bookings within 4 days of a tour – to allow for processing time.

On a lighter note

Below. Over time and with the odd rainstorm, gems like this have been uncovered. This is a model tank, minus its turret, which shows scars of a nuclear test blast. After being checked by our atomic safety officer, it can be now be seen at one of the blast sites.

Model Tank at One Tree, note tracks detail

Over time and with the odd rainstorm, gems like this have been uncovered. This is a model tank, minus its turret, which shows scars of a nuclear test blast. After being checked by our atomic safety officer, it can be now be seen at One Tree blast sites.

So, despite the protocols, Maralinga Tours offers a slice of history that is unique, interesting, shocking and very thought-provoking. We’d be very happy to see you here and show you around!