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Serpentine Chalet
Podcast

Serpentine Chalet

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Serpentine Chalet was the first attempt to cater for tourism in a remote location in Central Australia. Built by the Ansett-Pioneer conglomerate with help from West Macs tourism operator Len Tuit, the resort was luxurious by the standards of the day and the location. However, the Chalet only operated for a few years and served as a salient warning to the development of unsustainable tourism. Plagued by lack of water and the difficulty of supply and maintenance, all that remains now are the foundations that were built to service the needs of the guests.

Serpentine Chalet was the first attempt to cater for tourism in a remote location in Central Australia. Built by the Ansett-Pioneer conglomerate with help from West Macs tourism operator Len Tuit, the resort was luxurious by the standards of the day and the location. However, the Chalet only operated for a few years and served as a salient warning to the development of unsustainable tourism. Plagued by lack of water and the difficulty of supply and maintenance, all that remains now are the foundations that were built to service the needs of the guests.

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Resort Style Living (Image copyright: John Spencer)

SERPENTINE CHALET John Spencer describes the basic amenities of the early Serpentine Chalet and how the resort was constructed. Photo courtesy John Spencer, capt: Tourist buses at Serpentine Chalet
Travel and places 15 years
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01:20

Serpentine Tours (Image copyright: John Spencer)

SERPENTINE CHALET Remote locations can sometimes call for some creative thinking in helping visitors.
Travel and places 15 years
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01:22

The beginnings of Tourism

ALL LOCATIONS Centralian Historian, Dick Kimber talks of the development of tourism in Central Australia. Image Source: Alice Springs Historical Images, Alice Springs Town Library Roger Crowe
Travel and places 15 years
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01:41

Fire Management

ALL LOCATIONS Fire is an important tool for managing the ecology of the area.
Travel and places 15 years
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02:02

Fire Sensitive Plants

SERPENTINE CHALET Ranger Michael Barritt narrates how fire is a way of life for much of the Park, but some areas offer refuge.
Travel and places 15 years
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01:22

Spotted Nightjar

ALL LOCATIONS The Spotted Nightjar is an elusive fly-by-night character.
Travel and places 15 years
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01:09
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