The Wandering Tops: Quarantine in NT

Arriving at the Qld/NT border security check point

After having a rest day at Camooweal we had prepared ourselves for an early start with some paperwork already completed ready to present on arriving at the NT/Qld border. We still hadn't had any information regarding our application submitted to the NT Chief Health Office for Exemption to Mandatory Quarantine so anticipated that we would be require to quarantined for 14 days, probably in Tennant Creek being the closest town, 470 km away.

One of the many forms which had to be completed to continue our journey into NT
Who would have thought you would need to do this to travel within Australia

At the border we had more paperwork to complete, some to confirm we knew there would be a cost to us to cover the quarantine and some regarding our travel plans. The NT police officer who attended to our paperwork had to make arrangements with NT Chief Health Office for our accommodation and was helpful in trying to have our caravan close to us and in a secure area while we where in quarantine. The regulations prohibit you quarantining in a caravan or motorhome as the premises has to be self contained with a bathroom and kitchen. After 45 minutes wait and still no confirmation from NT Health regarding our quarantine destination, the Police instructed us to start travelling to Tennant Creek and report to the Bio-security check point upon arrival. The Police would then advise where we would be staying for the Mandatory Quarantine period.

Soudan Bore for morning coffee stop - had to sit in van due to the fly invation

Barkly Homestead Roadhouse, normally a very busy stop.

After travelling for more than 5 hours, only stopping for short breaks, we approached the Bio-security check point as we came into Tenant Creek and was met by another Police Officer who asked where we were going? To this I replied "I understand that you should be telling me" in my most polite manner. I then continued to inform him that we had been instructed at the border control to report to Bio-security check point for our accommodation details. He hadn't received any instructions, so another half an hour later and numerous phone calls, we were informed that we had been booked into the Outback Caravan Park and could stay in a cabin opposite where our caravan would be stored.

Bio-security Check Point

Our accommodation in the caravan park is a cabin, approximately 3 m x 5 m en-suite and a small kitchenette, yes bigger than the caravan but not much. The main difference is that we are restricted to staying in close proximity to the cabin. Initially we sat out on the small deck but because it wasn't really big enough for two chairs I convinced Helen that we could sit next to the deck ..... wrong, we were told this was out of bounds! I also wanted to open the caravan up to allow ventilation through but I wasn't allowed across the road about 10 metres to do this. The environmental representative then allowed us to move the caravan next to the cabin and put a fence around the area, Helen said to keep me in, but this now does allow us out into this small area and we are complying with the quarantine regulations.

Each day we have a visit from Welfare officers and the Environmental Officer who is escorted by the Army and sometimes the Police. They are checking on our welfare and making sure we are coping with the confinement. Helen is enjoying reading and loving the meals as she does not have to cook and Chicken Parmigiana is on the dinner menu!

After 5 days in Mandatory Quarantine we had a call from a NT Chief Health Officer representative who was initially responding to an email enquiry following up our Application for Exemption. From this call the application was escalated as it had been in the system for over 2 weeks and we were now in Mandatory Quarantine. After reviewing our application we did have the opportunity to travel to our house in Darwin and complete the 14 day Quarantine period. We chose not to do this as we felt the restrictions to drive the 1,000 km and then to take every thing out of our caravan into the house and arrange for food deliveries etc was going to be too difficult and didn't allow for any flexibility should something not go to plan. So now by staying in quarantine at Tennant Creek we can complete the 14 days and receive a certificate on completion, then leave here without constraints other than abiding by NT COVID-19 restrictions. Might just add here that within 5 minutes of advising the NT Health Officer representative that we would stay at Tennant Creek for quarantining they sent through an email that the Exemption Application had been withdrawn. Wonder why we waited over 2 weeks for action to be taken when we submitted forms!!!!

After our initial concerns about being quarantined in Tennant Creek we have settled into the restricted lifestyle and feel fortunate that we are able to open windows for fresh air (even though no fly screens) and have access to an outside deck and limited surrounds. Another couple from Darwin came in after our arrival - they also crossed the NT/Qld border - unfortunately no combined Happy Hours allowed. Amazing how the days go by and I am able to get the Blog up to date, while Helen has a healthy supply of books to read. The highlight of the day is when we have visitors checking our welfare and checking we have not absconded during the night, housekeeping staff to restock supplies (although they cannot come into the cabin) and the Cafe owners delivering our meals! Must say that all these people have been extremely friendly and happy to have a bit of a chat. The meals supplied by Top of the Town Cafe have been great and plentiful - good we have double doors to get out of after our 14 days of eating! Huge thanks to Nicole and Lincon for top quality food and beverages.