Maralinga Airport

NoneAU 🇦🇺 Small Airport

ICAO

YMRA

IATA

-

Elevation

- ft

Region

AU-SA

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: YMRA

Local Code: Not available

Location: -30.1633° N, 131.625° E

Continent: OC

Type: Small Airport

Terminal Information Not Available
Terminal arrivals and departures are only available for airports with scheduled commercial service and IATA codes.

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Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Recent traveler experiences at Maralinga Airport (YMRA) indicate a highly specialized destination, primarily catering to those interested in "dark tourism" and the history of nuclear testing. Overall traveler sentiment is positive among visitors with this specific interest, who find the site incredibly informative and a unique historical experience, despite its remote location and the associated costs.

What Travelers Love
  • Historical Significance: Visitors highly value the opportunity to explore the former British nuclear testing grounds, including the blast sites and the remains of the military personnel village. The guided tours are praised for providing in-depth information about this significant and somber chapter of Australian history.
  • Impressive Airstrip: The 3,000-metre bitumen airstrip is a major highlight, noted for its excellent condition despite decades without significant maintenance. It was originally built for flying equipment into the site and even served as an emergency landing site for the US Space Shuttle.
  • Safety and Remediation: Travelers appreciate that the site has undergone extensive clean-up and rehabilitation, supervised by ARPANSA, and is certified safe for public visitation. Radiation levels at the village are even reported to be lower than in some urban areas.
  • On-site Amenities (at Village): While basic, the Maralinga Village campground offers essential amenities for overnight visitors, including hot showers, laundry facilities, and mobile phone/internet access (Optus and Telstra).
  • Informative Guides: The tour guides are frequently highlighted for their passion and knowledge, enhancing the understanding and experience of the site's legacy.
Common Complaints
  • Remoteness and Access Costs: Maralinga is a highly remote location, approximately 400 km northwest of Ceduna, making access challenging and costly, particularly for "fly-in" tours. Driving in is also demanding and time-consuming.
  • Lack of Traditional Airport Services: Maralinga Airport (YMRA) is not a commercial airport in the traditional sense; therefore, it lacks typical terminal facilities, amenities, security checkpoints, and customs/immigration services.
  • Permit Requirements and Limited Season: Access to the Maralinga Tjarutja lands and the test site is restricted and requires pre-arranged permits, which are typically included with tour bookings. Tours are also seasonal, generally running from April to October due to extreme heat outside these months.
  • Basic Accommodation and BYO Policy: Accommodation at the village is basic, primarily camping or dongas/bunkhouses. Historically, visitors were advised to BYO (bring your own) meals and alcohol.

Overall, Maralinga Airport and its associated tours offer a profoundly educational and immersive experience for individuals with a strong interest in Cold War and nuclear history. While the journey is challenging and the amenities are minimal, the unique historical insights and the well-preserved infrastructure, especially the impressive airstrip, make it a worthwhile destination for the niche "nuclear tourist."

Generated False weeks ago

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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

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Airport Routes

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For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
18/36 7217 ft - ft B Active

Type Description Frequency
CTAF CTAF 122.4 MHz
MISC MISC 120.0 MHz
MISC MISC 120.6 MHz
MISC MISC 123.4 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency

Ground Transportation

Ground Transportation Information

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Public Transportation

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Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.