Should there be a group size limit in the Western Arthurs?

[biggbird]

I would agree with that TC, I think 4 is definitely the best size. Enough to have some extra help when needed, but not so much to stress resources as SBS rightly pointed out!

[tibboh]

PWS should advertise in as many places as possible that between December and February they have a new usage policy which limits group size to a maximum of 4 (maybe 5) on the Arthurs. Policing would be difficult and there are ways around, but at least it would lessen the impact somewhat. Anything is better than nothing. Bring the subject to the attention of prospective walkers who would use the internet to research the walk.

[Strider]

PWS should advertise in as many places as possible that between December and February they have a new usage policy which limits group size to a maximum of 4 (maybe 5) on the Arthurs.

Is this true? If not, why would they advertise with incorrect information?

[tibboh]

I'm saying that in my poinion this should be their new policy and advertise as such.

[Snowzone]

Quota system sounds reasonable but then other questions arise about how to administer it etc.
Maybe an online register of trips. Register group size, date leaving and planned route, then others could look on the web to see if there was going to be room for them to leave on a certain day? Not quite as regimented as the OLT as there would be no cap on numbers but it would allow people to plan there departure date to avoid bottlenecks. Just an idea

I like the idea of an online registry, although I'm sure it would somehow end up incurring fees and red tape and make the whole thing more regimental than we really want.
Oh, and I'm in a group of 5 planning to start walking on the 12th Jan. So of course there will be no other walkers start on that day now.

[north-north-west]

I like the idea of an online registry, although I'm sure it would somehow end up incurring fees and red tape and make the whole thing more regimental than we really want.
Oh, and I'm in a group of 5 planning to start walking on the 12th Jan. So of course there will be no other walkers start on that day now.

It takes more than that to scare me off.

[Snowzone]

I like the idea of an online registry, although I'm sure it would somehow end up incurring fees and red tape and make the whole thing more regimental than we really want.
Oh, and I'm in a group of 5 planning to start walking on the 12th Jan. So of course there will be no other walkers start on that day now.

It takes more than that to scare me off.

OK, well maybe we're walking naked and singing really bad 80's songs.

[north-north-west]

I'm deaf, so the singing's immaterial. As for the nudity . . . and good-looking blokes in the group?

[Nuts]

Quota system sounds reasonable but then other questions arise about how to administer it etc.
Maybe an online register of trips. Register group size, date leaving and planned route, then others could look on the web to see if there was going to be room for them to leave on a certain day? Not quite as regimented as the OLT as there would be no cap on numbers but it would allow people to plan there departure date to avoid bottlenecks. Just an idea

I like the idea of an online registry, although I'm sure it would somehow end up incurring fees and red tape and make the whole thing more regimental than we really want.
Oh, and I'm in a group of 5 planning to start walking on the 12th Jan. So of course there will be no other walkers start on that day now.

Good discussion, I like that idea - A 'Register'

I agree, unfortunately the current approach would likely involve fees. Then again just having a register with enough interest would be very useful for walkers and managing impact (to some extent).

I'm sure it wouldn't be a big deal to mimic the Overland Track online booking system for other areas (without the fees and other regulation), Walls, Frenchmans, WA, etc maybe a code with park pass renewal. Jump on the net and see how many plan to be there, too easy!

meh, the idea has likely been tossed around already..

I'd imagine the immediate concern would be groups indicating their trip/days and then not going, overbooking etc. Among the sort of people who do these more remote walks this may not necessarily be as chaotic as first imagined.

Guided groups are limited to six (+two guides)? as i understand. This would probably be ok if they went through alone, even at this size they must struggle for space at some of those sites in the WA's. One good aspect of a booking system register is as a chance for some education, at least recommending a group maximum size.

[baeurabasher]

Guided groups are limited to six (+two guides)? as i understand.

Is this a recent change? A few years back I bumped into a Tas Ex group of around 10-12.