While they may make for interesting topics of conversation, the traditional Australian drop dunny is hardly a thing of conventional beauty or a place you generally want to hang around longer than absolutely necessary.
With so many of these public facilities located in truly stunning locations, some people are beginning to wonder whether sub-standard toilets are a wasted opportunity and that a high-class loo can actually become a destination in its own right rather than a ‘necessary evil’.
With authorities in this country looking to replace some of the wooden and tin dunnies from a bygone area, perhaps they could find inspiration from overseas.
While there are plenty of examples of scenic loos, the one which recently opened in Norway perhaps offers the ultimate in scenic relief opportunities and has been dubbed ‘the number one place to have a number two’.
The Ureddplassen rest stop already has the advantage of being on the stunning Helgelandskysten scenic route where tourists can experience the northern lights in winter and midnight sun in summer.
But, following a $2 million overhaul, the rest area now also boasts a curvaceous bathroom facility, that melds into the surrounding stunning landscape. The wave-shaped structure has opaque floor-to-ceiling windows and, as travellers step out from the loo, they will be confronted by unobstructed views of Fugløyfjorden, a fjord framed in a most dramatic fashion by a series of craggy mountain peaks.
Outside there are several benches crafted from locally sourced Norwegian Rose marble can be found on the poured concrete viewing terrace, and a flight of stairs that lead straight down to a tranquil beach.
“The view from the steps is unique and there is ample seating well protected from traffic noise,” said Steinar Skaar, route manager for Helgelandskysten. “Together with the local contractor, we have succeeded in emphasising the qualities that the architect and the landscape architect intended.”
The brain surgeons in Parks Victoria are replacing long drop toilets which have traditionally been made of timber with steel walled and corrugated covered edifices. The old style used to burn completely away during a bush fire and all that was needed was a new one put over where it once was. Now they have to remove the twisted steel before they can replace. Not the most intelligent thinking IMHO.
Too many timber long drops were destroyed for camp fire wood.
Then look around – you will find some good dunnies all over oz — for instance why can;t they make them out of concrete tanks like the concrete crapper at Minnipa in Sa — this is a beauty stands all sorts of graffiti and is eye catching
How long do you think these would last in the bush without being vandalised?