How do you cross the Simpson Desert?
How do you cross the Simpson Desert?
10 tips for crossing the Simpson Desert
- Travelling West to East is easier than East to West.
- Best time to go.
- Allow at least 4 nights to do the crossing.
- Buy your desert parks pass well in advance.
- Carry about double your usual fuel usage.
- You must have a sand flag.
- UHF Channel 10.
What permits are required to cross the Simpson Desert?
Camping permits are required for Munga-Thirri (Simpson Desert) National Park, while a Desert Parks Pass is required for entry and camping in the Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve, as well as for camping at Purni Bore in Witjira National Park. While in the desert, self-sufficiency is essential.
Is the Simpson Desert closed?
The Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and Conservation Park has only recently re-opened. Since the summer of 2008/09 the park has been closed during the summer months due to the high risk of vehicles becoming bogged or breaking down in extreme temperatures.
Who first crossed the Simpson Desert?
explorer Reg Sprigg
A four-wheel-drive convoy has set off across the Simpson Desert in the outback to mark 50 years since the first motorised crossing of the region. The original journey was made by the late South Australian geologist and explorer Reg Sprigg, his wife Griselda and their children Doug and Marg.
What is the best time to cross the Simpson Desert?
Closed between December 1 and March 15, crossing the Simpson Desert takes a minimum of 4 days and demands low range and high ground clearance from your vehicle. The best time of the year is May to October, primarily for the purpose of getting far away from the soaring temperatures of a desert summer.
Do humans live in the Simpson Desert?
Aboriginal people have lived in and around the desert for at least 5000 years and continue to do so today. When European explorers and scientists began to venture into the Simpson Desert in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, it was widely thought that no one could possibly live in the harsh, waterless sand dunes.
Can you have a fire in the Simpson Desert?
No wood fires at any time Solid fuel fires allowed only in portable receptacles (including a bbq, brazier, fire box). Wood fires are allowed, but you must bring your own wood. In Munga-Thirri National Park (formerly Simpson Desert National Park) – in Queensland No fires of any kind are allowed.
How long does it take to cross the Simpson Desert?
4 days
Closed between December 1 and March 15, crossing the Simpson Desert takes a minimum of 4 days and demands low range and high ground clearance from your vehicle. The best time of the year is May to October, primarily for the purpose of getting far away from the soaring temperatures of a desert summer.
Why is the Simpson Desert Special?
The Simpson Desert is the last refuge of some rare Australian desert animals, including the fat-tailed marsupial mouse. Vast areas of the desert have been given protected status along the borders of Queensland, Northern Territory, and South Australia.
What should I bring to the Simpson Desert?
A pair of walking shoes and a good quality day pack is essential. You’ll need to carry your camera, food for a snack or lunch and most importantly water, even if the weather is cool and extra if it’s hot. Work out when extra fuel is really needed and, only fill jerry cans when necessary.
How many days does it take to cross the Simpson Desert?
You should allow at least 3-4 full days to cross the Simpson; the desert has no respect for itineraries so plan for the unexpected. Make sure you have a Desert Parks Pass, a flag that can be seen, at least 2.5 m high above the bull bar and a UHF radio on channel 10.
Where is Eyre Creek crossing on the QAA Line?
The Eyre Creek crossing on the QAA line lies about 59km west of Birdsville and 24km beyond Big Red. It can be visited on a pleasant afternoon return drive from town. You get to cross the largest dunes in the Simpson – twice. There’s just under twenty but they will be no problem in high range 4WD with tyre pressures at 20psi or less.
Can you cross the dunes at Eyre Creek?
It can be visited on a pleasant afternoon return drive from town. You get to cross the largest dunes in the Simpson – twice. There’s just under twenty but they will be no problem in high range 4WD with tyre pressures at 20psi or less. The creek may be flooded and be surrounded by sticky clay and prevent entry into the Simpson desert.
Where are the tracks in the Simpson Desert?
Going all the way though, is an altogether different type of adventure. There are three main tracks: the French Line (the shortest), the Rig Road (the longest and southern-most) and the WAA Line, all converging into the QAA Line near Poeppel Corner where the NT, SA and Queensland borders meet, 170km west of Birdsville.
Is it possible to cross the Simpson Desert?
Mindful that a wrong approach up a dune will leave you beached, up to your axles in hot red sand, sweat and a long-handled shovel your only salvation. Mindful that a miscalculation of how much water you need could be dire, a mechanical breakdown deadly, or at the very least, mind-shatteringly expensive.
