29 Day Simpson Desert Crossing 2007

Departing June 30th 2007

On this Simpson Desert crossing you will see both the central and southern sections of this immense inland desert. The Simpson Desert is not just an area of unrelenting sand dunes as you would envisage, but if recent rains have been through, a glorious garden of wildflowers.

We head north from Peterborough, passing the magnificent peaks of the Flinders Ranges on our way to Maree. From Maree we head further north up the Birdsville Track to Birdsville and have a day to explore the area, including the Working Museum, a stand of rare Waddi trees, and the famous Birdsville racetrack.  We leave Birdsville to start our adventure across the desert, crossing Big Red, the flood channels of Eyre creek and Poeppel Corner. We will visit the Approdinna Attora Knolls as well as the wetlands created by the flow of artesian water from Purnie Bore, and Dalhousie Springs, a natural mound spring where the water is extremely relaxing. There is also time to visit the ruins of Dalhousie Homestead before heading to Mount Dare to enjoy the luxury of the Guest House. From Mount Dare we will turn back east and rejoin the Rig Road driving through the white dunes and huge dry lake beds of the southern Simpson. Following the Warburton Track, we will camp on the banks of the Warburton Creek before taking the Inside Track back to Birdsville.

Leaving the desert behind, we head south down the Birdsville Track to the Walkers Crossing Track that will take us through the Moomba gas and oil fields, as we travel to the Cooper Creek and Innamincka. A three night stay on the banks of the Cooper will give us time to visit the grave sites of Burke and Wills, the King Tree, the Dig Tree and the Cullyamurra Waterhole. We will take a day trip through the Cooper Flood plain to Coongie Lakes, a vast but shallow wetland that sustains a myriad of wildlife. The lakes are surprising in such an arid region.

From Innamincka, we travel down the Bore Track and past Bollards Lagoon before a visit to the "Corner Store" at Cameron Corner, where three states meet. We then travel through the Dog Fence, the longest man made structure in the world, and through Sturt National Park to Tibooburra. From Tibooburra we travel to Broken Hill via the once thriving gold town of Milparinka, and Depot Glen, the waterhole that kept Sturt alive during his search for the inland sea. On our last night you will finish your tour with a celebration dinner, before retiring for the night at the Lakeview Caravan Park.

Included in the tour fees

• All camping, caravan park, National Park fees and Desert Parks Passes.
• Guided tour of Birdsville Working Museum
• Services of qualified tour leaders - fully equipped escort vehicle
• Satellite phone and emergency first aid kit.
• Hot bush showers in the evening (where water is available)

Please Note:

This is a self catered, tag along tour. All drinks, meals, tours and entries are the responsibility of the participants. All vehicles must have both high and low range and suitably rated recovery points on the front and rear of the vehicle. Each vehicle must carry rated shackles and snatch strap. All vehicles must be in top mechanical condition and a full trip inspection is to be carried out prior to the trip. The onus for this is on the vehicle owner. Evidence must be provided prior to final payment of the tour fees.

Terms and Conditions

This tour is not suitable for camper trailers/vans or low clearance vehicles.