bazzle22 wrote:

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Hi,

I like my caravanning, and in particular the free camping.

I have a trip to the Simpson Desert on my bucket list, and am wondering if any members are aware that this sort of trip is available to members. I have my Pajero, which is basically standard, but I assume would be quite adequate.

I would be interested if members are aware that these sorts of trips are available. I know tagalong tours are available, but the prices don't suit me. Maybe there are members with similar thoughts ??

Thank you for your feedback, Barry

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Ironically I was just doing some reading up on the Big Bopper tonight. A mate and me did the Simpson many years ago. One hell of a trip!

The QAA/French Line crossing is by far the easiest, and the shortest at 507 Km. This is the one we did. It runs from Birdsville (QLD) through to Mt Dare (SA).
The track is rated Medium/Hard by 4X4 Australia. These ratings vary a lot depending on who is doing them, so here is an over-view of the above rating:

• Medium -
  Combination of formed and drained tracks, possible rougher sections, water crossings. More remote, more prep and off-road skills required. Vehicle must have low-range gearing available.
  
  
• Hard -
  Uneven track surface (corrugations, washouts, sand, rutted, muddy, steep, water crossings), remote location, high prep levels required, vehicle must have low-range and high off ground clearance. Off-road tyres essential.

In my experience I would put the Simpson more to the hard rating. Although it is a combination of both. Between December 1st and March 15th the track is closed and no travellers are allowed entry to the desert, due to the extreme high temperatures at this time of year.

It isn't a trip for the light hearted. There are several large sand dunes to get over, this is where you need the clearance, and some rough tracks. Did I say it was very remote? When we were there we never seen any other vehicles for the whole duration of the trip.

You are going to need tyres suited for sand work, I am not sure what model Pajero you have, but I do assume you have a 4WD, to tackle the Simpson in a 2WD would be madness. It will also need low-range gearing.

You're going to have to be able to take a lot of fuel with you, be it petrol or diesel whichever your vehicle runs on. There is nothing out there in way of supplies, you need to take all you need.

Because you are travelling in a lot of sand you are going to be using a lot more fuel, so if you would normally do for example 100 Km and use 10 Litres of fuel, then double this for the Simpson due to the terrain - I know some will say you won't need that much, but what's better having fuel left over at the end or stuck in a highly inhospitable and volatile environment out of fuel. I'm sure you can work out which one is the best option here.

Add to this you are looking at around 5 Litres of water per day/per person as well. You will also need to obtain a permit from SA Parks and a camping permit as well.

If this is your first time into a very remote region I would highly suggest you go along with someone else (another vehicle), it will help in recovery if you get stuck in sand.
Speaking of which you should also have Maxtrax with you and a good shovel with a long handle.

You also need to have a red flag on the vehicle, usually attached to a fibreglass rod of some sort on the bull-bar or front of your vehicle. I don't know if this is law, although it is a generally expected thing you do within the 4WD community as it allows people on the other side of sand dunes to see you.

One of your vehicles (if going with someone else) is going to need either a RFDS/VKS-737 HF Radio or a Satellite Phone - the latter are expensive to run. UHF CB won't get you any help out here unless you happen to be lucky enough that there are others out there at the time that can hear your calls for help.  

We never had any major problems during out trip, with the exception of getting stuck on the top of a sand dune, this meant a few hours shovelling with the shovel. Back then we didn't have Maxtrax but we did have some old conveyor belt with ridges - so it served the same purpose.

If you are going alone, I would strongly advise you to read everything you can find on the Simpson desert, including weather patterns. It is a magic trip, and one you will want to do again - but it is surely up there with the more dangerous of trips you can do due to the remoteness and environment you are in, anyone who tells you otherwise is a fool.

Do your preparation, take the vehicle to a mechanic that specialises in off-road four wheel drives - stock standard mechanics simply do not understand the punishment or what is required in remote rugged areas.

I am intending on doing the Bopper again sometime in 2014. Although I have a little prep work to be done before that, as I won't be able to take the trailer in with me. Towing trailers behind you is the quickest way to get stuck fast out there.