Simpson Desert Crossing May this year

dazz49 · Senior Member

Simpson Desert Crossing May this year

Explorer · Guru

Daz Hi,

One problem with the Simpson is that it hooks You & You want to keep going back. Time to cross??

The disadvantage with a May crossing is that sometimes water can be a problem, the big advantage is that the dunes are not as chopped up as later in the season & there are less travellers. The dunes are much lower to the west and increase in size as You come east also the dunes are further apart then get closer together.

Suggestions to consider! Camera, spare camera battery & SD card. I also carry a portable charger pack that also charges smart phone etc.

LEd headlight/torch. I carry a 400x400 piece of form ply to use as a jack base. As well as my rubbish bag I carry another that I collect rubbish from camp sites (repayment for past indescretions).

Good compressor. Long handle shovel. Put a lanyard on Your "bog boards".

Have numerous emergency no's if You want.

Enjoy the trip give Yourselves an extra day it truly is a magical place.

Regards Mike.

-- Edited by Explorer on Thursday 7th of April 2016 11:21:29 AM

sandsmere · Guru

We crossed the Simpson in May last year. Great trip.

Took our time and camped 3 nights in the desert.

Went with a mate that has done it 6 times now. He's always carried bog boards but never used them.

Thinking about going again. Probably May next year.

Gregs1 · Member

Hi Guys,

All has been covered very well really. The only other thing that I did was attach the tall vision Flags (like the miners use) to show approaching vehicles while crossing the dunes. I also notified someone at both ends, usually police, and notified them when through. This was a while ago, so now days with so many people doing the crossing this is probably not necessary.

Enjoy the trip

Regards,

Greg

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

A PLB (Personal Locator Beacon).

Cheers,
Peter

Desert Dweller · Senior Member

Wait a while & you might be able to grab a Big Mac along the way. Apparently MacDonalds are thinking of opening a drive thru on the Gibb River road. The Simpson Desert next.

dirvine · Senior Member

The Simpson crossing is now a highway with the number of vehicles crossing. I did it last year in July and Dailhousie was packed. Thats a great place to stay a day or two and chill out (or is that heat up) in the spring!. The most basic things are DONT overload your car. Many cars, mainly the unbreakable type had bent chasis being carried off the tracks. Make sure you lower tyre pressure. 20psi is a good place to start, and go south if that does not work for you. Doing the main track (French line) you will come across so much traffic you will think its 5pm peak hour. Head south past Purni Bore and do Rigg and Knolls Road is a nice detour and you can see the lone gum tree which now has about 4 gum trees growing. I hardly think a PLB is necessary given the traffic. But a UHF radio on channel 10 is a must to warn people as you approach sand dune crests. We did it in 5 easy days ie pulling camp at 9.00pm and stopping at 3pm, so you can gather wood and cook in the light.