Simpson Desert Planning

Submitted: Wednesday, Jun 01, 2011 at 20:27

ThreadID: 86692 Views:1884 Replies:2 FollowUps:2

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Member - Rob K (VIC)

Hi all,
I'm planning my first crossing of the Simpson Desert in Sept/Oct this year and would like to get some suggestions for camp sites locations as we go across the desert west to east. Will be following the trek for Simpson Desert in ExplorOz (or something like it) and starting the trip at Dalhousie Springs. Plan to visit Lone Gum, Peoppel Corner and then through to Birdsville via Big Red. Looking to take 4-5 days averaging about 100kms or less per day (if that's not too ambitious?). Would like to hear from others about the best camp site locations along the way (if there is such a thing in the Simmo). Was thinking about camping at Lynnie's Junction, Lone Gum, Peoppel Corner, Site 2 Spinifex Dune and then to Birdsville (Hema Maps).

Are there any "no camping" areas I should be aware of and where have others camped on previous trips? Travelling in a party of 3 vehicles. Would appreciate your suggestions.

Thanks in anticipation of some great feedback.

Rob K

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Reply By: Crackles - Wednesday, Jun 01, 2011 at 21:08

Wednesday, Jun 01, 2011 at 21:08

Rob the trip can be done comfortably in 3 days so your allowance of 5 will mean a pretty relaxed pace.
Generally any main feature in the desert has been over camped so timber can be a little scarse. Peopells in particular is an ordinary campsite especially when the wind gets up. I prefer to just keep an eye open for a camp from 3 o'clock onwards stopping at the first good looking option. Often just running down between the dunes for a few hundred metres will find a nice camp out of the wind with a bit of wood. If dry, the numerous clay pans (Not salt lakes) are a nice flat area to set up tents. The one location I would aim for is Eyre creek as by then the water would have receded & there'd be some nice spots with water holes & plenty of wildlife.
Have a great trip............

Cheers Craig.

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Follow Up By: Member - Rob K (VIC) - Wednesday, Jun 01, 2011 at 21:30

Wednesday, Jun 01, 2011 at 21:30

Thanks Craig, sound good advice.

Rob K.

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Reply By: Member - Chris and Lindsay (VI - Wednesday, Jun 01, 2011 at 22:27

Wednesday, Jun 01, 2011 at 22:27

We did a Sept/Oct trip across in 2006 and it was stinking hot so please take heaps of water. We stopped at Purni Bore and had a shower but otherwise just found a spot between the dunes each night. Have a fantastic trip.
Cheers, Chris.

AnswerID: 456115