SIMPSON DESERT
July 4, 2020 - July 25, 2020
How long is the trip?: 3 or 4 weeks – individual choice Meeting place: TBA Departure time: TBA About the trip: The trip has been designed as either a 3 or 4 week trip depending on time available. The 3 week option will essentially finish in the Flinders Ranges and allow time to get back to Sydney. The 4 week option will move via the Eyre Peninsula, Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay and then back to Sydney. The Simpson leg – Birdsville to Dalhousie Springs is approx. 420km’s or 5 days. This allows for 5-6 hrs of driving/day at around 15-20km/h.
We will be moving most days so your set-up will need to be simple.
We would like to limit group to 8 cars. This trip started as a personal trip that I have opened up to the Club. I have 4 cars (including mine) already booked for trip, so we essentially have 4 spots left.
Grade of trip: Hard is the best way to describe trip. The Simpson could be challenging in spots with the track in poor shape and/or dunes steep. We are going East to West so the dunes are generally a bit steeper due to the prevailing winds. There will lots of dirt/corrugations as well so we will need to manage tyre pressures to ensure we look after tyres and make the trip more comfortable.
Last stop for water, fuel, food
Camping details: No trailers allowed on this trip. The various Simpson National Parks do not recommend trailers as they damage the track and it’s very hard on trailers/cars (Mt Dare Hotel has a paddock full of trailers that didn’t quite make it). Your choice of tent, swag, rooftop etc. We will be bush/free camping most of the way. We will have to book camping in the Alice, Uluru, Coffin Bay. You won’t have access to 240v most of the way.
Access for tent/trailer/camper/caravan: No trailers allowed on this trip. Your choice of tent, swag, rooftop etc
Facilities: As we will be bush/free camping most of the way – you will need to consider toilet/shower arrangements. We will not be necessarily planning our camping spots around access to either toilets or showers, although I expect we won’t have any real issues here apart from the 4 day Simpson leg. You should plan to take a portable toilet or be prepared to dig a hole.
What to bring: Personal
It will be winter and you can expect below zero temps right throughout the Simpson, Red Centre and Flinders. You should ensure you bring adequately warm clothing. Good quality sleeping bags (suggest those with a comfort rating of -5deg C (anythign less on it’s own will mean you are cold and not happy. You should also ensure you have good wet weather protection. If it starts to rain we will need to manage the best way possible and that might include spending lots of time out of the car. Janice and I are completely sold on polar fleece sheets – you can get them on line. They are toasty warm in winter.
Vehicle
Obviously this trip is going to cover a lot of ground but will also be travelling in extremely remote country. Vehicle will need to be in excellent condition with a pre-trip inspection/service recommended. It’s also suggested you carry a broad range of spares & tools specific to your car including but not limited to:- oil, belts, hoses, shock(s), a comprehensive tool kit. Each car should also the normal gear expected on such a trip including:- recovery equipment, traction boards, winch would be handy but not imperative. Good all terrain tyres and lift are essential. Diff locks would also be handy but I think we can manage without.
Other things
small chainsaw, fridge,
The last trip Dust n Dirt did through the Simpson, there were a number of shock absorber failures. Shocks are relatively cheap and new ones are good insurance. This also applies to your cranking battery. It will be winter so it will be under the greatest strain and it’s this time is when many fail.
Water/fuel
This is something that will very much depend on your vehicle and the number of occupants.
Fuel – most cars report a 50% increase in fuel consumption during the Simpson leg. The total distance from Birdsville to Mt Dare is approx. You will need to work through this and establish how much fuel you will need. In most cases – expect to carry a number of jerrys with both water and fuel. Outside of the Simpson, fuel is available in many places and shouldn’t be an issue.
Water – again this is something you will need to work based on the people in your vehicle. A good rule of thumb is a min. of 5-7 ltrs/person/day + safety buffer of 5-7days. You will need to consider drinking, washing, cooking. This adds up pretty quick. Beyond the Simpson water becomes less of an issue.
Food – you will need to carry a min. of 7-8 days food. You can have a meal or stock up at locations along the way with the exception of the 5 days between Birdsville and Dalhousie Springs.
Other details: Once I finalise the stops etc I will share my excel spreadsheet and people can provide some feedback.
There will be camping fees at Caravan Parks and also National Park access fees to.
I have a satellite phone that I will be taking. I will share this number with everyone before we head away. People can phone this number for the price of a normal mobile call. Calls from this phone are about $1/min. You can’t use it to access the internet. I will also be taking a PLB (Personal Locating Beacon). This is something we will use in case of emergency.
If you have any questions or would like to chew the fat – give me a ring Mb: 0419 134 991.
Returning home: 2020-08-01
Trip leader: Jason Edwards
Contact details: 0419 134 991 [email protected]