Simpson Desert 2016

Departing from Brisbane this proposed trip takes in some of outback Australia’s most iconic tracks and locations.

The plan is to travel for 4 weeks in winter 2016.

While the itinerary isn’t yet finalised, below is a rough idea of where and what the trip will take in, departing from Brisbane.

• Goondiwindi – Gunsynd the “Goondiwindi Grey” Statue & Museum
• Cunnamulla
• Eulo – Palm Grove Date Farm, Winery & Artesian Mud Baths !!
• Noccundra – Historic Pub
• Innamincka – Visit the Dig Tree

• Cameron Corner – the intersection of Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. Tri State Golf Anyone? Play 3 holes in 3 states and discover the history of world’s longest fence which stretches over 5500 km’s – The Wild Dog Barrier Fence.

• Strzelecki Track – outback track made famous by a cattle thief who took cattle this way from Queensland to South Australia. The jury at his trial was so impressed by the feat that he was let off.

• Arkaroola – this outback oasis was created by Reg and Griselda Sprigg, the first people to cross the Simpson Desert by motor vehicle. Their children, who crossed the desert with them, now run the park. I can recommend Griselda’s book “Dune is a four Letter Word” – Check out this YouTube Video on Arkaroola: https://youtu.be/MHq-RSKp0gQ

• Leigh Creek – This is the last town that will have a decent level of supplies until we reach Birdsville

• Farina – Farina is Italian for Flour, this abandoned village was home to Italian Wheat farmers in years gone by.
• Maree – Stay at the historic outback pub. Enjoy the freshly made bakery snacks

• Oodnadatta Track – another famous outback track

• Coward Springs

• William Creek

• Lake Eyre – opportunity for a scenic flight

• Oodnadatta

• Mt Dare – last bastion of civilisation before heading off into the desert. Fuel up and pre-desert checks are the order of the day. Next town is Birdsville.

• Simpson Desert – while there are a number of was to cross the Simpson, we plan to stick to the French & QAA Lines, as this is the shortest path. Important considering fuel capacity issues. Check out the trip notes from ExplorOz http://m.exploroz.com/TrekNotes/Deserts/Simpson_Desert.aspx

• Poeppel Corner – the intersection of Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

• Big Red – largest sand dune in the Simpson crossing, also the last sand dune before reaching Birdsville

• Birdsville – famous for its bakery and pub. Camel pie anyone?
• Windorah
• Charleville
• Roma