Are you planning to undertake the iconic Simpson Desert Crossing? Nestled in the heart of Australia, the country’s vast interior harbours one of the world’s largest deserts, characterised by longitudinal dunes. The Simpson Desert Crossing is an endeavour for those drawn to adventure, achievement, and rich life experiences. If you’re ready for an unforgettable journey, this guide is your key to conquering this Australian expedition.
You may think of a desert as lifeless, arid, and waterless. Think again. The desert is full of wildlife, including varied bird species and marsupials like Plains Mouse, dingoes, and camels. Dunes are dotted with spinifex, acacia shrubs, grevillea, sandhill wattle, and Mulga trees. Discover springs, salt pans, and sand dunes, making the Simpson Desert a diverse and exciting habitat. As you journey through Australia’s remote regions, please make sure you are well-equipped with our meal planning guide and remember to pack the essentials with this camping checklist.
- Why Trust Road Trips Australia?
- TRAVEL TIP: The best time to explore the Simpson Desert Parks is Spring, from August to October. Experience an array of lively colours as the desert foliage bursts into flowers.
- Essential Checklist for Simpson Desert Crossing:
- Tips for Driving in Sand Dunes on the Simpson Desert Crossing
- Guide to The Simpson Desert Crossing: Dalhousie Springs to Birdsville
- Looking After Our Desert Parks, and the Simpson Desert
- Simpson Desert Crossing Map
Why Trust Road Trips Australia?
With over 25 years of remote area travel, including the Simpson Desert Crossing, I’ve shared this itinerary to ensure you experience the very best of Australia. Every road trip featured is one I’ve explored firsthand, providing you with trusted and reliable advice for your next adventure. Count on Road Trips Australia for authentic, experience-backed road trip planning.
How long does it take to drive the Simpson Desert Crossing?
In a 4×4 vehicle allow 3 days to travel 430kms from Dalhousie Springs to Birdsville.
TRAVEL TIP: The best time to explore the Simpson Desert Parks is Spring, from August to October. Experience an array of lively colours as the desert foliage bursts into flowers.
As beautiful as discovering the Desert Parks region is, the remote, harsh, and extreme landscape requires careful planning, preparation, and a reasonable degree of off-road driving capability. Please take a look at our article on how to drive in sand.
Essential Checklist for Simpson Desert Crossing:
| 1: Desert Parks Pass, purchased via National Parks. |
| 2: Sand flag (mandatory requirement). |
| 3: Food and water for 3 days (plus 4 additional days to allow for breakdowns, weather, andunforeseen circumstances). |
| 4: Communication: UHF is essential. Other communication methods may include HF, satellite phone, and EPIRB. |
| 5: Fuel jerry can with fuel. |
| 6: Recovery equipment (MaxTrax, winch, snatch strap, shovel) |
| 7: Spare parts (Engine oil, belts, filters) and tool kit. |
| 8: Spare tyres, tyre repair kit, tyre deflator and air compressor. |
| 9: Fire extinguisher. |
| 10: First aid kit and basic medications kit. (Pain relief, antihistamine, electrolyte powder, cold & flu medication, cold pack, essential medications) |
TRAVEL TIP: The most direct route to Birdsville is the French Line to Poeppel Corner; from there, the K1 runs 8 km to the QAA line that continues to Big Red and Birdsville. The distance is 430 km from Dalhousie Springs to Birdsville.
The Desert Pass provides an information handbook and three maps covering three sections of the Desert Parks. It also allows entry to camping in the eight National Parks and Reserves. A sand flag is also mandatory for your vehicle on the Simpson Desert Crossing.
IMPORTANT: DROP YOUR VEHICLES TYRE PRESSURE FOR INCREASED TRACTION AND PRESERVE THE DESERT TRACKS
Tips for Driving in Sand Dunes on the Simpson Desert Crossing
Experience driving a 4×4 vehicle in the sand is recommended due to the remote nature of the Desert Parks. If you’re planning a journey to the desert, you can see our guide on how to drive in sand here.
Guide to The Simpson Desert Crossing: Dalhousie Springs to Birdsville
Day 1: Depart Dalhousie Springs Campground and begin the desert crossing on the French Line, including the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and Simpson Desert Conservation Park. This is a day of sandy track driving over small sand dunes. There are no designated campgrounds, so watch for a spot to camp for the night. Enjoy the isolation of the remote desert as the sun lowers over the dunes, the night sky revealing its beauty of stars.
Day 2: Start the day with a vehicle checkover. Continue along the French Line, the dunes increasing in size. As you progress, pronounce your location on your radio as you pass track markers. This is a safety precaution for oncoming traffic, as visibility between the dunes is poor. By afternoon, you should reach the salt lakes and look for a camp amongst the Mulga Trees.
Day 3: Continue the journey along the French Line as you close in on the iconic landmark Poeppel Corner. (This border landmark is for SA, QLD, and NT.) Take the K1 track to the QAA line. By afternoon, Big Red will be spotted in the distance! Try driving up the massive dune, taking in views from the top. Continue 38 km to Birdsville Tourist Park.
Reaching the iconic ‘Big Red’ sand dune gives a great sense of achievement and marks the end of the Simpson Desert Crossing after days of remote sand driving. Why not celebrate this achievement with a meal at the Birdsville Pub? What an adventure! The Simpson Desert Crossing is now ticked off the bucket list!
Looking After Our Desert Parks, and the Simpson Desert
- Note: The dune tracks are rutted and worn beneath the sand due to people driving with tyre pressures too high. Please drop tyre pressure and look after the tracks. See our guide to driving in sand here.
- Take your rubbish with you, including toilet paper!
- Please make sure you bury your toilet waste at least 15 cm deep and 100m from a waterway or carry a camp toilet.
- Extinguish fires (though fires are not permitted in the Desert Parks).
- Leave no trace to keep these places pristine for future generations to experience.
The Simpson Desert Crossing is a unique and awe-inspiring adventure that offers a challenging and rewarding experience for well-prepared people. Knowing when to visit and how long to cross the Simpson Desert, having an essential checklist, and following tips for driving in sand dunes will ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Remembering the significance of looking after our desert parks and respecting the natural environment is essential. Crossing the Simpson Desert can be an unforgettable adventure that allows you to experience the beauty and isolation of the Australian outback. However, planning carefully and taking all necessary precautions to ensure your safety and enjoyment is essential. Following the information and tips in this article will prepare you for an unforgettable journey to the Simpson Desert Crossing.
For more road trip adventures, check out the Savannah Way Gorges, or ways to Escape the Crowds on your Next Driving Holiday. Are you thinking easy camping meals? Please take a look at our complete guide to easy camping meal ideas.
