Comment: Simpson Desert

Mt Dare would be a better place to call 08 8670 7835 as they go into the Simpson regularly, the Birdsville Hotel will only be passing on customers opinions, as will the Pink Roadhouse.

If Barnsey is still at the Birdsville Roadhouse, then he would be the only other one I would ask.

Yes, good to do this as you get time to go over the info and maps with plenty of time to plan well.

Thanks, that was the advice I read somewhere here. Is this the only pass I need ? I think that it is but want to make sure...The Hema maps say "permit required" every where !
My trip should be filling up at Mount Dare, rent a sat phone (booked) fill up, Dalhousies, Purnie, Rig road, then I am undecided to keep on Waa line then up to Knolls track back on French line or go up Colson Track, French line, Erabena track, Waa line up to Knolls track and finish on the Qaa line to Birdsville.
Anyway this look good on the map, and I want to stay around the 600km trip between fill up (my safe limit !). If I missed a must see place, or have a better idea of what to do, or not... let me know.
Thanks

SADesert Parks Pass covers you for Dalhousie / Mt Dare travel, Simmo, Innaminka and another couple not in that region I can't recall right now.

No permits are being issued for Colson Tk as far as I know, unless this has changed recently Colson Tk permit

Sorry, you meant that short section of Colson from Rig to FL, that is fine :)

Thanks for these details. The more info the better ! I have been tempted to take the rig road and up K1 line to Poeppel corner but I will take a shorter road because of the limited fuel that I can carry with me.
My little Pajero io is very small and was mainly used for single day trip (I have added a few mod to do this trip).
I will make sure that all is well tight up :)

Thanks

pajero, French Line all the way is the shortest route, and from what I've heard the most sand hills driving fun, if you like sand (I know I do :))

We chose to do our first trip West - East, FL, Rig, WAA, down Erabena to Lone Gum, then Rig again, up Knolls, FL to the cnr, then QAA of course into BV.

Our next trip will be East - West FL all the way :)

I don't think the extra km will add more than another 20lt jerry, but a lot will do with is it petrol or diesel, and your general fuel econ on tracks, or better SAND, as it will suck up maybe 30% more fuel use.

Have you done much sand driving ?

The larger sand hills are over Big Red way, so don't feel deterred about FL and its having more / larger sand hills.
If you can traverse any of the above route you can make it with perseverance and suitable vehicle / skills.

Am I right in thinking from your post you are going solo ?
First crossing ?
If so, research this forum, 4x4 Earth, and 4WDA forums, searching for > solo Simpson < and see what advice you can find.

You'll find tips about hooking up with others, and the possible scenarios to be aware of.
One consolation is there should be many out there if you do strike any problems, but you should not be relying on that !!

For peace of mind a sat phone can be hired at either end and dropped off after wards.
You're going W - E so look on the Mt Dare website for info / costs.

Yes, it will be a solo crossing, not by choice but...
I have done little sand driving, I am more playing in the Brindabella, mud, snow...so a bit of training before going might be a good idea...
I already booked the sat phone at Mt Dare.
I first thought that not many people will be on this track, but I am starting to understand that it is not the case. Still I am trying to be ready and be well prepare, the best I can be at least.
Thanks