Comment: Simpson Desert

Submitted: Wednesday, Aug 06, 2014 at 20:10

ThreadID: 109048 Views:2703 Replies:7 FollowUps:5

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Simpson Desert

The Simpson Desert can be crossed via the French Line, WAA line or Rig Road. This trek provides a route using a combination of all 3 routes.

MEMZ

Hi all i`ve planed simpson desert trip.leaving Mlb 15 August.will be crossing E to W with 100LC td. solo vehicle 3 person on board. Do i need 2nd spare tyre? where is the last fuel station? i forgot to get a park pass,whats the best way to get it? thanks

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Reply By: Jackolux - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2014 at 20:38

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2014 at 20:38

Do you need a 2nd spare tyre , who knows ?
I have crossed the Simpson several times and never had a flat tyre but I still carry a 2nd spare . You ask where is the last fuel station , have you done any research at all on the Simpson ? . I suggest you at least go to a Map Shop and buy a map they will probably be able to sell you a Parks Pass.

regards Jacko

AnswerID: 537278

Follow Up By: MEMZ - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2014 at 20:48

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2014 at 20:48

thanks Jacko
ofcourse i`ve done my research but just checking any other pump available other than mt dare. map,sat phone,gps, full recovery gears all ready to go,just wanted to get idea from experienced people about the 2nd spare. normally take 10-15 days to receive dessert pass. don't have that much time to wait, thats why I'm trying to find out any other options .thanks

FollowupID: 821549

Follow Up By: Jackolux - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2014 at 21:22

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2014 at 21:22

Yeah Ok sorry , I thought you were just going to wing it and hope for the best , Mt Dare is the last fuel on the West side Oodnadatta the next closest . You can buy a desert pass at Mt Dare .

Like I said about the 2nd spare I have never had a flat on a Simpson trip come to think of it never had a flat on the Gibb , Cape or Gulf been lucky I guess but also lower pressure and drive to conditions
but still always take a 2nd spare and plug kit

Regards Jacko

FollowupID: 821552

Reply By: thomo.in.a.gq - Wednesday, Aug 06, 2014 at 22:01

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2014 at 22:01

At least take a tyre plug kit.

AnswerID: 537291

Reply By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Thursday, Aug 07, 2014 at 09:36

Thursday, Aug 07, 2014 at 09:36

With regards to fuel, what's your vehicles capacity. I crossed 3 weeks ago West to East in a 1999, 75 series un-turbo'd Troopy and from Coober Pedy to Birdsville I used 150L. That included 100-110km/hr speeds on the way to Oodnadatta and then a slow crawl through the Simpson in high range and rarely out of 3rd gear and most of the time in 2nd.

Fuels available at Birdsville, Mt Dare (a side trip), Oodnadatta, & Coober Pedy.

Tyres - well that's your decision. I have 2 as standard and my tyre plug kit is extensive, plus I have the gear to remove the rim if needed and we carried inner tubes but we also were doing a bit more than just the Simpson.

We had permits but didn't see any Rangers but saw 2 coppers on patrol. Quite a novelty coming up a dune to see 2 police troop carriers parked up and the 2 police enjoying the scenery. I have read and heard that Rangers do patrol and are stopping vehicles to check for passes. You don't get a sticker but a piece of paper which you are supposed to display at all times. Call the Dept and speak to the person on duty, I found them very helpful when I rang.

Enjoy the journey.

Dunc.

Dunc
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AnswerID: 537308

Follow Up By: MEMZ - Thursday, Aug 07, 2014 at 19:02

Thursday, Aug 07, 2014 at 19:02

i`ve got standard tanks which is 130L(with sub). will be carrying 3x20L jerry cans as well.bcoz i wast sure about fuel availability in Oodnadatta.
I will be doing same route as you.not sure about Mt Dare yet.
i decided to carry 2 spares just in case. already got arb repair kit.
thanks for your help

FollowupID: 821602

Reply By: Les PK Ranger - Thursday, Aug 07, 2014 at 14:51

Thursday, Aug 07, 2014 at 14:51

Getting parks pass online is fast.
If you did it today you'd get it before you go.

Otherwise Mt Dare, but having it before is great for planning.

AnswerID: 537325

Follow Up By: Les PK Ranger - Thursday, Aug 07, 2014 at 14:52

Thursday, Aug 07, 2014 at 14:52

Was assuming you were doing it west to east . . .

FollowupID: 821591

Follow Up By: MEMZ - Thursday, Aug 07, 2014 at 18:51

Thursday, Aug 07, 2014 at 18:51

yes!! my mistake. suppose to be west to east
thanks for reminding

FollowupID: 821601

Reply By: RobAck - Thursday, Aug 07, 2014 at 18:44

Thursday, Aug 07, 2014 at 18:44

And with all that advice don't forget a sand flag they are now mandatory and the SA Parks has guidance on dimensions as well

Rob

AnswerID: 537332

Reply By: MEMZ - Thursday, Aug 07, 2014 at 18:53

Thursday, Aug 07, 2014 at 18:53

i already got the flag on right size and right dimension.
also i have told that i can get a pass from Outback 4WD.they located in Bayswater Vic. problem solved!

AnswerID: 537333

Reply By: MEMZ - Thursday, Aug 14, 2014 at 22:24

Thursday, Aug 14, 2014 at 22:24

Hi all
Im on my way to simpson.first day I manage to travel Pimba SA. Im wondering which way should I take it to Mt Dare. Stuart hwy or Oodnadatta?
Thanks

AnswerID: 537667