Simpson Desert

Submitted: Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 10:24
ThreadID: 12131 Views:1366 Replies:5 FollowUps:2
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Just been reading about the conditions in the Simpson and I cant believe what im reading! Just got back from there after an Easter x-ing...if it was any easier i could've taken a commodore. The only soft stuff was the top quarter of the dunes and then it wasn't really that soft. The rest of it was almost like driving on bitumen. Heres how much of a challenge it wasnt... left Birdsville (after finally getting fuel, everything was closed) Friday 3pm arrived Dalhousie 7pm Saturday night and only used around 80 litres of fuel. That included sleeping, lunch,tea,toilet,photo and drink stops. Was better in September last year but still had a good time though, except for the flies...theres millions of them out there at the moment! Have to agree with one thing though, Big Red is a real challenge at the moment, had 4 goes from western side but ended up about 1 car length short of the top each time.
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Reply By: Eric from Cape York Connections - Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 11:46

Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 11:46
Richard glad you had a good crossing the info you read may be a week or so old and as you know tracks can change in that time.
The good thing is now we have an up to date conditions.
Thanks

all the best
Eric

www.capeyorkconnections.com.au
AnswerID: 54670

Reply By: johnsie - Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 12:03

Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 12:03
Yeah went over the Simpson and back last weekend (sat+sun) really smooth 800 ks and 32k ft ultimate off roader b737_800 didnt spill a drop.lol
AnswerID: 54671

Reply By: Willem - Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 19:13

Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 19:13
It amazes me that so many people drive the Simpson TWICE or more times. Now a club is doing a double crossing. Good grief...what is the interest? Miles and miles of spinifex and some hundreds of smallish dunes(except Big Red of course).

There is so much more to see in this great country of ours that to do major treks twice or more times. I suppose it is like someone going to see the same movie again and again :-)

Cheers
AnswerID: 54711

Follow Up By: sean - Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 22:23

Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 22:23
I find that the more times I do a trip the more I get out of it. Even what some people rate a boring trip can excite me.

You surely must admit, the Simpson is pretty good. I certainly look forwad to another visit - hopefully without the flies.

Sean
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Reply By: Nomad - Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 20:12

Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 20:12
Strewth Willem, you live out that way (I think?). Us city slickers are totally overawed by things like the Simpson. Your spoiled mate. Just let us enjoy our endless crossings of The Simpson

Cheers

Nomad
AnswerID: 54719

Reply By: Richard - Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 20:23

Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 20:23
No 1. only 4 days, No 2. had planned on doing it at night (but the flies and warmer than expected temps changed that) No 3. have plans for other places later ie. when the wetter weather comes.
AnswerID: 54722

Follow Up By: Richard - Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 20:26

Saturday, Apr 17, 2004 at 20:26
oh, by the way, I dont consider the Simpson to be a major trek. My 'major treks' usually go for about 4-6 weeks and about 5000-15000 kays.
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