Simpson Desert Parks Passes

There's no pass but the QAA line is in the Simpson Desert National Park controlled by the Queensland government so you are supposed to book camping like any other of their national parks which is quite a pain really.

Yes, given how long Warburton Crossing stays closed and the rain they have had, I't be surprised if it opens by the end of the year.

I'd have the Warburton / K1 line as plan B if it's possible at the time.