Simpson Desert - can we do it alone

Michelle: no reason why you couldn't do this on your own.. Careful preparation with water of course and a tyre compressor so as you drive over with pressures around 20 psi maximum and you should have little trouble IMHO.. I was told by 'the boss' to get an HF, or I was on my own, and I must say that I would not travel anywhere in the outback again without this unit...it is invaluable to be able to listen to and communicate with VHS 737 each night and have weather reports which relate to your area, saves you driving into trouble if you know bad weather ahead ! The trip is slow 15-20kms an hour in some places, so take your time and don't push the truck...Have fun, its an amazing place !
steve

Hi Michelle, I have a friend who did this with his family last year in May in an 80 series diesel Cruiser. He had no training, no recovery gear and no communication gear (which scares thebleepout of me). But he also had no problems. He said that there was enough traffic there that they wouldn't be alone for more than half a day in case of an emergency. I'm not saying that you should do what this guy did, because I certainly wouldn't go in unprepared like this. However, with the right gear and preparation, you should have an enjoyable time with peace of mind as well. For me, I think comms gear is of paramount importance if travelling alone. A HF radio, or satphone can be rented if you don't want to buy one. I would also take an EPIRB beacon along as a backup. They are relatively cheap to buy. Unlike my friend, I think half a day is far too long to wait in case of serious trouble.

Many do it alone .......but you should be properly prepared and sounds like your on the right track......If you want comms with the outside then hire a satalite phone from the Birdsville Police Station and also take an EPIRB

cya Graham

Have just retuned from a single vehicle trip across the Simpson. Traveled 807km from Oodnadatta to Birdsville via a variety of tracks in a 2.4lt turbo diesel Surf, using 116 litres of fuel. We took the general spares (hoses,belts etc) + 2 spare tyres (of course had no punctures) and UHF. Always seems to be plenty of traffic on the French Line less on some other areas. We went for most of one day without seeing another vehicle.
You should have no trouble, assuming you have first aid knowledge, a good first aid kit and take plenty of water (we took 60 litres for 2 people). Biggest danger would be oncoming vehicles over dunes, so use the UHF (channel 10) and fly a high sand flag. Remember that if it rains you could be stuck in for a little while so take some extra food etc
Good luck!

Thanks very much guys. We will be as prepared as we possibly can and already have an EPIRB. Would love to buy a HF radio because we intend to do the whole of Oz over a couple of years but are just finding it hard to find the cash at present dut to all of our other necessary preparations. Can anyone suggest a good place or way to find a cheaper second hand HF - or is it too risky to buy second hand?

Michelle some great advice has been posted above , channel 10 is the advised channel to use for a U.H.F radio in the simpson . so hopefully everyone has a rough idear of on comming traffic ,when you top a dune you cant see whats comming the other way. Most people do the french line in 3to 4 days some do is much faster . Take your time and enjoy the desert . If you dont what the expence of buying a H,F or SAT phone yet you can hire one . You could also team up with other 4wds to do the trip if your worried about the isolation.Camp at Dalhousie springs a great spot until you meet another group . Dont forget the very basic tell some one before you leave and most inportant report back when you arrive. if they dont here from you someone will always come looking. Enjoy the trip its not as tough as you think.

Michelle : the above travellers seem to have travelled in the cooler months ! In October, and late October, it gets a lot hotter during the day.. you may not see as many people as has been suggested above !! I have learned not to rely too much on the Police in the Outback towns, I have found them generally to be city folk on a posting. You don't need an HF but its a huge relief to have long distance contact all over the Bush !! Try the TRADER section at top of the main page for a used one !! Steve