Simpson Desert camping

Thanks Peter. I like your choice of vehicle - I've just spoiled myself and bought a new one. Do you reckon if I allow 50% extra fuel on what I get around town that will be enough?

Ian,

I got 12l/100km or better around town and consumption across the Simpson was 14.43l/100km. Mine is the last entry on the fuel consumption table in trip planning. Make sure you fill up in Oodnadatta.

Peter

Brilliant! This sort of info makes it easier to plan. Thank you.

PS Flies

Great photos - love the flies on the mug!

Hi Ruth,

You're probably used to flies in these numbers but eating and drinking with one of those fly veil thingys was not pleasant. I certainly hope they're not this bad all year round.

Kind regards

Hi Beatit, people don't believe us when I say that we aren't used to flies at all out here. They come after rain, when the green shoots pop up - out they hatch and very very annoying. They were particularly bad last year (as you well know) and it always fascinates us that you can get out of your car, say 60 klms from Poepples and be enjoying the sand dunes then suddenly about 5 minutes later the flies find you. A lot of people din't spend nearly enough time in the SD last year just passed through it because they couldn't handle the flies - there were some very quick trips across and not many meals eaten.
The weather is nice and only the odd fly at the present time and there is not much likelihood of rain so here's hoping also for a very cold winter to knock them off completely. Very annoying when you are trying to fish or clean fish and there are thousands swarming over you - we are going fishing on Sunday - hope the river has it's fresh flush by then.

Hi Ruth,

Hard to imagine I agree but so is the concept of fishing out there. It wasn’t just the flies either last year we were inundated by all type of crawlies one night. We were using a yellow light and they were coming from everywhere, beetles, moths, preying mantis and non descript bugs – even had a blind snake cruising along the ground. So lost faith in the yellow light theory. The following night though not a one, it seemed like we were in a totally different place.

You are quite right we took less time then we had allocated and this was a shame as there is so much to enjoy.

Hope the fishing is good, otherwise just chalk it up as a nice day out.

Kind regards

It was really bad for insects late last year - wouldn't have liked to be in your camp with all t hose little visitors attracted to the yellow light - that's not supposed to happen.
Hopefully, the water has flown down the river from Diamantina Lakes (it's still 1.73m and steady) there so the fish will be stirred up with the fresh. We go fishing a lot - more so than when we are at the coast. Also hope for catch some, but if we don't it doesn't really matter (got one freezer full and ready for visitors) because it will be the last chance to have a day away - once you go over the grid it seems like a holiday - before the visitors arrive. Let you know if we catch anything.

Good to hear it wasn't the norm about those insects, we were really surprised with the failure of the yellow light and presumed it was all about being the only light available. Shows you how observant I am, didn't notice any water out there hence the fishing remark. Amazing really in such a dry place. Hope the water flows for you Ruth and the fish come on the bite.

I agree with you, anytime away from the usual daily routine seems like a holiday and whilst I also like my fishing it is more about being out somewhere watching the world go by that is the main attraction for me.

All the best and have an enjoyable trip.

Kind regards

This is all very good advice - only bit of advice I will add has been said a million times and will probably have to be said a million more - if you have the correct tyre pressure (for the dunes) you should never have to snatch anything over a dune, especially in June after lots of traffic.
18 in front and 20 in rear is fine to start with but you will need to drop it more (possibly) - if you have to back up for any dune then your tyre pressure is not low enough. As for having a trailer on - the pressure should be even down as far as 11 in the trailer - depending on how soft the sand is. And, yes, I do understand that you will probably weigh very heavily and yes, I also understand the man in the tyre shop or the book that someone wrote said you should never let your tyres down below 'xyz' - but you asked for advice and this is what people who travel the SD regularly do for ease and comfort of travel. Sorry, I'm not really yelling, just being forceful in the deliverance of this my lecture. I really do want you to have a great time of there - it's magnificent and there are some surprisingly beautiful camps just over the hill/dune and lots of things to see. It is a good place to 'smell the roses' - and as there has been no rain so far the little sticky flies might have bunked off.

Spot on advice.

Coulnd't agree more. As I said higher up, learnt that lesson to late in the crossing. But thats why you do it, to learn from experiences.

Well said. Ruth would see and hear it all the time. My advise is that people that have crossed the Simpson in 2 or 3 days are the type of people that do the trip just to say they have crossed the Simpson. Having travelled the Simpson many times, my advise is take your time and make the most of one of Australia's true outback places. One you have been bitten by the Simpson bug, I know that you will be back again and again. Ever trip is different from your last trip.
Take your time, it is not a race, and make sure you drop your tyre pressures.

Stephen!MPG:3!

G'day Stephen L,

"My advise is that people that have crossed the Simpson in 2 or 3 days are the type of people that do the trip just to say they have crossed the Simpson."

well, I would suggest that some people may just be trying to put together the most time that they can, from where they live, to enjoy an experience of the Simpson. There are many different circumstances and people may be trying to make the most of an opportunity which may not come around again for a while. At the very least, they should not be under any illusion that not much preparation is required. Agreed though, it is indeed most important, if you can, to "take your time and make the most of one of Australia's true outback places."

cheers.

Oh no, head for the hills!!

Purney bore

Also, very good advice.