Re: Post 32286 Trailers in the Simpson Desert

With regard to the above Post if you look in the DPP 2006 in the section on Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and Simpson Desert Conservation Park in the right hand column it states:
'it is strongly recommended that travellers avoid towing trailers across the Simpson Desert.' 'Some thoughtless drivers of trailer towing vehicles create damage by diverting from the designated tracks, cutting new paths in a bid to gain better traction. This is causing damage to vegetation and is creating severe dune erosion.'

Further, on the left hand column if states:
'It is recommended that if you are travelling the SD for the first time that you cross the parks from west to east to take advantage of the more gentle upslope to most dunes. The Rig Road is a l onger and more accessible route but is still very sandy on the crests of the dunes. Only vehicles with reasonably high clearance should tackle any of the crossings.'

This is because with the extreme dry and high dry winds of the summer of 2005/2006 there is almost no moisture in the dunes and the crests are extremely high shifting sand. This morning Queensland National Parks have gone out to attempt the QAA to Poepple's Corner and will let me know on their return on Friday. If no rains happen the SD will be a big challenge to all.

There was Joint Meeting in Birdsville yesterday of SA National Parks, Qld National Parks, SA Police and Qld Police to discuss various issues with the Simpson Desert, in particular, summer crossings of the Desert.