Simpson Desert
Submitted: Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 16:45
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Caren
I am thinking of travelling to the
Simpson Desert at the end of Oct early November.
Does anyone have any advice or tips?
We are planning to take the Strezlicki track, head up to
Birdsville the across the French line and then back down through Odnadatta. Also, how long does it take to cross SD on the French line?
Any ideas or advice would be appreciated.
Reply By: Ruth - Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 18:34
Thursday, Aug 21, 2003 at 18:34
Caren, it's not a good idea at this time of the year - even we locals don't travel out there unless we absolutely have to. Best times are May, June, July. the main reasons are - no-one else travelling out there, unpleasant weather - that is, upwards of 43 degrees, strong wind and dust storms and the serious possibility of being cut off by rain in
the Desert. Try and plan for during the Winter when it's totally magical and give yourselves 5 days and cover some of the tracks. I am not trying to put you off - just change the time of year. Happy travelling.
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Follow Up By: Member - Jim - Sunday, Aug 24, 2003 at 21:48
Sunday, Aug 24, 2003 at 21:48
Caren, Ruth is absolutely right. Winter is the best time. Try and pick your stay in
the desert when there is no moon and you will also enjoy brilliant star gazing.
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Reply By: Elaine - Sunday, Sep 14, 2003 at 19:11
Sunday, Sep 14, 2003 at 19:11
So Caren, are you still going to go?
Reason I ask is we are also planning a trip then. Not that it's the best time to go but it's the only time when I have holidays from work.
We were at
Birdsville early November last year and there was a sand storm but it wasn't hot.
We were thinking of going the opposite direction, not that it makes much difference.
Have you done this sort of trip before?
Interested to know your decision.
Elaine
AnswerID:
31014
Follow Up By: Caren - Thursday, Sep 18, 2003 at 12:11
Thursday, Sep 18, 2003 at 12:11
As we're travelling for 12 months and we are meeting up with some friends in the area we are going to make a decision when we are nearby. If the conditions aren't good we will head back to the Flinders and then head across to WA. Then we'll try and do the Simpson mid-next year.
I must admit I'm a bit hesitant after hearing what everyone else has said on this site.
I haven't done a desert cross like this before, but we're planning to during our trip. Have done a few trips to Fraser Is and local day 4WD trips.
Though the friends we are travelling with are quite experienced.
Any way we might see you out there!
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