Simpson Desert Crossing - Camp at Dalhousie or Purnie

I like swimming at Dalhousie (but not evryone does. Some have complained of rahes afterwards. We have never had a problem. Don't stay at Dalhousie overnight unless you have good mozzie protection. Hot showers usually available at Purnie. Dalhouse more likely to have more people at that time of the year, but variable.

Gerday Geoff.

Either is a good option to stay at before crossing the Simpson, I prefer Pernie Bore thou, as it has a lovely hot shower & is that much closer to the desert proper as well as being much quieter than dalhousie.
Take some firewood in if you want to have a fire.

Dalhousie tends to be a lot busier.We had Purnie Bore to ourselves when we crossed in 2007.-Steve

Geoff,

I am with the others, and would press on to Purnie Bore or a bit further depending on what time you arrive.

I feel getting past Spring Creek Delta that you are now in the desert.

I do stop at Dalhousie Springs, will have a talk to the Ranger, but having been in the hot springs before they do very little for me. I would much prefer a cold shower there or a hot shower at Purnie Bore.

Have a good crossing and you never know there might be a white Troopie following you across the Simpson.

Wayne

Thanks everyone for your comments. I was tending towards Purnie so your comments reinforce my thoughts.
Lookout for a grey BT-50 with Trayon camper on the back if you're in the area in July - perhaps share an ale or a tale.

Geoff

G'day Geoff,

We were there in Oct 2005. After staying at Mt Dare overnight it was a relatively easy drive to Dalhousie Springs where we had a lunchtime break including a swim. There was one other couple there and we didn't see the ranger. We really liked the place but pushed on to Purnie Bore for a planned stay over night and got there early in the arvo, the the flies were unbearable so we pushed on after a look around (wearing our fly nets). We didn't find this place as attractive but maybe would see it differently if we had camped there overnight.

Image Could Not Be Found

My suggestion is why not do both if you have the time and other are new SD travellers.

Kind regards

Dalhousie Springs can be chockers at peak time- and around July is peak time. For the sake of it- the best option would be Purnie Bore, especially if you've got a multi-vehicle group !!

I prefer to camp at neither! Best time to arrive at Dalhousie is about 10am. Spend a few hours swimming and looking around and then move on. So we prefer to bush camp in the Gidgee at Pedirka creek or nearby, so we're within close range of Dalhousie and then next camp will be past Purnie Bore. I'm not a fan of crowds or dusty campgrounds.

Dalhousie can be a dust bowl when the wind gets up negating the benifit of a warm swim. If you like a walk though there are some absolutely beautiful pools nearby that the vast majority dont bother to visit.
Purnie is a plain camp with minimal facilities & has no swimming access. Far better for groups wanting to camp together (no pine posts).
To get away from the crowds particually at busy times of the year I tend to agree with Phil & go elsewhere.
Cheers Craig.............

We prefer to camp away from the crowd (if we can) Found a great spot just West of Dalhousie - from recollection it would have been maybe 30 mins away - had a water tank and one of those concrete tables and roof over it. No one else around