Construction of the Simpson Desert French Line

Submitted: Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 14:40

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Simpson Desert French Line

The French Line is the most direct route across the desert and traverses directly across the tops of over 1200 red sand dunes, with Big Red being the major challenge.

BV

I thought people might find this website (53 pages) of interest:

http://www.simpsondesert.fl.net.au

And just to wet your appetite:

Simpson Desert Oil Search

In 1962 French Petroleum committed to spend £4m (worth about $AUD40m today) over five years of oil exploration in the Great Artesian Basin to earn a 50% stake in the Simpson Desert leases held by Delhi/SANTOS. French Petroleum chose as prime contractor its compatriate company, Brisbane-based Compagnie Generale de Geophysique (CGG).

A thorough geophysical survey of the southern Simpson was ordered. Preparatory work began in the Pedirka district along the Hamilton River before the attention of the French oilmen turned to the main game - South Australia's formidable Simpson Desert.

The Fresh-Cut French Line

First a road had to be built to facilitate the movement of the oil search crew as they advanced across the dunes.

CGG named their traverse following convention, as Line B. Today their handiwork is known universally as the French Line. CGG hired the Adelaide earthmoving contractors Roche Bros to carve a path across the dunes to Eyre Creek. A Brisbane firm Oilfield Caterers, secured the concession for accommodation and catering. South Australian Air Taxis (SAATAS) contracted to provide aerial 'lifeline' support with their Cessnas.

BruceV

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Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 15:05

Sunday, Jul 26, 2009 at 15:05

Hi Bruce
I know one of the original guys that worked out there when it was being opened up, and now lives not far from where I live. He has given me a signed copy of one of there original maps that they were making when building the original French Line, but only known then as the "B" Line. He worked with the C.G.G in 1963, Party on 56507. Because of our interest in the Simpson, including remote desert travel in the Central Simpson that I have undertaken, we have swapped many stories and he has shown me many photos of some of the antics that they were up to out there.

There are only two other people that I have spoken to that worked out there then, one that was living in Goolwa and has now died of cancer, and the writer of the web site that you have mentioned that now lives in Sydney.
I also know Dennis Bartel, from Adelaide and now living in Queensland. Dennis is a great chap and he would have to be the absolute KING of the Simpson, as when we last met in Birdsville in 2006, he had made over 80 crossing from every direction and means possible,

Cheers

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Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Jul 27, 2009 at 22:59

Monday, Jul 27, 2009 at 22:59

The most interesting page on that site is the one referring to the Leyland Brother's crossing of the desert in 1966, and the writing of their book "Where dead men lie" and the movie "Wheels across the Wilderness".
LINK HERE

Sounds like the CGG crew are a bit sceptical about their claims.
The French Line was built 3 years before the Leylands Crossing.

AnswerID: 376515