Simpson Desert Feedback

Submitted: Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 18:09

ThreadID: 71386 Views:3301 Replies:3 FollowUps:9

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Simpson Desert

The Simpson Desert can be crossed via the French Line, WAA line or Rig Road. This trek provides a route using a combination of all 3 routes.

Simpson Desert

Section: Treks

The Simpson Desert can be crossed via the French Line, WAA line or Rig Road. This trek provides a route using a combination of all 3 routes.

cruiserkids

Hi Everyone,

We are planning to cross the Simpson in early October and wonder if there is much difference going east to west rather than west to east?

Appreciate your thoughts :)

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Reply By: RobAck - Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 18:47

Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 18:47

In October you will have plenty more on your mind apart from which dune is the steepest. October day temperatures will be in the mid to high 30C and can run to low 40C depending on the weather pattern.

Apart from that the season closes at the end of September so Birdsville will be packing up and heading South

Summer breezes will have blown the tops to a nice soft peak so making your choice of tracks that much more enjoyable

If you are contemplating this alone in October think again please

So to directly answer your question the best is West to East using the Rig Road

Regards

RobA

AnswerID: 378411

Follow Up By: cruiserkids - Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 19:16

Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 19:16

Hi Rob,

Thank you for your words of wisdom which are noted.

The info here states that October is an OK time to travel.

Is it or is it too late in the season?

Many thanks,

Sam & Lynne

FollowupID: 645801

Follow Up By: RobAck - Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 19:36

Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 19:36

There will be many views on this matter. Have a look at this link https://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/find_a_park_or_forest/simpson_desert_national_park.html. It says that October is on the very edge of safety effectively and it is a reason why the desert is now closed for several months to discourage inexperienced and poorly prepared travellers from attempting the crossing, getting in to trouble then putting their rescuers at risk. Whilst that may not be you I can assure you that we do not run a tour across the Simpson past September as even then it is getting uncomfortable. Although that depends on your heat tolerance as well. Some like it hot. So the risk are there as usual but higher based on the time of year. Travelling solo is certainly not recommended

So whilst October is "doable" we would not contemplate it. Much nicer along the beaches and coast line of Robe and Beachport or touring the Eyre Peninsula for us

Regards

RobA

FollowupID: 645802

Reply By: On Patrol & TONI - Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 19:44

Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 19:44

cruiserkids
Below is a copy of an email from Ruth Doyle re Simpson travel in Oct. Ruth is a longtime resident of Birdsville and one time owner of the Caravan Pk there, she is a trusted and respected member of this site and a wealth of all knowledge Simpson.
Cheers Colin.

This was her reply to my question re early Oct travel there:

From: ruthdoyle [mailto:----------2@bigpond.com]
Sent: Thursday, 23 July 2009 9:41 PM
To: 'Colin Pryor'
Subject: RE: Simpson in early Oct

Hi Colin, stinking, dry, blowing dry winds, dry, rough as guts after this season, dry, foul, unpleasant, not nice. Sad thing is I’m not joking. Forgot to say hot and dry.
For a first experience of the Simpson I would rather you waited and came another time – I realise you can’t get away because of work – but the Simpson will always be there.
I was out there last week and couldn’t believe how cut up and rough as guts the QAA is and I only went to Eyre Creek and all around (had a really lovely day but it was very cold and clear and Eyre Creek is green as) but the rest of the Simpson is very very dry, no rain at all, only reason there is green is because there has been flood on parts of it.
There is no rain predicted in the next few months either – if there was it would improve the track and the dunes don’t have much vegetation on them.
Sorry Colin, not what you are wanting to hear I know – but I would not recommend it.
Best wishes, Ruth

AnswerID: 378419

Follow Up By: cruiserkids - Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 20:05

Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 20:05

Hi Everyone,

We really appreciate your input and take that very seriously.

We will plan to do the trip at another time.

Many thanks for your honesty, care and concern.

Happy travelling,

Sam & Lynne

FollowupID: 645805

Follow Up By: Tenpounder (SA) - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 09:07

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 09:07

Hi there. Please help with this question: Last year, I was an official in the Simpson Desert Cycle Challenge (Purnie to Birdsville via Rig Rd and the Inner Track) late Sep/early Oct, and the plan is much the same for 2009 (same time, same route).
PLease supply any comparative info on conditions 2008 and 2009.
I'd be very grateful.

FollowupID: 645860

Follow Up By: Tenpounder (SA) - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 09:32

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 09:32

I could add that 2008 was the first year in the 20 years of this great event that no rider completed all 9 stages of the event. It was generally agreed that 2008 was the toughest - hot (mid 40s) and windy (strong northerlies), and VERY soft dunes.
And now you say 2009 is probably worse! SO you can see why I am very interested in further information. At least this will be my 5th crossing, so I have a bit of experience, and enough memories to be getting nervous already about another dose of dramas!!

FollowupID: 645865

Follow Up By: On Patrol & TONI - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 17:09

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 17:09

Chris,
compose some questions and MM Ruth via this site, as I said in my post she is a font of knowledge re the Simpson, having been a resident of Birdsville for so long.Ruth Doyle Give her a call.
Cheers Colin.

FollowupID: 645910

Reply By: Member - Bruce T (SA) - Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 21:40

Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 21:40

We were there in June and I can assure you, as Ruth posted, it is VERY dry. We have travelled the Simpson many times and this was the worst we have ever seen it as far as lack of vegetation was concerned. Every time it is different, but I would not like to be there at the moment if it were hot and dry. Even in June the days were quite warm.

Bruce and Di

AnswerID: 378443

Follow Up By: Tenpounder (SA) - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 09:10

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 09:10

Bruce and Di. Please see my question above: same goes for you too!! any comparisons 2008 and 2009?
Thanks in advance

FollowupID: 645862

Follow Up By: Member - Bruce T (SA) - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 18:38

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 18:38

We weren't in the desert in 2008, but in 2007. This year was worse than then and we thought it was quite dry then, but this year was worse. I don't know whether it was because of closure, but the track wasn't as 'good'. Lots of cross country trail bikes were travelling when we went this year and they found it pretty tough according to the people we spoke with.

However it does have its own charm even when it is so desert like.

Bruce and Di

FollowupID: 645918

Follow Up By: Member - Mfewster(SA) - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 19:53

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 19:53

Hi Tenpounder. I have followed this thread with interest (self interest). At least there is the consolation that you will be crossing with a mob of others with loads of support. Yep, last year was the roughest I have seen it. This year should be interesting. Don't pass this thread on to the bike riders though, wouldn't want them to read this. See you out there.
Back to the original post. If this year is expected to be worse than same time last year, I wouldn't recommend it unless you are with a group of experienced vehicles. Even then I don't recommend it, but it's character building.

FollowupID: 645927