Crossing Simpson desert in 2011

Hi everyone,
I have been planning a Simpson crossing for July 2011. The last time we did this was in 2000.
I am concerned that the abnormal wet conditions we have seen across Australia and in particular in Queensland may see the Simpson impassable for much of the year.
Of particular concern is Eyre Creek.
I would be interested in your thoughts and also any details of the Simpson accessibility last year which also seemed to be a wet year.

Cheers
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Reply By: Member - Graham N (SA) - Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 07:33

Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 07:33
Hi GraemeA
Its virtually a wait and see game, my understanding was that the Simpson was open at various times last year. We crossed in June last year and the water in Eyre Creek was up to the bonnet of our vehicles. If you get the chance to do it it will be a big contrast to 2000. The detour to get through Eyre Creek was 75 kms around and no need to tell you that if you can't get through you will need supplies to get back. There should be a ranger there to advise you also the Mt Dare web site would keep you informed.

Cheers

Graham
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Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 08:14

Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 08:14
Hi Graeme

Like the other Graeme has said, it is still too far away to be making any calls as yet.

Eyre Creek is the least of your problems if the desert is wet. The countless claypans are what you will have to watch out for. I like many people became a victim, but that is another story.

Last year the detour to the south of Eyre Creek was in place and was no problems at all...providing that you followed the main path. There were some very big bog marks at the crossing from when it was very wet, again just like the claypans.

You need to see what the desert is like about 3 weeks prior to your trip and to keep an eye on the long range weather. My advise is if it is real wet in the desert, take plan B your next destination.


Cheers


Stephen

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Follow Up By: kevmac....(WA) - Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 18:21

Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 18:21
NICE PICS !!!
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 19:53

Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 19:53
Thanks kevmac


Cheers

Stephen
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Reply By: vk1dx - Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 12:58

Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 12:58
This weather is a dilemma to us also. We are hoping to drive across the Simpson east to west in early May. The idea is that if it is muddy or closed when we get up to Birdsville or Eyre Creek we will simply change plans and just head further north for a QLD trip. I am not keen on heaps of mud flats. I will drive through it but this is not a mud bath drive its a Simpson drive. We don't wants miles of mud. Its supposed to be a desert for crying out loud.

We just wait and hope it dries out.

Phil
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Reply By: Ozrover - Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 14:05

Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 14:05
Hi Graeme,

Just a point to consider, the likelihood is that Eyre Creek won't open until later in the season the same as for the last two years, (Eyre Creek is affected by rain up in the Georgina river catchment).

This doesn't necessarily mean that the Simpson Desert will be closed, the SA side of the Simpson Desert only closes when we have a lot of local rain.

There are a lot of other routes to be taken into & out of the Simpson Desert if Eyre Creek is closed.

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Follow Up By: Crackles - Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 23:00

Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 23:00
An excellent point Jeff. A loop drive accross the Rig Rd to Poepells returning to Dalhousie via the French line is an excellent desert run when the Eyre creek closes access from the east. People need to be flexable when outback touring & have contingencies for track closures instead of just following rigid trek notes or someone elses GPS track logs.
Cheers Craig................
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Reply By: RobAck - Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 19:11

Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 19:11
You can always come in via Batton Hill or hit Poeppel Corner and hear North and exit that way as well. It's one of our options for July

Regards

Rob
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 20:00

Friday, Feb 18, 2011 at 20:00
Hi Rob

I reckon that the Hay River Trip would be the pick of the Simpson trips. You will have a great time.

Cheers

Stephen
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Reply By: Member - Ruth D (QLD) - Saturday, Feb 19, 2011 at 08:36

Saturday, Feb 19, 2011 at 08:36
It doesn't really matter if you can't through or over as long as you can get out into it.
Sorry if that's a bit philosophical & deep for this time of day - but I am desperately needing a bit of Simpson Desert myself at the moment.
Just to sit on a sand dune and contemplate...........
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