Crossing the Simpson

Submitted: Monday, May 30, 2011 at 23:31

ThreadID: 86655 Views:1654 Replies:4 FollowUps:8

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Member - Wayne B (NSW)

Hi all

I am planning a trip across the Simpson west to east in September.

We will also be doing the painted desert on the way.

Which is the is the best track to take. I would like to see to see as much as possible along the way. French Line or one of the others.

Thank you for your assistance.

Cheers
Wayne B

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Reply By: Member - Bucky - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 04:34

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 04:34

Wayne

When I crossed the Dimpson, back in 04-05, I wish I had more time to spend out in the Desert itself. One of my aims is to get back there, and spend a week to 10 days in there, and do the Criss Cross thing, up this track, down that one, and really give all the tracks up there a going over.
There will be 2 constraints, fuel and water, but after doing the Canning we have the confidence to spend the time there.

Our trip up there was never gunna be a crossing,, just to Poeppel Corner and back, as we never really had much time, but we run into Roachie, and a few of the boy's , (and girls) from the Yourke Peninsular 4x4 Club, and so glad we did, who convinced us to join them.....
So glad we did, and till keep in contact to this day.

Cheers, and happy travelling
Bucky

AnswerID: 455945

Reply By: Richard W (NSW) - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 07:37

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 07:37

I did the Simpson in 2001 and 2005 both west to east.
2001 it was the WAA line and 2005 the Rig Road.
2001 was pretty soft and 2005 reasonably firm although this may have been mainly the clay tops on the Rig Road which I understand are now virtually none existent.
Kept clear of the French Line as much as possible to avoid people in a hurry.
Took us 3 days to cross both times and we we just taking it easy.
Was going to do a double crossing in 2005 but after being stranded at Cameron Corner for 3 days due to wet weather headed for Broken Hill as soon as the roads opened.
On our recent trip we spent 4 nights at Arckaringa and 3 nights at Mt Dare.
Did a day trip to Dalhouise and one to Old Andado. Old Andado had water all around the old homestead.
Never seen the country looking so green.
Have fun.

Painted Desert:

Around Old Andado:

AnswerID: 455954

Follow Up By: rainbowprof - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 11:29

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 11:29

really great photos, Richard. I plan to be around there in July-August myself. Same idea, a slow criss-crossing of various tracks and byways.

FollowupID: 728937

Follow Up By: rainbowprof - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 13:09

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 13:09

BTW Richard, were you pulling your trailer for any of those trips?

FollowupID: 728955

Follow Up By: Richard W (NSW) - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 15:04

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 15:04

Thanks.
No. I didn't tow the trailer across but a mate of mine towed his across last year after our CSR trip. I stayed in the Pilbara with another group and came home via the GCR.
The Simpson was pretty wet last year as it is this year and he did a rear diff so got across in front wheel drive. Another mate travelling with him towed the trailer and they got across OK.

FollowupID: 728966

Follow Up By: rainbowprof - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 15:16

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 15:16

Do you know what route they took? What was the towing vehicle?

Brett

FollowupID: 728969

Follow Up By: Richard W (NSW) - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 15:26

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 15:26

Not sure of the exact route but I know they had to do the Eyre Creek detour.
Original towing vehicle was a 105 Series Landcruiser with a 1HDFTE motor mod and the vehicle that ended up towing was a 105 Series Landcruiser with an aftermarket Turbo.
BTW the original towing vehicle had just spent the good part of 2 years travelling around Australia with the trailer.
On the 2005 trip we ran across a group at Poeples Corner who had come down the Hay River Track with a number of them towing solid off road camper trailers.

FollowupID: 728971

Follow Up By: Member - Wayne B (NSW) - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 19:27

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 19:27

Love the pictures and thank you for the info.
I will be towing a Basic Camper Trailer. (Tent on a box trailer) with 1HDT 80 series.
A mate is also taking his exact same vehicle so we will have plenty of parts . Strip his of course. LOL

Thank you
Wayne B

FollowupID: 728999

Follow Up By: Richard W (NSW) - Wednesday, Jun 01, 2011 at 06:47

Wednesday, Jun 01, 2011 at 06:47

Wayne,

Thanks.
Might be worth carrying some extra springs for the trailer or welding equipment. The track is pretty tough on trailers and there are a couple of wrecked ones along the route. Mines pretty basic but I wouldn't take it. Some of the ramp overs can be pretty steep particularly if it's soft and wind blown.
Good Luck.

FollowupID: 729022

Reply By: Gossy - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 11:20

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 11:20

The French Line is a great road but it would be fair to say that it's basically the same the whole way across (not that this is a bad thing; it's good fun). I would suggest you head down south also to give yourself a change of climbing up and down dunes all day. Different scenery down the bottom and you could go off and see the lone gum tree also (another tick in the box!).

Enjoy :)

AnswerID: 455979