geographical centre of the simpson

Helicopter !

No tracks, all cross country!!

Where is the centre and by which method is it calculated?

Centre of Gravity method, furthest point from the official border of the desert and median point are three methods.

Probably something that would be hard to get a consensus on.

Cheers
Alan

Hi Lindsay

If you are only interested in going to the Geo Centre, the easiest way - well in relatively easy terms compared to other ways is from the Colson Track. From the French Line at the Colson Track junction, head north up a very good track following the swale.

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After the Colson Oil Well site, you still head north for a few Kilometres before heading in a north east direct up the cleared line as shown on the Hema Map and also on the Topo Map. Depending on what mother nature has done to the state of the track, I can not say, but there will be times where the track will disappear completely. At a point where you come to the only old shot line heading in a north, north west direct, you will be on track, again this will disappear, but for only small sections.

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At a point where you are opposite the Geo Centre, you will again have to head further north, again shown on good Maps. From hear to the actual swale that you follow to the Centre, is almost back to its natural state.

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Once at the point where you turn to the south, it is a very good run through. Do not worry, you can see the town from a few kilometres away, so you can not over shoot the actual spot.

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If you are going to be technical, the actual tower is not at the correct location.

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Once at the tower, the best way is to retrace your tracks. I made the big mistake of trying to go straight back to the main shot line and it took quite some time, as there were many dead end very deep and soft dunes.

Like I said, nature will change the tracks greatly and you will need to have had some cross country experience and very good moving maps.



Cheers


Stephen

Yes a very good trip, the route Stephen mentioned is the easiest way there.
We returned in a south easterly direction from the intersection of the shotline heading north and the shotline from the Colson and it was pretty hard going in spots until reaching Thomas wellsite and the gidgee forest. from then on well defined back to the French line.