About

As you traverse the Simpson Desert, you'll benefit from Nick and Stephan's wealth of knowledge. Stephan, with his 13 years of desert exploration and over 20 desert expeditions, will share invaluable insights on sand driving techniques, vehicle preparation, and desert survival skills. Nick's background as a former bush helicopter pilot and mechanic adds an extra layer of expertise to ensure your safety and enhance your adventure.

Around the evening campfire, you'll have the opportunity to hear fascinating stories from both guides. Stephan can regale you with tales from his numerous cross-country expeditions and encounters with desert legends like Denis Bartell. Nick's experiences as a commercial helicopter pilot in remote areas of Australia will provide a unique perspective on outback life and exploration.

This tour goes beyond the beaten path, taking you to locations never seen on standard tag along trips. You'll have the chance to experience the desert as few others do, with two guides who are passionate about sharing their love for this unique environment.

While more premium-priced than typical tag along tours, this experience offers unparalleled access to the Simpson Desert's hidden wonders and the combined expertise of two passionate guides. Bring your sense of adventure and a willingness to embrace the unexpected - this is desert exploration at its finest, led by two of Australia's most knowledgeable outback experts.

As we embark on this extraordinary journey through the Simpson Desert, we'll delve deep into its most remote and rarely visited regions, following in the footsteps of early explorers and oil prospectors. This unique expedition offers a blend of history, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes.

Our journey through the Simpson Desert will take us to numerous significant locations and landmarks:

• Birdsville: Our starting point, this iconic outback town offers attractions like the famous Birdsville Hotel and Bakery.

• Big Red: The famous 40-metre high sand dune marking the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert, offering a challenging climb and spectacular views.

• QAA Line: One of the main east-west tracks across the Simpson, offering a taste of classic desert driving.

• K1 Line, WAA Line, and Rig Road: We'll traverse sections of these historic tracks, each offering unique driving experiences and desert vistas.

• Abandoned Oil Wells: We'll explore several of these relics from the desert's oil exploration era, offering insights into the area's industrial history.

• Poeppel Corner: The surveyed corner point where South Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory meet.

• French Line Track: We'll travel part of this iconic desert crossing route.

• Colson Track: Named after Ted Colson, who made the first recorded European crossing of the Simpson Desert in 1936.

• Acacia peuce (Waddy-wood) Reserve: Home to one of the rarest and oldest trees in the world, found in only three locations globally.

• Eyre Creek: A significant watercourse that can transform the desert landscape after heavy rains.

• Vast Salt Lakes: We'll visit expansive salt lakes rarely seen by other travellers, offering surreal landscapes and excellent photography opportunities.

• Madigan's Camps: We'll visit several of the original campsites used by Cecil Madigan during his 1939 expedition.

• Mount Dare: Our final destination, offering a well-earned rest and chance to reflect on the journey.

• Dalhousie Hot Springs: While not directly on our route, we may have the opportunity to visit these natural hot springs, depending on our itinerary and time constraints.

This diverse range of sites ensures a comprehensive exploration of the Simpson Desert's natural wonders, historical significance, and unique challenges. Each location offers its own story and experience, contributing to the rich tapestry of our desert adventure.

By incorporating these iconic landmarks and historical sites into our expedition, we're not only experiencing the desert's natural wonders but also connecting with important pieces of Australian exploration and settlement history. The combination of the rare Waddy-wood trees, the historic Old Andado Station, and the pioneering Colson Track provides a rich, multifaceted desert experience that goes beyond typical tours.

INCLUSIONS

• Experienced tour guides with first aid training, mechanical aptitude, and communication equipment (including satellite phone)

• WiFi via Starlink (where available)

• All necessary permits, including National Park and Central Land Council permits

• All camping fees, including National Parks and campsites in and around the Desert region

• Complimentary cheese platter

• Epic 4x4 driving experiences

• Sensational camping in remote locations

EXCLUSIONS

• Food, water, and alcohol (self-catered tour)

• Vehicle expenses such as fuel, maintenance, and recovery

• Personal travel insurance

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS

• UHF radio

• Sand flag

• Minimum 2" suspension lift and quality 31" L/T AT tires or M/T tires (or equivalent)

• Long-range fuel tank or jerry cans (1300 kms minimum fuel range)

• Comprehensive recovery kit

• Sense of adventure!

• Minimum one new spare tyre (two spares highly recommended)