Australia’s Simpson Desert is 170,000 square kilometres of pure adventure. This wild desert occupies not one but three states: Queensland, the Northern Territory and South Australia. Known as the ‘holy grail’ of 4WDing, its rolling dunes, testing terrain and vivid red sand are like liquid gold to off-roaders.
Australian overlander, Dan Grec, is no stranger to these challenging conditions. From Africa’s Sahara and Namib to South America’s Atacama and his most recent Simpson Desert adventure, Dan knows a thing or two about road tripping through remote, rugged regions.
If you’re thinking about embarking on your own Simpson adventure, you’ll need to be prepared. It’s no easy feat, but it’s certainly worth it. Here are Dan’s top tips for taking on the Simpson Desert.
“The Simpson is barren, remote and absolutely breathtaking. It is an expansive void of nothingness while it is simultaneously awe-inspiring and unique.” - Dan Grec
Trip duration
Before we get into the details, you’ll want to know how much time to put aside for your trip. “Given the amount of planning and preparation, I think it only makes sense to slow down to the pace of the desert and just enjoy it for as long as possible,” Dan says.
Dan recommends crossing in a minimum of five days, while seven to ten is ideal to fully immerse yourself.
Your route
The Simpson Desert’s 4WDing tracks include the French Line, the Rig Road and the WAA Line. These vary in length, but all meet near Poeppel Corner on the QAA Line, where the three state borders connect.
“For a first-timer in the desert, the combination of the French & QAA Line is a great place to start - the distance is less at 550km, and there will be plenty of other vehicles around should you need assistance. For those looking to get more remote and further from other people, the Madigan Line is much longer at 750km so it requires much more attention to logistics and a higher degree of self-sufficiency,” Dan says.
When Dan took seven-day Madigan Line crossing, he didn’t see another vehicle the entire time!
Time of year
The Simpson Desert is a wild place at the best of times; pick a good time of year to hit the road. Due to extreme weather conditions (plus 50 degrees), the park is closed from 1 December to 15 March every year. Opt to travel during May, June or July for pleasant temperatures, clear blue skies and starry nights.
Vehicle setup
First of all, a 4WD is an absolute must. It doesn’t have to be as extensively modified as Dan’s 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, but it’ll make your trip more enjoyable. Dan’s vehicle was kitted out with the following gear:
Exterior
- Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning
- Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform
- Auxiliary petrol tank
- Upgraded suspension, wheels and tyres
- Steel front bumper
- Winch
- Off-road lighting
- Snorkel
- Five 10L jerry cans (secured to the Pioneer Platform)
Interior
- Drinking water tank
- Filter
- Pump setup
- Large kitchen and fridge
- Lithium aux battery
- Solar
- Storage drawers for dry food
Survival gear
Fuel, food and water supplies are essential for the Simpson. “Once leaving Mt. Dare there is absolutely zero chance of re-supply, so without those three essentials, there can be no crossing,” Dan says.
Before his trip, Dan meticulously calculated fuel consumption, water needs and food. “My planning paid off, and there wasn’t a single piece of gear I wished I had,” he says.
When you’re doing your calculations, remember to factor in emergency supplies. Your fuel consumption will also be higher than usual; soft sand driving increases fuel use by around 50 per cent.
Safety equipment
First on your packing list of safety kit should be a 2.9-metre fluorescent sand flag. These are mandatory for all vehicles driving through the Simpson. Dan mounted his flag to his vehicle’s Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform.
Dan also recommends packing a satellite phone or a high-frequency radio, an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit. He stored his essential items in a ‘go bag’, so he could jump out of the vehicle with them if required.
In the event of a sticky situation, Dan also packed an air compressor and spare parts.
What to expect
“The Simpson is barren, remote and absolutely breathtaking. It is an expansive void of nothingness while it is simultaneously awe-inspiring and unique,” says Dan.
Say goodbye to phone reception, TV, radio and all of the complications of daily life. It’s just you and the surreal landscape of this epic slice of the country. Expect spectacular sunrises and sunsets, camels traversing the dunes and come evening, an incredible celestial show.