Simpson Desert

• Welcome and farewell dinners
• Accredited guides with senior first aid certification
• Free Wi-Fi at each camp
• 4WD backup vehicle equipped with a winch
• All recovery equipment
• UHF radio and satellite phone
• Tyre repair gear
• Comprehensive first aid kit
• National Park permits and camping fees
• All Aboriginal land access permits
• BBQ plate provided at each camp
• Licensed and accredited tour operator

Day 1: Alice Springs to Hale River Homestead 

155km (C R)

We return to Alice Springs by midday to refuel and restock, then head south following the route of the Old Ghan Railway. From here, we’ll be on dirt roads for the next seven days. The track takes us through open country and low ranges before reaching our camp near Chambers Pillar in the late afternoon. The sandstone formation is a striking landmark with deep cultural and historical significance. Sunset here offers a dramatic shift in colour across the landscape, making it a memorable spot to end the day.

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Day 2: Hale River Homestead to Chambers Pillar 

276km (B)

We return to Alice Springs by midday to refuel and restock, then head south following the route of the Old Ghan Railway. From here, we’ll be on dirt roads for the next seven days. The track takes us through open country and low ranges before reaching our camp near Chambers Pillar in the late afternoon. The sandstone formation is a striking landmark with deep cultural and historical significance. Sunset here offers a dramatic shift in colour across the landscape, making it a memorable spot to end the day.

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Day 3: Chambers Pillar to Lambert Centre 

221km (B)

We begin the day with a visit to Rodinga, one of the original stations along the Old Ghan Railway. Continuing south, we stop to refuel at the Finke Aboriginal community before heading into more remote country. Our overnight camp is at Lambert Centre, recognised as the geographical centre of Australia. It’s a quiet spot with wide horizons and a chance to reflect on the scale of the journey so far.

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Day 4: Lambert Centre to Dalhousie Hot Springs 

244km (B)

We travel west through remote country, stopping at several historic sites along the way. We visit Mt Dare for fuel and supplies—our last stop before entering the Simpson Desert. From there, it’s a short drive to Dalhousie Hot Springs, where we set up camp and have time to relax in the natural thermal pools.

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Day 5: Dalhousie Hot Springs to WAA Line

123km (B)

We begin our crossing of the Simpson Desert, heading east from Dalhousie Hot Springs. The dunes start low and gradually increase in size, offering a good introduction to desert driving. The landscape shifts throughout the day, with wide swales, soft sand and occasional claypans. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and short walks. We camp in the swales between dunes, surrounded by open desert and clear skies.

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Day 6: WAA Line to Rig Road

74km (B)

We continue through the Simpson Desert, passing several abandoned oil exploration sites along the way. We check out a few of the abandoned oil wells. After reaching Lynnies Junction, we turn south before heading east along the Rig Road. The track here is firmer underfoot, originally built with clay and gypsum to support heavy vehicles. We set up camp near the Lone Gum, a solitary tree that stands out in the otherwise treeless landscape—an iconic marker in the desert.

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Day 7: Rig Road to Knoll Track 

82km (B)

We continue east through the Simpson Desert, following sections of the Rig Road before turning onto the Knoll Track. The dunes in this area are more closely spaced, with soft sand and occasional claypans. The landscape is varied, with low scrub, open swales and shifting dune lines. It’s a shorter driving day, allowing time to take in the scenery.

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Day 8: Knoll Track to Poeppel Corner

54km (B)

We begin the day with a visit to the Approdinna Attora Knolls, a pair of gypsum outcrops that stand out in the surrounding dune country. After passing Lake Tamblyn, we rejoin the French Line. This section is known for its soft sand and slower travel, with closely spaced dunes and wide swales. The scenery is varied and expansive, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the landscape. We camp at Poeppel Corner, where the borders of South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory meet.

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Day 9: Poeppel Corner to Birdsville

166km (C M R)

We begin the day with a short stretch along the K1 Line before turning east onto the QAA Line. The track takes us through soft sand and wide swales, with a stop at Eyre Creek for lunch. In the afternoon, we reach Big Red—the tallest dune in the Simpson Desert—where there’s time to take on the climb or just enjoy the view. From there, it’s a short drive into Birdsville to set up camp. The day ends with a visit to the Birdsville Pub, a well-known outback watering hole and a fitting place to mark the end of the desert crossing.

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Day 10: Birdsville Races 

0km (C D R)

The day is yours to explore Birdsville and take in the races. There’s time to visit local landmarks, watch events at the track or simply soak up the atmosphere around town. In the evening, we head back into town for a group dinner to wrap up the trip and share stories from the desert crossing.

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Legend

B – Bush Camp
C – Campground
D – Dinner Provided
M – Meals Available (own expense)
R – Rooms Available (own expense)

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Glamping Options

Rooms and meals are available on 3 nights of this tour.