Simpson Desert 2009

The Simpson desert is a longitudinal desert that occupies  an area of 170,000 square  kilometers just west of the geographical center of Australia. The Simpson Desert contains the worlds longest parallel sand dunes, 1200, running North-South. These dunes are static held in position by vegetation, and vary in size from 3 meters to around 60 meters on the Eastern side. The most famous dune is the Big Red.

The total distance travelled by the team was 5,300 km. Setting out from Melbourne and then travelling through the Sunset country near Mildura. Then onwards to Hawker, Blinman and to Arkaroola in the Flinders Ranges.The journey then continued to Lake Eyre and up the Oodnadatta Track to Dalhousie Springs, across the Simpson Desert, over the 'Big Red' to Birdsville. The journey then continues down the Strezlecki Track to the Burke and Wills memorial, Broken hill, Minindee Lakes, Mungo Lakes back to Mildura and Melbourne.

Location Of Simpson Desert.

Night stopover in Arkaroola in the Northern Flinders Ranges.

Heading northward up the Oodnadata track.

Camp at a ruin. Lots of howling Dingoes here at night.

Ruin

Helen and Klaus putting up a tent for the night.

The old Ghan track. At the time, this was the longest bridge in the southern hemisphere.

A map outline of the 1000km between petrol stations and supplies. Oodnadatta Pink Hotel to Birdsville.

Dalhousie Ruins on the Old Ghan Rail.

A swim in the hot Dalhousie Springs.

Marika enjoying an evening chat.

Helen preparing tea the day before setting out on the long run across the Desert.

'Camp oven' made bread on the way.

The Desert begins.

Being 'snatched out' of a sand bog.

Only 2100 Dunes to go.

Camp out on 'The French Line'

Tyres down to 18psi now. Really helps with traction.

Another dune at the end of a long 'swale'.

Bottomed out.

The Suzuki 4WD is a bit low in this country, but Klaus is a seasoned driver.

A bit of leg stretching.

These tight turns before running up a sand dune were a pain. Cannot get a good run at the dune and have to keep tyres down and plug on.

Bush Tomato. Quite tasty.

Another run up a dune.

Nearing the end of the Desert. The Eyre Creek is full of bird life and flowers. Had to do an unplanned detour of 70km here to get around the water.

Crossing Eyre Creek after a 70km detour involving following up the creek on one bank until we could find a place to cross over.

Heading southward below Broken Hill. A sand storm starts..time to find a sheltered spot and wait it out.

Camped at Menindee Lakes. The sand storm starts to moderate late in the day.

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