Simpson Desert National Park

Introducing Simpson Desert National Park

The waterless Simpson Desert occupies a massive 200, 000 sq km of central Australia, and stretches across the Queensland, NT and SA borders. The Queensland section, in the state’s far southwestern corner, is protected as the 10, 000-sq-km Simpson Desert National Park, and is a remote, arid landscape of more than a thousand red sand dunes, spinifex and canegrass. This is the world’s toughest ranching country. The land is so unyielding that ranches have to be enormous to support themselves – one such place is estimated to be the size of Belgium.

Conventional cars can tackle the Birdsville Track reasonably easily, but the Simpson requires a 4WD and far more preparation. Crossings should only be tackled by parties of at least two 4WD vehicles, equipped with suitable communications to call for help if necessary. Alternatively, you can hire a satellite phone from Birdsville police (07-4656 3220) for $23 per day, which can be returned to Maree police (08-8675 8346) in SA. Permits are required to traverse the park, and are available from the Birdsville QPWS office (07-4652 7333; cnr Billabong Blvd & Jardine St) or from the town’s petrol stations. You will need to write your anticipated route and arrival time at your destination on the police blackboard, so help can be sent if you get lost – this is very, very rough country and should not be attempted by anyone without lots of outback driving experience.

For the park’s SA sections, you need a separate permit, available through the South Australian National Parks & Wildlife Service (1800 816 078).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009