The desert is not as plain and desolate as one might assume. Its landscapes are versatile and feature sand dunes or vast salt pans. Silent at first sight, the desert teems with unique wildlife. Local fauna features various reptiles including central bearded dragon and sand goanna; mammals such as fat-tailed dunnart and dingoes; feral pests like camels and foxes; and nearly 200 species of birds that typically gather at the temporary lakes that dot the salt pans after downfalls. The rains also bring wildflowers to the desert. Moreover, it's home to the Aboriginal people—the Wangkangurru.
All that wild habitation covers the enormous area of over 170,000 square kilometres stretching on the border between South Australia and Queensland. The Simpson is renowned as Australia's fourth largest desert, and also the world's largest sand dune desert. Needless to explain why crossing it is quite a challenge. It's recommended to explore the Simpson on good four wheels, better even eight—it's safer to go in a company. Cars are to be equipped with fluorescent flags to enhance visibility, and you should also have a CB radio set to Channel 10, a high-frequency (HR) radio or a satellite phone, and some other gadgets necessary for the emergency.
The desert is split into national parks. A yearly Desert Parks Pass is necessary to get access for a vehicle—the fee covers entrance and camping, as well as other useful things such as maps, safety handbooks, etc.
The national parks are normally closed from December 1 to March 15, when the temperature exceeds 50 °C. Nevertheless, for the more updated information, you should check the websites of Australian National Parks. Generally, the access is provided between mid-March and November, still, the most pleasant weather is observed between May and October.
Practical info
What animals can be found in the Simpson Desert?
A variety of unique wildlife can be found in the Simpson desert, including reptiles like the central bearded dragon and sand goanna, fat-tailed dunnart, dingoes, over 200 species of birds, as well as camels and foxes. When it rains, wildflowers also bloom. Visiting the Simpson Desert guarantees an encounter with different species of fauna and flora, making the trip a worthwhile experience. Show more
What should be brought for a Simpson Desert road trip?
Exploring Simpson Desert on a road trip requires proper preparation. Visitors should travel on a four-wheel-drive, equipped with a CB radio, high-frequency (HR) radio, satellite phone, and other emergency gadgets as the area is remote. The vehicle should also have fluorescent flags for visibility, and visitors should carry sufficient water and food for the trip. Without proper preparation, visiting the Simpson Desert can be dangerous. Show more
What is the best time to visit the Simpson Desert to avoid extreme temperatures?
Visiting Simpson Desert requires good timing. The temperature in Simpson Desert is usually over 50°C from December 1 to March 15, making it too hot to explore. The best time to visit Simpson Desert would be between mid-March and November when the temperature is more manageable. Visiting between May and October when temperatures are mild is best when exploring the Simpson Desert's wildlife and diverse landscapes. Show more
How can visitors access the Simpson Desert?
To access Simpson Desert, visitors can purchase an annual Desert Parks Pass that covers entry and camping fees, including maps and safety handbooks - this pass allows entry into the parks Simpson Desert is divided into. The desert stretches over 170,000 square kilometers on the border between South Australia and Queensland. Visitors can also visit the Australian National Parks website for more information on access to Simpson Desert. Show more
What safety precautions should be taken while exploring the Simpson Desert?
Visiting Simpson Desert requires taking precautions like carrying safety gear, such as CB radio, high-frequency (HR) radio, or a satellite phone in case an emergency arises. Visitors should carry enough food and water as weather conditions change rapidly. It's recommended that visitors equip vehicles with fluorescent flags for visibility and travel in groups. Without taking proper safety measures, visiting the Simpson Desert can be dangerous. Show more
