simpson desert tagalong tours

• 2 Day Introductory 4WD Driver Training
• VW 4Motion 4WD Driver Training
• Advanced 4WD Driver Training
• 4WD & Camper Trailer Towing Programme
• Individual 4WD Training
• Heavy Vehicle Off Road Training
• Great Divide Tours 4WD Training Centre – Castle View
• Accredited Training
• Brindabella Ranges (1 Day)
• Gold Rush Tour (1 Day)
• Stockton Beach (1 Day)
• Turon River (1 Day)
• Abercrombie / Hill End (2 Days)
• Autumn in the Snowies Tour (3 Days)
• Beach Safari Tour (2 days)
• Christmas in August Snow Tour (3 Days)
• Man from Snowy River (4 Days)
• Ridges & Rivers (3 Days)
• Summer in the Snowies Tour (3 Days)
• Victorian High Country (7 days)
• Victorian High Country Camper(7 days)
• Victorian High Country Accommodated (7 days/8 nights)
• VW 4Motion Weekend Escape Tour (2 days)
• VW 4Motion Stockton Beach Tour (1 day)
• Along the Murray Accommodated Tour (8 days/nights)
• Arnhem Land 4WD Tours (20 days )
• Birdsville Big Red Bash Tour (12 days)
• Canning Stock Route 4WD Tour(26 days)
• Cape York Safari (20 Days)
• Cruise the Kimberley Coast with Vic Widman (13 days)
• Explore the Flinders Ranges (12 Days)
• Exploring Len Beadell's Tracks Tour (18 days)
• Follow the Fence Tour (12 days)
• Iceland 4WD Tagalong Adventure (14 days)
• Kimberley Explorer 4WD Tour (26 Days)
• Maralinga & Beyond (19 days)
• Namibia by 4x4 Accommodated Tour (21 days)
• New Zealand tour with Vic Widman
• Outback Icons Tour (9 days)
• Simpson Desert Safari (14 Days)
• Simpson Desert Double Crossing (18 days)
• Touring Tassie (20 days)
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• Watch our current trip videos
• The GDT Team
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Simpson Desert Double Crossing (18 Days)

Since our first Simpson Desert tagalong tour in the early 1990’s, Great Divide Tours has led over 150 tagalong tours across what we know as the largest parallel sand dune desert in the world, the Simpson Desert. That’s no mean feat, and would place us as possibly the most experienced 4wd tagalong tour company offering trips through this amazing landscape.

Having crossed it every which way and pioneering an amazing double crossing of the Desert in 2019, we are now offering the opportunity to engage in an amazing double crossing of the Desert with our highly experienced guides. However, we are not just going there and back, instead we are performing a figure eight through the Desert allowing us to experience virtually every track possible in this magnificent desert panorama.

Our double crossing in 2024 will commence and end in Windorah with a visit initially to the iconic Queensland outback town of Birdsville, before we head north to Min Min country at Boulia, trek down the notorious Plenty Highway and follow the beautiful Hay River Track deep into the heart of Australia. All the way to Poeppel Corner. Then a mix of the French, Knolls, WAA and Rig roads to lead us to the amazing Dalhousie Springs. Refuel at Mt Dare, visit old Andado and then follow Vic’s personal favourite track in the Simpson, the Madigan Line.

Crossing over the Hay River track once again to complete our figure eight crossing we continue to the QAA Line, Eyre Creek and onto the massive Big Red sand dune just west of Birdsville, which we will conquer with our reward a great night in the Birdsville Hotel with dinner, bed and breakfast provided. Finally back to Windorah to celebrate what will be a life long memory creator. Hopefully you have the spirit of adventure to join us and experience this epic trip first hand.

Basic Requirements For This Tour

Sorry no trailers.

Fuel 4 & 5 cylinder diesel vehicles should carry 140 litres of fuel V8 diesel vehicles should carry 200 litres of fuel If you have a V6 or straight six diesel vehicle I recommend 160 litres of fuel Petrol vehicles need to carry 260 litres of fuel

Spares/equipment A UHF radio – we can hire you a radio Carry a snatch strap and rated shackles (see our shop if you need recovery equipment) Spare fan belts, fuel filter, oil and brake fluid, 1 extra spare tyre (not mounted on a rim) 

Driver experience Prior experience is necessary but we will assist you as we go, you might consider attending our driver training course. - Do you require Driver Training?

Food This is a self catered tour, bring your own food and drink requirements, we supply a gas BBQ for your use in camp. Camping gear You need to supply your own camping gear, this is a camping tour there is no accommodation option. Carry warm clothing at all times.

Facilities There are toilets and showers at some of our camp sites.

More Info – will be sent to you once you register with your deposit

Refund Policy

Great Divide Tours reserves the right to cancel or alter any tour or course at any time. Great Divide Tours will determine if any refund is due if this action occurs.

In the event of you canceling a booking the following refund policy applies. Deposits are non refundable. If your booking can be reallocated to another participant then the deposit can be transferred to another tour of your choice which must be taken within 18 months of the original booked tour. The full tour fee is payable 4 weeks prior to the tour and is not refundable after this time. You should consider taking out Travel Insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances including illness, vehicle problems or family matters.

25 July - 11 August 2024

6 - 23 June 2025

$6,300 per vehicle/per couple extra persons $800 under 12 $400 $6,000 single person in a vehicle 

Deposit $2,000

Tour Fee includes 2 adults, camping and National Park Fees, Aboriginal permits for Hay River and Madigan Line, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at Birdsville Hotel on 25 July & 10 August 2024, dinner at Windorah on 24 July, dinner and camping on 11 August 2024 and your Desert Parks Permits.  

Sorry no Trailers

ABN 11 092 849 780

PO Box 5020,  Elanora Heights 2101

Vic and Julie Widman

Ph - 02 9913 1395  |   Fax - 02 9913 1395

e-mail -   [email protected]

Site by   Divine Branding  

Simpson Desert Double Crossing.   Windorah to Birdsville. 15 Nights

2025 tours. bookings now open. •  2 - 16 aug; & • 20 aug - 3 sept  .

$6207 per vehicle for 1 or 2 people.  25% deposit secures your spot and locks in the price.   No trailers. Max 8 customer vehicles.  You can stay on for the Birdsville Races at the end of the second tour. Race dates: 6-7 Sept. Join us for an incredible 15 night Double Crossing Tour of the Simpson Desert in August 2025.  Starting at Windorah with an included cabin and dinner, then on to Birdsville, we spend 5 nights in the Southern Simpson travelling East - West on the QAA Line, French Line, Rig Road, and WAA Line, have 2 nights relaxing at Mt Dare (1 dinner included), then another 5 nights desert camping across the famous Madigan Line, before taking on the famous dune Big Red, and our final night's included dinner, bed and breakfast at the iconic Birdsville Hotel! On the final morning of our tour, we will take an amazing scenic flight from Birdsville to see the waterways and desert from a different perspective. A fantastic way to wrap up our trip (included in the tour cost from 2025). Your expedition leader Tony is a professional tour arranger, 4WD Instructor and tour guide, meaning you will have the best possible (and safest) tour experience. He is certified by Savannah Guides , EcoGuides Australia and Tour Guides Australia , and he holds a Nationally Recognized Cert IV qualification in 4WD Training and Assessment . All this and he has a Degree in Tourism and a Masters Degree in Wildlife Management . He's passionate about showing you all the different aspect of this amazing desert environment. If you don't have your own 4WD vehicle, you can hire one with all the necessary gear. See below for vehicle hire details. Take the hassle and uncertainty out of organising a trip like this on your own and trust Tony to provide you with an experience to remember. Our business is the only tag along tour operator in Australia to be approved under the Savannah Guides Enterprise accreditation scheme. Check out the Simpson Desert FAQs below for more information on what's included in the tour. Duration: 15 Nights   Start/End: Windorah to Birdsville Cost: $6207 per vehicle including 1 or 2 people. $600 each additional passenger. 10% Discount for returning customers Contact us for more information or to book your adventure.

Your Guide, Tony.

To learn more about tony's experience and our associated guides, please follow this link.

A surprising fact is that in Australia, tag along tour guides are not required to be accredited. Therefore, we think it’s important you know that Tony is  Savannah Guides accredited, EcoGuide Australia accredited, and  Tour Guides Australia accredited (these all require an accreditation process, not just a paid membership) . Tony also holds a  Cert IV in Training and Assessment in 4WD Instruction, a Degree in Tourism and a Masters Degree in Wildlife Management . In addition to this, our business is the only tag along tour operator in Australia approved under the Savannah Guides Enterprise accreditation scheme.

"𝑂𝑢𝑟 𝑎𝑑𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒, 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑇𝑜𝑛𝑦'𝑠 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑓𝑒'𝑠 𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒! 𝑇ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑠ℎ 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑝, 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑝-𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔... 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛. 𝑇𝑜 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓, 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓. 𝐷𝑜 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑓𝑢𝑛!!" - Bʀᴜᴄᴇ (& Dᴇʙ), Sɪᴍᴘsᴏɴ Tᴏᴜʀ 2022.

Hire an adventure ready 4WD Camper  from our trusted supplier, Overlander 4WD Hire , and receive our exclusive * 10% discount off the hire price.   Click here for more information about the 4WD Camper.

*Discount is on hires of 14 days duration or longer. Applies to Toyota vehicles for Simpson Desert, Cape York, Kimberley and Arnhem Land Tours only. Check vehicle specifications against our requirements. 

Email for an "Info Pack" & availability

Watch the Video - Simpson Desert Tag Along Tour

Rather be a Passenger? Contact Andrew Dwyer from our trusted affiliate business  Diamantina Touring Company for information about in-vehicle, catered Simpson Desert Tours. 2024 is their final year running these tours after 37 years, so get in quick!

" Since 1988, Diamantina has been at the forefront of award-winning remote expeditions in the heart of Outback Australia. We're not just a tour company; we're a passionate family business deeply devoted to nature and the rugged beauty of the Outback. Our hand curated journeys are made even more exceptional with our meticulously equipped forward-seating Toyota Land Cruisers ."

Simpson Desert Tour FAQs

WHERE CAN I LEAVE MY CARAVAN OR  CAMPER TRAILER? • You can store your van or camper trailer at Windorah or Birdsville and collect it at the end of the tour. You can organise this directly with the pub at Windorah or the Caravan Park in Birdsville. The cost is about $200. WHAT'S INCLUDED? • First night's accommodation in a cabin or motel room & dinner in Windorah's Western Star Hotel  • Last night's accommodation + dinner, bed & breakfast at the Birdsville Hotel • 3 Dinners out - Windorah, Mt Dare Hotel, Birdsville Hotel • StarLink Wifi - internet when we're camped remotely • All camping fees (eg. Caravan Parks and National Parks) • Madigan Line access fees (newly instated by the Central Land Council) • 2 nights camping at Mt Dare half way through the tour. • QAA Line, Poeppels Corner, French Line, WAA Line, Rig Road, Dalhousie Springs, Old Andado, Madigan Line, Adria Downs Station, Big Red. • Pre-tour help and advice on vehicle and gear setup. • All the arrangements and bookings for the tour (just get yourself, your gear and vehicle to Windorah). • Full-time, professional tour guide/4WD instructor with a Cert IV qualification in 4WD training and current remote area first aid certificate. • "On-tour" training over the 2-way radio. You will be given help and advice throughout the entire trip. You will be warned of oncoming traffic and hazards. Your guide will co-ordinate dune crossings with oncoming vehicles, talking to them on another UHF channel so there's no confusion about what to do. On difficult sections, your guide will be out of their vehicle to help you and instruct you personally.  • Reliable tour leader's vehicle with all safety, recovery, communications and emergency equipment - Starlink, Satphone and Garmin inReach (tracker, emergency beacon & satellite texting), winch, snatch straps, Max Trax etc. • Aboriginal Land Permits; National Park entry fees; Private property access arrangements. • Tyre changing and mechanical assistance; spare 2-way radios. • Night spotlighting sessions for animals; bird/animal ID books and apps.  WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?  •  4WD Vehicle, fuel, food (other than stated above), camping gear, insurance (vehicle and personal). • Optional accommodation upgrades and scenic flights (recommended from Birdsville). WHAT ARE THE 4X4 VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS? • This tour is not suitable for off-road camper trailers. • A high clearance 4X4 vehicle with low range. • Upgraded, heavy duty suspension - even on a new vehicle.  • One spare front and and one spare rear shock as appropriate for your vehicle. • Six Light Truck construction (LT) tyres with over 70% tread remaining. • Fuel range of 800 km. • 50 - 80L water storage. • Good quality UHF radio base set (Uniden, GME or Oricom recommended) fitted into your vehicle by a UHF specialist installer, and a substantial aerial - 6.6dbi, 1 metre in length, with large 30mm base - not the slim springy ones. These will break on the corrugations. • Good quality sand flag with lynch pin base. Not a hose fitting type, and not the spring base type. Bushranger flag from ARB recommended. • Tyre deflator and tyre pressure gauge. • Tyre pressure monitors - TPMS. • Good quality air compressor. • Some spares are required to be carried (filters, belt etc). A full list is provided on booking. • A Mechanical Checklist is to be completed by a qualified mechanic and returned  at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the tour. • An Medical Form is to be completed by each person in your vehicle and submitted at least 2 weeks before departure. • A tent or camp set up that is EASY TO PUT UP AND TAKE DOWN. This should take no longer than 15 mins each time. This will make or break your trip. An awning tent connected to your vehicle in not recommended.  • Vehicle Insurance - make sure your insurance company covers your vehicle for off-road driving. NRMA/RACQ etc will not recover your vehicle from remote tracks. Only Club 4X4 Insurance will cover your vehicle recovery costs in remote situations. There is an option with Club 4X4 to get up to $30,000 for remote recoveries. (Our vehicle is insured with Club 4X4 but we are NOT sponsored by them). • Travel Insurance - as with any holiday, you should get travel insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances (such as remote medical evacuation). FUEL CONSUMPTION Desert driving fuel consumption is as follows (NB. indicative only): - Diesel utes eg. D-Max, Hilux, Ranger, BT-50 use 14 - 18L/100km, - Landrover Discovery 4 uses about 18L diesel/100km - Diesel V8 200 Series Landcruiser uses 20 - 22L/100km - Petrol 4.6L Nissan Patrol uses close to 28L/100km  WHERE CAN I GET SUPPLIES AND FUEL? Birdsville and Mt Dare are our fuel locations for the tour. All care will be taken to check in advance whether fuel is available where we are going. Water and food is also available in these locations but fresh food is not always available and variety is limited. CAN I HIRE A 4WD VEHICLE & CAMPING GEAR? You sure can. Talk to us about hiring a vehicle and all the gear, and the 10% discount on vehicle hire. Priced from $450/day. WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS FLOODING OR ROAD CLOSURES IN AND AROUND THE DESERT AT THE TIME OF OUR TOUR? We have alternative itineraries in the event of flooding or track closures, so the tour will go ahead. It is not always possible to run tours as planned in the Outback and desert. This is all part of travel in these remote areas. WHEN CAN I SEE THE FULL ITINERARY? The full itinerary is provided to you once your deposit has been paid. Please see the "loose itinerary" below for an outline. The following is a general outline. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change depending on track conditions, weather, vehicle issues, border restrictions etc. We have also factored in some spare days that can be used if necessary for contingencies. 

Tour Highlights (the loose itinerary)

DOUBLE CROSSING TREK  We begin at the edge of the sealed roads in the great little Outback town of Windorah with an included cabin for the night, pub dinner and team meeting. We then make our way to Birdsville on the last 100kms of sealed roads, then the first 270kms of dirt road, with time that night to have a cool drink at the iconic Birdsville Hotel and camp at the caravan park. We then drive into the Simpson Desert, starting with a "Sand Driving Masterclass", before tackling the dunes of the QAA Line which lead us to the Tri-State border at  Poeppel Corner . We then spend a brief time on the French Line before dropping South to get away from the more well-used tracks.  We head across the Rig Road which is still clay-capped in many places from the old days of oil exploration. After our run along the Rig Road we visit the Lone Gum , then hit the amazing WAA Line with its steep and closely-packed dunes and twisy-turny tracks. We spend a total of 4 nights camped in truly remote desert, plus another night at the refreshing Dalhousie Springs . After an easy day, we spend two nights at Mt Dare Hotel , where we have a fantastic dinner cooked for us and we can restock food, fuel and supplies and prepare for another another 6 nights in the desert, including 5 nights on the remote Northern route, the Madigan Line .  The Madigan Line follows the historical exploratory trek of Cecil Madigan with his team of 9 men and 19 camels in 1939. This is an amazing journey through the most remote parts of the Simpson Desert. The track is rough and rugged but the scenery is spectacular. The Madigan Line takes us East, crossing the Hay River Track briefly before intercepting Eyre Creek where it enters the Simpson Desert near Madigan's 20th Camp on Adria Downs Station. From here we head South with the kind permission of Adria Downs Station , following Eyre Creek. We hear the tragic story of the children from the now derelict Old Annandale Station , before joining the QAA Line and finding a camp site for the night. The next day we make the last 10km push to Big Red . After conquering about 2000 dunes already, you will be ready to take on the largest dune of them all. It's a fantastic way to finish this unique Double Crossing experience. We then head out to Birdsville for our final night together where we have a cabin for the night and dinner at the Hotel - and have a good "knees-up" while reliving our experiences of the last 15 days!

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1/105 Denham Street  Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Australia

[email protected] Phone: +61 475 467 402

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4WD Tag-Along Adventure Tours

SIMPSON DESERT TOUR

Yunta to broken hill, 12 - 14 days.

For the more adventurous, 12-14 day Simpson Desert Tour. Plenty of great spots to stop and relax, take pictures or just soak in the outback, from hot springs to cold beers at outback pubs, there is something for everyone.

TOUR DESCRIPTION

21 July - 3 August 2024

Simpson Desert Full Itinerary

The offroad tradies terms and conditions, what to pack for an offroad adventure tour, farina: ruins and underground bakery, coward springs, munga-thirri np: the simpson desert.

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for the best aussie

4x4 adventure.

    TOURS SELLING FAST  

Simpson Desert - Hay River

17 - 28 June 2024

18 - 29 Aug 2024

Simpson Desert - Madigan Line

3 - 14 June 2024

4 - 15 Aug 2024

Vic. high country

Dargo to Billy Goat Bluff

25 - 26 May 2024

14 - 15 Sep 2024

all 4WD skill levels

Dingo trax tag along tours are open to all levels of 4x4 skill, ability and experience in the simpson desert and victorian high country.   whether you’re a seasoned 4wd enthusiast or completely new to four wheel driving - and don’t quite have the confidence and know-how to go it alone - we have your back, the dingo trax team offers the very best experience and  passion for exploring the vast australian landscape in a four wheel drive. our guided 4x4 tag along tours offer outback and wilderness safari experiences in small groups and in the comfort of your own vehicle. you're going to enjoy one hell of an adventure you won't forget in a hurry.

did you know?

Dingo Trax is a Quality Tourism and Sustainable Tourism Accredited Business!

This means we're super passionate about going above and beyond to exceed your expectations and create an unforgettable experience with us.

FIND OUT MORE...

2025 TOUR DATES AVAILABLE TO BOOK NOW!

New to four wheel driving, a one-on-one training day in the victorian high country is the perfect way to get you up to speed on what you and your 4x4 are c apable of.

I would never have attempted the tracks and river crossings prior to my Dingo Trax experience."

- gary tippet, - fb review, nothing is too much trouble. they are always positive and helpful - just a great bunch of blokes to be around.".

CREATE LASTING

Discover iconic four wheel drive spots across the Simpson Desert like Hay River, Madigan Line, Binn’s Track, Batton Hill, Birdsville, Big Red, Canning Stock Route

Follow Dingo Trax on Facebook and Instagram

"One of the most memorable days I've had in many, many years!"

- julian furnell, "you’d be hard pressed to find a better bloke to go bush with. john’s good nature - combined with many years of experience, knowledge and practical abilities - make him a great companion and leader on outback expeditions.", - steve kepper, md, kft investments.

"Just spent two of the best days touring through the tracks of the Victorian High Country with a overnight stay at Dargo. if - like me - you have very little experience in low range 4x4, John is your man. After a couple of days of expert tutoring, I feel confident to take on any track in this beautiful country. Even if your experienced, this tour won't disappoint. Can't wait to do the huts tour and the Simpson desert. Thanks John."

- mark sutton.

Dingo Trax offers the very best 4x4 tag along tours around! Adventure seekers will tick off many bucket list items when they join one of our remote four wheel drive safaris. Whether its tackling Big Red in Birdsville, sitting by a campfire enjoying a cold one in the Simpson Desert watching the sunset on a magical day, or gliding through a river crossing in the Victorian High Country. One of our self drive, guided 4WD holidays will have your adventure seeking dreams sorted.  

Explore the simpson desert and victorian high country on a small group tour in the comfort of your own vehicle. don't know how to tackle a sand dune or river crossing. no issues. our team will guide you every step of the way, giving you the confidence and know-how to enjoy your own four wheel drive trek when you feel ready. we also offer one-off 4x4 driver training days to get you comfortable and familiar with your vehicle and its four wheel drive functions., email: [email protected]       |          phone: 0418 595 176         |           www.dingotrax.com.au.

Tag Along Tours

6 day simpson desert tour group booking using your bikes price of $3550.

• 10 riders max per group
• Ride the Finke desert race track
• All meals (except Birdsville)
• 6×6 support vehicle included
• Bike fuel included, each bike must travel 130km on 10 liters of fuel in sand
• Cross the Simpson Desert 1100 sand dunes
• Birdsville Hotel twin share accommodation included
• For full itinerary look at our Simpson Desert tour page

7 day Cape York tour Group booking using your bikes Price of $3550

• 8 to 12 riders per group
• Meals, breakfast and lunch included
• Bike fuel included, each bike must travel 170km on 10 liters of fuel
• Single tent camping style accommodation 
• For full itinerary look at our Cape York tour page
• Transportation of your bikes back Cairns $750 each

Tag-Along 4wd Simpson Desert tour Price of $3500

• Tag-along tour is for anyone want to use their own 4wd. It gives you the same service and experience but using your own 4wd.
• Your vehicle must be reliable and good service condition.
• Your vehicle must be able to travel at least 600km in between fuel stops in sand.

David Hosking/Byron Bay Thank you very much for an awesome tour, I had a great time, I have always wanted to ride across the Simpson Desert. The food, the bikes and your guidance “Perfect”

No Limits 4X4 Hire

• Call Us 0413 465 938
• [email protected]

Simpson Desert 4X4 Tagalong Tour

Welcome to the Simpson Desert 4X4 Tagalong Tour itinerary page, our tours start on specific dates and these may be seen below.

The complete itinerary is below the dates section and contains all the information you might need – if you need more information or have a specific question please check our  FAQ’s  or  Contact Us.  

Tour Dates (2024):

Tour departure/arrival location: 1431 Bribie Island Rd, Ningi, QLD. 4511

26th March – 11th April – TWO PLACES REMAINING

Tour Dates (2025):

Ningi, QLD – Adelaide, SA

16th – 31st March  (PLACES REMAINING)

Adelaide, SA – Ningi, QLD

7th – 22nd April  (PLACES REMAINING)

Simpson Desert 4X4 Tagalong Tours Itinerary

Day 1:  We depart our Ningi Office (1431 Bribie Island Road, Ningi) at 0730hrs.

Today’s drive will start with a meander over the great Dividing Range along the picturesque D’Aguilar Hwy.  We will have morning tea at Stoney Creek. 

Day 2: Today we drive along the Moonie and Balonne Hwy’s through the townships of St George and Cunnamulla before stopping for camp on the banks of the Paroo River, near Eulo.

Day 3:  Today we depart Eulo along the Adventure Way through the famous south west region of Queensland known as ‘Channel Country’.

We pass through Thargomindah and stop at one of Australia’s most famed camp sites (camp 65) established by Burke and Wills on their ill-fated journey from Melbourne to the Gulf of Caprentaria. We end todays drive at Innaminka for a well deserved refreshment at the Innaminka Hotel and camp in the Town Common on the banks of the Cooper Creek.

Day 4: This morning we depart Innaminka after re-fuelling. If time permits we will visit the grave of William John Wills (Wills) before traversing Walkers Crossing Track and  the Birdsville Track to the truly outback Mungerannie Hotel.

Day 5:  Today we embark on the first leg of our Simpson Desert crossing.

From Mungerannie we head back up the Birdsville Track before turning into the Simpson on the Rig Road. The Rig Rd which has deteriorated considerably since its construction. With its corrugations, wash outs and rutting it is becoming an alternative challenge to the constant dunes of the other desert tracks.

We don’t have an exact destination for tonight’s camp as the conditions will determine our pace. We aim to reach the ‘Lone Gum’ which is, as the name suggests, a Coolabah Tree standing alone in the middle of the shrubby desert landscape.

Day 6:  Today we continue along the Rig Rd. Our destination will again be determined by track conditions.

Day 7:  Today we set off for Dalhousie Springs, a true outback oasis.

Before making camp we will visit the Dalhousie ruins, which was the homestead of Ned Bagot the first lease owner of Dalhousie Station in 1872.

This afternoon/evening is all about relaxing and enjoying this magical location.

Day 8:  Today we only pack up our vehicles and leave our camp behind for the afternoon.

We head for the Mt Dare Hotel  http://www.mtdare.com.au  on the western edge of the Simpson Desert to re-fuel ready for our return journey. If time permits we will venture a little further west to the Geographical (Lambert’s) Centre of Australia.

Tonight we can enjoy another soak and relax before tackling the second half of our adventure. Over the next few days we will cross 1100 soft and difficult sand dunes on the French and QAA Lines.

Day 9:  We depart Dalhousie Springs and start our drive along the French Line.

The French Line is the most demanding track along the Simpson with its constant dunes and very soft sand. Where we camp will again depend on conditions, we expect to travel an average of only 15km per hour for the next couple of days.

Day 10:  Today we continue east on the French Line. Tonight’s camp will again be an undetermined location on the track.

Day 11:  Today we pass through Poeppel Corner, the corner of NT, SA and QLD borders. We then head north for 18km’s before turning east on the QAA Line.

Day 12:  Today we tackle Big Red the largest (40m) sand dune in the Simpson Desert and a must do for desert travellers.

After crossing Big Red it’s an easy drive into Birdsville for some well-earned refreshments at the famous Birdsville Pub  https://birdsvillehotel.com.au  and a nice shower at the Birdsville Caravan park.

Day 13:  We depart Birdsville today along the Birdsville Development Road.

Before setting up camp on the iconic Cooper Creek, we will stop for a break at the recently re-opened Betoota Hotel. Betoota is recorded as Australia’s smallest town.

Day 14:  Tonight’s destination is the Charleville Bush Caravan Park. After dinner we will have a tour of the Charleville Cosmos Centre.  https://www.cosmoscentre.com/

Day 15:  Today we head for camp, and our last night, at the Chinchilla Weir. On our way we will stop for a swim in the healing waters of the Mitchell Hot Springs. 

Day 16:  Today is the last day of the tour. We will stop for lunch at the Historic Muntapa Tunnel, QLD’s longest straight railway tunnel and the only rail tunnel that crosses from the inland to the coastal side of the Great Divide. We aim to arrive back in Ningi at around 4pm. 

What’s included in your 17-day Simpson Desert Tagalong Tour:

• A fully equipped and capable Land Rover Perentie 4×4 vehicle including; double bed, 30L 12v Waeco fridge, crockery and cutlery, camp chairs, table, lighting, annex, 240 volt power inverter and recovery gear)
• Fully catered (breakfast, lunch and dinner, tea and coffee).
• All National Park entry and camping fees
• Caravan park camping fees
• Entry to Mitchell Thermal Pools
• Evening spotlighting walks
• Guided fishing 
• The services of a passionate and enthusiastic tour leader with over a decade of experience as a Parks and Wildlife Ranger working across South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland
• Tips and assistance on 4×4 driving, camping, fishing, campfire cooking and much more
• UHF radio and emergency first aid kits are supplied in all vehicles. A satellite phone and Spot tracker emergency beacons are also carried by our experienced and 1st Aid trained tour leaders
• Minor mechanical and electrical repairs
• Bush shower
• Bush toilet
• The use of a range of field guides and books on local flora, fauna, culture and history
• The use of yabbie nets and fishing gear.

What you need to bring:

• Personal toiletries (please bring environmentally friendly soaps and shampoos)
• Snacks and drinks (Alcohol is welcome, however there may be restrictions on what and how much can be taken into Indigenous communities, please discuss with your tour leader)
• Pillow, sheets/sleeping bag
• Camera, fishing gear, binoculars, torch/headlamp
• A sense of adventure

A detailed list of required and recommended personal items will be provided to you in your information pack upon booking.

Plan your next adventure with us!

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WELCOME TO BIG SKY TAGALONG TOURS

Book your 2024 adventure…, hurry don’t miss out – tours are filling up fast, we are now taking bookings for tours in 2024.

Have you ever dreamed of escaping in your own 4wd out into the desert, or maybe on to a tropical island?

Let big sky tagalong tours take the hassle out of planning your next adventure..

Relax on one of our Tagalong Tours

Don’t have the confidence, or the know-how to plan for such a trip?

Relax on one of our tag-along tours where all the planning is done for you.

Big Sky Tagalong Tours offers tag-along tours for both on and off road 4WD tours specialising in remote area travel.

From camp grounds to tourist attractions, cooking facilities to history lessons.

Big Sky Tagalong Tours offers a range of tours for the whole family to enjoy.

At Big Sky Tagalong Tours, we offer a range of self-drive, tag-along tours that will take you to some of Australia’s most unique destinations.

All of our tours are caravan-friendly, so you can still have your comforts.

So, what are you waiting for? Let Big Sky Tagalong Tours take all the stress out of your next adventure.

Our tagalong tours.

Kimberley & Savannah Way Tour

Knorrit Flat

Moonan Nundle Tour

Testimonials

In 2022, after COVID lockdowns, we decided to do a remote area tagalong tour with ‘Big Sky’. Once meeting, we immediately felt comfortable. Nothing was too much trouble for the hosts, with many inclusions and some extra surprises. Daily breakfasts were a huge help when camping. We had several mechanical issues, which they sorted and kept us going. The hosts were very knowledgeable on the history and the bush. We loved the banter and night-time gatherings. Once we got home, we immediately wanted to go again. Ourselves and 2 of the other couples are now going on another tour together with them, next year!   Svante & Helen

A big thank you to you both for our tagalong tour with Big Sky. It was a unique opportunity to explore the Darling River from beginning to end. Your hospitability has been exceptional and the energy during the entire trip was amazing. You have created an extended family atmosphere and we have enjoyed the easy going banter throughout.

We wish you well with all your future tours, stay healthy. Ray and Cheryl

Thank you for everything; it’s been a great trip. Burke and Wills tour. Lynden and Joy

Having just completed Big Sky Tagalong’s Burke and Wills Tour, I can absolutely say it was a most enjoyable and interesting trip. The hosts were very accommodating, friendly and easy to get along with. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and enjoyable with plenty of laughs as well along the way, hence the time went very quickly. I would definitely recommend it. Bill Hill

This was the first time we have travelled in a group/convoy and will do it again, as it was an all-round, memorable, unique experience. The hosts Dave and Jacque were very welcoming, friendly, and made us feel comfortable, and the group we travelled with were also friendly, helpful, and entertaining. Everything was planned out from the cooked breakfasts to the evening get togethers, although you do get time out to do your own thing if you prefer once you have settled into your campsite for the day. We usually stick to the main roads when travelling, but these tours take you to places that you wouldn’t normally go to. About 60% of the travel, we did on tour were on gravel roads, but we found these roads to be in good condition which built up our confidence to try the back roads on our own for the future. There are things to see on these backroads that you probably would never see unless you are with a professional tour such as BIG SKY. They not only know the best places to go, but they also explain the history.   Dave and Jacque also have a plan B if any unforeseen circumstances occur, they are well prepared and have done their research to adjust the tour accordingly. If you have difficulty positioning you van/camper or setting up your equipment, Dave and Jacque are only too pleased to help. (Very helpful for the novice).   BIG SKY are offering more than a tour, it is an adventure that we would highly recommend. Well Done BIG SKY. Lynn and Richard (DARLING RIVER TAGALONG TOUR 29 JULY 2023 TO 4 AUGUST 2023)

Your free brochure…

Download your free brochure by filling in the form below!

Filled with our exciting tour inclusions, frequently asked questions, what to bring along and other interesting information.

• Safety / FAQ
• Tours Calendar
• Simpson Desert Central Australia Tour
• Victorian High Country Tour
• Simpson Desert/Hay River Track Loop
• Canning Stock Route: Great Central Rd, Yulara to Halls Creek
• Lorella Springs
• Maralinga Beadell Tracks Tour

Madigan Line Tour

• Cape York Peninsula Camping with Accommodation Option
• Online Bookings
• Download Booking Form
• Gallery / News

Tracks 4×4 Tagalong Madigan line tour, in the Northern Simpson Desert.

If you want remote travel, starry nights, and a glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants, this is the tour for you.

We start our Madigan line 4×4 tagalong in Tibooburra in North Western New South Wales…what a great little town. Come and have a meal at the Family hotel the night before we set off and a drink in the front bar surrounded by Murals painted by some of Australia’s most famous artists.

On our first day of this 4×4 tagalong tour we will head from Tibooburra to Camerons corner . Stand at the marker post and have feet in different states!

From ‘The Corner’ we slowly, over the next couple of days, head to Birdsville, absorbing the grandness of the scenery and the harsh life the pioneers of this land must have endured.

You can’t go past Birdsville  in far western Queensland without a beer and a photo outside the pub, the food is great too and the good news is, the Birdsville bakery is opening again for 2021…great for breakfast.

Soon Birdsville is behind us and we are having a go at Big Red on our 4×4 Tagalong. Will you make it one attempt? Always great fun and worth a cuppa at the top watching the antics of others.

Pushing further we are now in Simpson Desert country proper on our 4×4 tagalong, and soon hit the Madigan line travelling East to West. We are on the Madigan line for 5 nights…great stars out this way, so bring your telescope if you have one and if you like photography, get some great time lapse shots of the Milky Way.

We then continue on our 4×4 Tagalong moving closer to Alice Springs on the old Ghan track. Come and see the marker post of Central Australia and also the geographical centre of Australia. Get a photo of you standing under the copy of parliament house’s flag pole, then we’re in to Alice and the end of the 4×4 tagalong for those who are leaving us here.

For those continuing onto our Central Australia 4×4 Tagalong tour, have a free day in Alice, restock, head out to the Old Telegraph Station, maybe check out one of the great museums, or just chill out and visit some of the art galleries. Find a cafe, taking in the amazing experience you have just had, and get excited about the Central Australia Tour.

Our tour dates for 2021 are 15th March to the 28th March for the Madigan line, then the 30th March to the 5th of April for the Central Australia tour .

We are then running these two again from the 11th of May till the 24th of May for the Madigan line and then the 26th of May till the 1st of June for the Central Australia Tour.

These are the best value for money 4×4 Tagalong tours around for the Madigan line and Central Australia.

Give Adam a call on 0408780072 to ask any questions.

Listed below are our normal range of tours. Keep watching as more tour destinations are coming soon. Outside these tour dates we are also available for private charters or personalised tours.

Cape York Tours

Experience the real adventure of driving yourself through one of the last great wilderness areas of Australia.

To stand at the most northerly point of mainland Australia is the dream of many who enjoy the quest to journey into remote areas.

• 18 Day Cape York Tour Itinerary

Simpson Desert Tours

The Simpson Desert occupies over 175,000 square kilometres of Central Australia and contains the world’s longest parallel sand dunes. Join us as we follow in the footsteps of the explorer Charles Sturt, who visited the region in 1845.

• 12 Day Simpson Desert Tour Itinerary, East – West Crossing
• 12 Day Simpson Desert Tour Itinerary, West – East Crossing

Transcontinental Tour

This is the ultimate outback tour across the country, from watching a sunrise over the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, travelling through 4 states and 1 territory, through deserts and corner country to enjoy a relaxing sunset over the waters of the Indian Ocean.

• 29 Day Transcontinental Tour Intinerary

Gulf Savannah Tours

The Gulf Savannah has a diverse range of landscapes, from grassy plains and monsoon woodlands, ranges and escarpments, broken by immense rivers and wetlands.

• 12 Day Gulf Savannah Tour Itinerary

• +61 1300 763 188 or 0417 244 600

Simpson Desert Tours

Simpson desert tours from alice springs, adelaide, birdsville via dalhousie springs and more.

The Simpson Desert tours now are available in 7, 9 or 13 days tours and cross the desert via the French Line, WAA Line & QAA Line.

Our 9 day Simpson Desert tours travel a route that combines all three tracks, plus Coulsen Track, Rig Road & Knolls Track and via Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert National Park.

Our extended 13 day tour includes these tracks plus the K1 Line, Madigan’s Line, Birdsville Track and Hay River Tracks and via Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert National Park.

The Simpson Desert is the name given to the desert sand hills area between Birdsville in the South West Corner of Queensland to Dalhousie Springs in the far north of South Australia near the Northern Territory border. It lies across the corners of 3 States – South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory. The route we take is a Combined Route – a tailored route that enables us to see as much as possible of the area in the one trip, taking in a little of each track, plus different travel directions ie both across and parallel with the sand hills – very different experiences.

Our tours pass through three Australian states – NT, SA and QLD, and Aboriginal lands. Munga-Thirri National Park is the Simpson Desert Region in Queensland. Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and Witjira National Park are in South Australia.

Chambers Pillar overnight is included in many of our Simpson Desert tours and all include Mount Dare and Dalhousie Springs (for a swim).

Dates available for Simpson Desert Tours are shown at the booking link and can also be on demand – please advise your interest, numbers & date range available, and whether passenger or tag along.

3 Simpson Desert Tours Options –

• Alice Springs to Birdsville – via Dalhousie Springs, French Line, WAA & QAA Lines – 7 days 
• Alice Springs to Alice Springs via Dalhousie Springs, French Line, WAA & QAA Lines, Boulia & Plenty Highway – 9 days –
• Alice Springs to Alice Springs via Dalhousie Springs, French Line, WAA & QAA Lines, Hay River Track – 13 days –
• Adelaide departures – Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta, Dalhousie Springs, French Line, WAA & QAA Lines ,  and Birdsville
• Adelaide returns on some tours – See details
• Map below shows 3 options – click +/- to enlarge

LIMITED PLACES – Please BOOK NOW – with an email or phone call 1300 763 188 or 0417 244 600

All comfy camping gear supplied (bedding, stretchers, full height tents, real toilet) all safety & recovery gear including satellite phones & UHF radios between vehicles.

Itinerary for 13 day Simpson Desert Tour from Alice Springs

OR See Adelaide departures – May 31 to June 8 Adelaide to Adelaide – Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta,  Dalhousie Springs, French Line, WAA & QAA Lines ,  and Birdsville

The 13 day Simpson Desert Tours from Alice Springs return to Alice Springs or you may choose to fly out of Birdsville day 7. Flights with Rex are available to Mt Isa and Brisbane. Other options are available) – Please ASK.

• Simpson Desert Tour 13 days from Alice Springs to Birdsville, return to Alice Springs or Adelaide option. Simpson Desert crossing includes Chambers Pillar (great sunset & sunrise photo opportunities) Old Ghan Railway stop at Finke, overnight Mt Dare, then Dalhousie Springs (swim in thermals pool), 4 days, 3 nights in desert crossing via French Line, Coulson Track, QAA & WAA Lines, then Birdsville Hotel accommodation, return to Alice Springs or fly out options. Includes all park entries & permits, sleeping gear and meals. Optional scenic flights over Goyder Lagoon, Lake Eyre, Simpson Desert, Coongie Lakes .  View the Goyder Lagoon region at the Warburton River Crossing and join the K1 line through the Simpson Desert sand dune swales and salt lakes to our overnight camp, then before 3 more nights on the Hay River Track, Lake Caroline & Madigan Line.  At Batton Hill we join the My Country and Bush Tucker t with local Aboriginal custodians, visit Goyders Pillar, before Jervois, and return via Plenty Highway, and the Harts Range Aboriginal Atitjere community and Gem Tree in the regions gemfields. Complete after overnight and celebration dinner in Alice Springs. Full itinerary below.

Itinerary for 9 day Simpson Desert Tour from Alice Springs

Dates for 9 day tour –

• from Adelaide to Adelaide – see details
• from Alice Springs to Adelaide – Note Birdsville Races tour on August 26 follows same itinerary as below except extra day in Birdsville for races and highway travel to Kulgera so no Finke/Old Ghan.

The 9 day Simpson Desert Tours from Alice Springs return to Alice Springs or you may choose to fly out of Birdsville day 7. Flights with Rex are available to Mt Isa and Brisbane. Other options are available) – Please ASK.

• Simpson Desert Tour 9 days – from ADELAIDE with Coober Pedy, Dalhousie Springs, to Birdsville, return to Alice Springs or Adelaide option –  Includes Painted Desert, Ooodnattta, Old Ghan, details then as from Alice Springs here …
• Simpson Desert Tour 9 days – from Alice Springs – crossing includes Chambers Pillar overnight (great sunset & sunrise photo opportunities) Old Ghan Railway stop at Finke, overnight Mt Dare then Dalhousie Springs (swim in thermals pool), 4 days, 3 nights in desert crossing via French Line, Coulson Track, QAA & WAA Lines, then Birdsville Hotel accommodation, return to Alice Springs or fly out options. Includes all park entries & permits, sleeping gear and meals. Optional scenic flights over Goyder Lagoon, Lake Eyre, Simpson Desert, Coongie Lakes . Two days return travel to Alice Springs with Min Min Lights encounter option, Boulia & Bedourie in Channel Country, Plenty Highway, Tobermoury, Jervois, Gemtree . 9 days or fly out day 8 option.  Detailed Itinerary shown below.
• Simpson Desert & Birdsville Races Tour – 9 days from Alice Springs to Birdsville, return to Alice Springs or Adelaide option. Simpson Desert crossing includes Old Ghan Railway stops, Mt Dare, Dalhousie Springs (for warm swimming in thermals pools), 3 nights in desert crossing via French Line & WAA Line, then Birdsville Races, and 2 days return travel to Alice Springs or Adelaide option. Excludes Chambers Pillar. Completes September 9 in Adelaide or Alice Springs option – 9 days.

Day 3 – We enter Witjira National Park and visit Bloods Creek Bore preserved cattle yards from bygone days and Oppossum Waterhole. Arrive at Dalhousie Springs, a vast area of natural springs outpouring from the Great Artesian Basin – Dalhousie Springs is  a series of 60 natural artesian springs from the Great Artesian Basin. Swim option at Dalhousie Springs in 38-43 Deg C water. Enter the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve – Overnight camp on the edge of the Simpson Desert. BLD

Day 4 – Heading into the Simpson Desert we cross the floodplains of Spring Creek Delta then moving into numerous salt lakes and higher sand dunes. Spectacular views from the top and great feeling of nurturing by nature within the dunes. We travel over and between the sandhills. Great photo opportunities, maybe a dingo or two to see, sunsets and sunrises and wildflowers . Enjoy the campfire at our remote desert camp BLD

Day 5 – We cross more salt lakes, and plenty of sand dunes, but also travel parallel to the dunes for a different perspective of the landscape. We visit the Approdinna Attora Knolls, high gypsum hills with a great lookout over the desert. Take a break at Poeppels Corner marking the meeting of QLD, NT & SA borders. Overnight under the stars in our remote camp.

Day 6 – We cross Eyre Creek , and traverse the largest sandhill, Big Red originally known as Nappanerica Dune, on the western edge of Lake Nappanerica , and eastern edge of The Simpson Desert. Overnight accommodation in Birdsville Hotel. BLD

Day 7 – Time to check out Birdsville and an optional morning Lake Eyre, Goyder Lagoon & Simpson Desert flights (book early). We head off for Bedourie visiting one of the rare stands of Gidgee trees on our way to Bedourie, the heart of the Channel Country and Diamantina Shire . Check out the fascinating history and display here and learn about the Bedourie Camp Oven – an Australian or Queensland icon. Head on to Boulia , via vast and remote cattle stations Boulia is the capital of the Channel Country – the great river system that feed Lake Eyre. The Min Min lights exhibition and show is a town highlight. We cross the NT/Queensland border to arrive at Tobermory Station with their grassy campground for overnight. BLD

Day 9 – After breakfast tour completes by 10am. We will transfer you to your flights or extended accommodation.

Itinerary for 13 days Simpson Desert Tour Alice Springs return to Alice Springs – or 7 days

Itinerary as above to Birdsville then 2 options –  fly out Day 7 from Birdsvillle (Rex airlines) to Brisbane or other options.

Day 1 – Alice Springs to Chambers Pillar – Depart 8am for a special and rare opportunity to visit the Ewaninga Aboriginal rock art site, then Maryvale Cattle Station and Titjikala Aboriginal Artists in community. We leave Titjikala and cross the Hugh River, travelling through Maryvale cattle station, then from a high vantage point view Chambers Pillar and the sandhills rolling into the Simpson Desert. We arrive at Chambers Pillar and enjoy an afternoon walk around this special place (which has more than 1 pillar). We make camp here for the night under the stars. LD

Day 2 – Departing Chambers Pillar we travel the Old Ghan Railway route and visit Rodinga Siding , one of the last built and most Northern fettlers cottages on the Old Ghan Line. We visit the historic Bundooma Railway Siding after crossing the Finke River , site of a few famous Old Ghan bridges and river washouts, to arrive in the active Aboriginal community and ex Ghan stop of Finke. Its then on to Lambert’s Centre of Australia , Charlotte Waters (an old OTL Telegraph Station), NT/SA border crossing, then Mt Dare Hotel for overnight camp or accommodation upgrade option. BLD

Day 6 – We cross the Eyre Creek , and traverse the largest sandhill, Big Red – originally known as Nappanerica Dune, on the western edge of Lake Nappanerica , and eastern edge of The Simpson Desert. Overnight accommodation in Birdsville Hotel. BLD

Day 7 – Optional morning Lake Eyre, Goyder Lagoon & Simpson Desert flights (book early). Enjoy the iconic outback town of Birdsville, once a custom post for cattle heading south to Adelaide markets, now centre of an organic beef export industry, full of fascinating outback experiences. Have a cuppa at the Hard Road Café, check out the airport adjacent the pub, and the historic sights of town including the marked tree at Camp LXXVI of the Burke and Wills expedition of 1860. View the thermal power station running on hot water from the Great Artesian Basin, or take a joy flight over the Simpson and Goyder Lagoon area. 7 Day tour ends here with flights from Birdsville to Brisbane or elsewhere – or After lunch we head off down the Birdsville inside track (or outside depending on conditions) viewing the Goyder lagoon region to the Warburton River Crossing and join the K1 line through the Simpson Desert sand dune swales and salt lakes to our overnight camp.

Days 8 – 9 – 10 –  Hay River Track, Lake Caroline & Madigan Line – We see abandoned oil wells, and remote Aboriginal sites and tool remains from a past population that lived in this region. Travelling mostly in the swales and following the Hay River we visit a number of Madigan’s camps, and see impressive stands of River Red Gums . (Cecil Thomas Madigan was an early explorer and geologist who lead a party of nine men on an epic crossing of the North Simpson Desert by camels in 1939). We visit Lake Caroline , a usually dry claypan that attracts unique vegetation supported by local ground water. Traversing some dunes gives great views of this remote landscapes, and good sunset photo opportunities too. We check out Vantage Point with views to Mt Winnecke

Day 11 – Arrive at Batton Hill camp which is well serviced by traditional owners with showers and flushing toilets, where we join them on The My Country and Bush Tucker Tour. Also we visit Goyders Pillar, an impressive pillar of rock.

Day 12 – Next day we head for Jervois, and travel the Plenty Highway, then visit the Harts Range Aboriginal Atitjere community and Gem Tree in the regions gemfields. Arrive Alice Springs for a welcome hotel bed and celebration dinner.

Day 13 – Tour completes 10am after breakfast in Alice Springs – with plenty to do here – or delivery to your flight, Ghan or other connections.

Book Now – places limited

Mystery of the Min Min Lights

Numerous stories surround the phenomenon of the Min Min lights of outback Queensland. One bush legend suggests the lights first appeared near the ruins of the old Min Min Hotel, a rough and ready drinking hole on the Boulia—Winton Road, notorious for fleecing its patrons. Built in the 1880’s the infamous pub burned to the ground about 40 years later, leaving nothing but a nearby cemetery. The eerie lights dancing across the plains at night were said to be the dead souls from this desolate graveyard. Although there appears to be no satisfactory scientific explanation for the source of the lights, it is suggested they are luminous balls of gas that seep up from below ground and drift with the wind across the open plains. A range of other theories on the light source includes static electricity, swarms of luminous insects, refracted light and, birds such as barn owls which, like glow worms, are said to be bio-luminescent (producing light from their own bodies).

Min Min Encounter At the visitor information centre in Boulia there is an interesting light show, the Min Min Encounter, which showcases numerous theories about the source of the Min Min Lights.

Ask for details 1300 763 188

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