First crossing of the Simpson Desert

[Witchdoctor Oz]

We have just completed our first crossing of the Simpson Desert, West to East, this trip has been completed by many Australian travelers, but few would have seen it as wet & green as it is at this time. The outback is finally over the 10+ year drought.
We were away from home for 21days in total.
As well as crossing the Simpson, we went through 5 other deserts, traveled part way through 4 Australian states. The total K's traveled was 6911, 80% on muddy outback tracks. Our average fuel used was 13.1Lt's per 100K's.
The longest section between fuel stops was 560K's.
The link below is a sample of the trip images.
Enjoy.

http://www.ripplesaust.com/greendesert/

Cheers
David

 

[nwoods]

Some fantastic photos David. I particularly liked the image of the corrugated road from the side profile. And the up close shot of the lizard!

I'd like to learn more about the logistics of your trip, particularly food. I've never taken a trip that long. Are you ice free, or running a powered fridge, or traditional ice chest?

 

[Witchdoctor Oz]

Thanks nwoods,

For the food, the meat for about one week was cryvaced & used as needed, we also took fresh vegetables for that first week. From then on we purchased local food along the way. We always keep 6 days worth of tinned food for emergencies. All fresh food is stored in out trusty 60Lt Trailblazer 12Volt fridge.
Hope this helps & feel free to ask anything.

Cheers
David

 

[YukonMontanaTannerTrapper]

Nice photos...........what was up with the touring bicycle ?

 

[rdraider]

Awesome pics!

 

[targa88]

Great pix... Now that's a trip I would want to do!!!

 

[Witchdoctor Oz]

The guy on the bicycle was a very jolly European that was ridding his bike up the 521 Kilometer Birdsville Track. We believe that we crossed around 50 either long wet patches (200-400mm deep) or flowing creeks (400-600mm).
He had all gear & food stored on his bike.

Cheers
David

 

[roscoFJ73]

Great pics Dave,thanks for sharing:wings:
Which vehicle was yours?Diesel?

 

[Toyotero]

Great photos, that sand is amazingly red! (#52)

 

[Witchdoctor Oz]

roscoFJ73,

I'm glade I could share some images of this awesome country with fellow travelers

I was steering the rust coloured Ford Courier 2.6 diesel.

Cheers
David

 

[constructeur]

AU was where the travel bug truly bit me. 5 weeks in N.S.W., Queensland and South Australia, with some time in the Gammons Ranges and the edge of the Strzelecki Recreation Reserve...your pictures take me back, and instill in me a hunger for another adventure.

Cheers to you for sharing.

-Terry

 

[Touring4x4]

David

It was a muddy mess out there this year wasnt it. Fun though :smiley_drive: and the greenery was amazing.

 

[trek 4wd safaris]

loved your dalhousie pics, never seen the mist like that Before!

here are some phots one of my clients took this yr, toward the end it was raining around erbena track (western side of the simpon) that was a once in a lifetime experience.

hope you enjoy!

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HydwtsT3ktM"]YouTube - simpson hhh video[/ame]

 

[Witchdoctor Oz]

Terry, you are most welcome.

Touring4x4, we are heading south west in 2 weeks around Broken Hill, chasing more of the Big Green. We would like to get to drive the Great Ocean Rd on the return leg. I should have some more images to share.

trek 4wd safaris, Dalhousie was one of the pick spots & was the first must re-visit place on the 2012 Big Desert Trip. To capture the mist one needs to rise very early & enjoy the warm water in the cool morning. Those images are fantastic, we do live in an amazing location.

Cheers
David

 

[nat]

Wow, really great pics! Looks like it was a fun trip.