MADIGAN LINE EXPEDITION – EAST
Muna warliri: Madigan Line
The Madigan Line Expedition (East) is a 13-day remote tag along expedition. It meanders over changing landscapes of endless dunes rising and falling in a sea of brilliant red sand. Explore fauna and flora unique to the north Simpson Desert (Muna warliri); and a history where the desert has the last word. The Madigan Line, named in recognition of scientist and explorer Dr Cecil Madigan who trekked the route on camels in 1939. This tag along follows the original expedition but in reverse and makes for one of the most challenging crossings of the Simpson Desert. So join Waypoint Expeditions for exciting 4WD off-road challenges and desert camping beneath the Milky Way in full bloom. Explore, discover and find new friendships born from a camaraderie inherent in Outback Australia.
2020 Expedition | NOT AVAILABLE
2021 Expedition | April 27 – May 9
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Type DurationTAG-ALONG
13 Days -
Style
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Camping
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Off-road
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Self-catered
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Tag-along
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Track Class Difficult
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Group Size Medium5
“Here then was a bit of interesting exploration to be done, to find out what lay behind the forbidding borders of this unknown land…”
– CT Madigan Crossing the Dead Heart
The Madigan Line follows the route taken by Cecil Thomas Madigan’s exploratory crossing of the Simpson Desert in 1939. Madigan planned the ground crossing by aerial survey in 1937. In the winter of 1939 the party of nine, including a biologist, a botanist, a photographer and a radio operator, with 19 camels, made the Simpson Desert crossing from Old Andado to Birdsville in 25 days. Unlike the southern tracks that cross the Simpson which are all in South Australia, the Madigan Line is mostly in the Northern Territory. And unlike the French Line, WAA Line and Rig Road, there is no formed track for the Madigan Line – just 2 wheel lines visible in the distance ahead.
We re-trace the steps of the expedition and learn about this unique environment – it’s history of European and indigenous exploration, the flora and fauna unique to the desert, how the desert was formed and why the sand dunes are so remarkable. The Madigan Line passes through 8 of the Simpson’s 11 distinct dunes systems. CT Madigan bridged the period between the era of intrepid endeavour and that of modern transport and communications; his work in the MacDonnell Ranges, the Simpson Desert and Lake Eyre made him an authority on central Australian geology and geography.
Madigan Line (East) leaves from Birdsville and follows the Madigan Line in reverse tackling the steeper eastern faces of the dunes. This direction of travel makes for one of the most challenging crossings of the Simpson Desert. Only a handful of 4×4 adventurers travel this way each year.
The Madigan provides an excellent opportunity to drive several different terrains. It’s not just up and over dunes, but also tracks along interdunal corridors or swales, along river beds and provides a number of interesting and unforgettable challenges.
Waypoint Expeditions supplies a support vehicle fully equipped with recovery equipment, satellite phone, GPS tracking equipment, emergency locator beacon and remote area first aid equipment.
Each Waypoint Expedition is a carefully thought out, planned, and researched route to provide you with a unique experience where you not just “tag along” but participate in culture of place. We hope, by the time you have finished your journey with us, you will have a new appreciation of the cultural and historical significance of the Simpson Desert as well as its importance as one of Australia’s great wilderness areas.
Travel with Waypoint – experts in outback adventuring for over 20 years.
ALTERNATE BOOKING OPTIONS:
If you don’t want to use the online booking system there is an offline form below and a downloadable PDF form in the FAQ section.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- 13 days of intermediate to advanced 4WDing
- Invaluable tips and tricks to combat Australia’s desert regions
- Local expert and touring guide
- Knowledge about indigenous and European history of the area
- Knowledge about flora and fauna native to the area
- 12 nights of million star camping
- Central Land Council Permit Fees
- Munga-Thirri National Park Fees
- Munga-Thirri camping fees
- Chambers Pillar access and camping fees
- Hay River Track access fees
- Private land owner fees
- Welcome (Birdsville) and farewell (Alice Springs) dinners with complimentary drink.
- Satellite comms & tracking
- Remote Area Qualilfied and Outback 1st Aid Kit
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
- Insurance
- 4WD Recovery costs
- Alcoholic beverages
- UHF Radios (can be hired)
- Camping equipment
- Day 00 Rendezvous Birdsville
- Day 01 Eyre Creek
- Day 02 Annandale
- Day 03 Camp 20
- Day 04 Camp 17
- Day 05 Red Sand Dune Camp
- Day 06 Camp 12
- Day 07 Madigan Claypan #2
- Day 08 Camp 5 / Colson Track
- Day 09 The Twins
- Day 10 Old Andado
- Day 11 Lambert Centre
- Day 12 Chambers Pillar
- Day 13 Alice Springs
- Download Itinerary Expedition Madigan (East)
The Madigan Line (West) traverses through the Simpson Desert and is very remote. It is a bush camping expeditionary experience – and takes in the north Simpson Desert.
- Big Red
- Eyre Creek System
- Annandale Ruins & Waterhole
- Mulligan River System
- Munga-Thirri NP
- Madigan Camp Sites
- Blaze Tree
- Marshall Bluff
- The Twins
- Mac Clark Reserve
- Old Andado
- Chambers Pillar
- Land systems in the desert
- Plant Life
- Bird Life
- Mammals, past and present
- Reptilian Life
- Aboriginal occupation
- European exploration
- Recreation boom
- Conservation and the future…
Please make best efforts to minimise impact on the desert environment
- Keep to well-defined access routes across the desert to avoid damaging the vegetation and fragile landscape
- Rubbish comes out – place in strong plastic bags (do not bury, it will be dug up)
- Keep the camp clean and tidy
- Burn or bury toilet paper
- Keep dirty/soapy water away from natural water supplies
- Conserve firewood
- Use of firearms and chainsaws is not permitted
- Abide by fireban regulations
- Do not feed animals
- Every animal, plant and rock is protected
- Aboriginal and European artefacts/sites are protected
The Madigan Line (East) is 1030km.
Alice Springs [119km] Maryvale
Maryvale [120km] Aputula (Finke)
Aputula (Finke) [800km] Birdsville
Yes – the longest distance between fuel stops is 800km through mostly 4WD terrain. Recommend 3 x 20lt jerries of additional fuel for most vehicles.
I run a 4.2 Diesel turbo diesel 6 cyl with 180lt between 2 tanks. It covers the 800km running between 17-22 litres per 100km depending on conditions and terrain, doesn’t leave much left over though.
This question is about preference and capacity but recommended you carry at least 50lt of drinking water and 50lt of general usage water. There may be opportunity to refill general usage but the longest time between drinking water refills is 9 days.
No. Unfortunately due the difficult nature of some of the tracks, the fragility of the environment and other considerations, camper trailers and caravans are not allowed. Please see the Trip Info page for transport options to move your towed assets.
4WDs that have medium to high clearance and a high/low transfer case, with a quality set of springs and shock absorbers as well as All Terrain / Mud Terrain tyres with at least 70% tread. UHF Radio either hand held or fitted is a must as well. These expeditions are not suitable for AWDs.
WayPoint will assist and guide you in the basic skills of 4WD driving and sustainable 4WD driving to suit the terrain in which we will travel however consider doing a 4WD course prior to the trip as some advanced off road techniques will be required.
No more than 200km per day. Most days are between 50-80km. We discuss the following day’s events around the campfire at night, or at our morning briefing sessions before departure. We are normally on the road at 9.30am each morning and stop for lunch between 12pm-1pm. We stop at all points of interest throughout the day and try to set up camp around 3.30-4pm each day.
We will do our best to get you going again but if we can’t, we will discuss the options of getting your vehicle recovered and to where it can be repaired. We strongly recommend you have cover with a nationwide motoring association and also take out travel insurance.
Absolutely! You will get plenty of time to explore, bushwalk, fish, photograph, stargaze and take in the beauty and grandeur of the places we visit.
EXPEDITION MADIGAN (EAST) is available once a season. There is the reverse option – EXPEDITION MADIGAN (WEST) also available once a season. Bookings can be made online via the payment gateway or an offline booking form.
The most important thing to pack is a sense of adventure. Don’t worry if you have misplaced yours as you will soon find it on the tour! Once your place has been confirmed a briefing kit with all the information you will need will be sent to you. It will contain list of suggestions, spare parts, maps, camping requirements, etc.
If you become sick on the trip all efforts will be made to maintain your comfort and enjoyment. Our Expedition Leaders are first aid trained (Remote Area First Aid) and experienced in emergency management. In the event of an emergency the tour leader carries a Spot Tracker emergency beacon for emergency assistance and a Sat phone. Vehicles are also fitted with UHF radios for local radio contact and satellite tracking.
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Light Fantastic Amazing afternoon light on the Madigan Line, Simpson Desert
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The Track Madigan Line heading away from Camp 17
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Red Dune, Madigan Line Expedition Brilliant red sand on the Madigan Line, Simpson Desert
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Whistling Kite Whistling Kite on the Madigan Line
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Annandale Waypoint Expeditions: Australian Outback Adventures
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Sunset over the North Simpson Desert Sun sets on another magnificent day in the Simpson Desert
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Madigan Line The Madigan Line's swales and interdunal corridors are a completely different driving experience
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Camp 22 Madigan's Camp 22 on the Madigan Line in the Simpson Desert
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Annandale History and adventures on the Madigan Line with Waypoint Expeditions
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Camping Remote bush camping waiting for a canopy of brilliant stars
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Expedition Madigan Now here's a track winding back - Waypoint Expeditions
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Madigan Line Map 4x4 Outback Adventures with Waypoint
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Madigan Line adventure with Waypoint Expeditions into remote outback Australia
Package Confirmed Dates | Trip Status Trip Status | Price (4WD/2 pax) | ||
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April 27, 2021 - May 10, 2021
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AVAILABLE |
AUD 3365.00 |