SIMPSON DESERT EXPEDITION – EAST

Due the nature of this expedition and the route that crosses the Simpson Desert there is no day by day itinerary available until after you book and confirm your participation on this special east-west crossing.

The conventional crossing is approx 545km crossing of the desert whereas Expedition Simpson is a 900km crossing taking in the best of the desert environments not only through the east-west traverse but also the south and north of the desert as well.

There are 11 major dune systems that comprise the Simpson Desert and this expedition takes in 7 of those systems.

Central East (A) is characterised by high longitudinal dunes over a clay-based plain which is predominantly covered with a pavement of gibbers. It can be seen approaching Nappenerica and Big Red and continues through the Eyre Creek system.

This section of the Central East in characterised by medium to high longitudinal dunes laid over the current and active floodplain of Eyre Creek. This creek along with the Mulligan River and Diamantina River once formed part of a huge ancient drainage system for Lake Eyre. These watercourses and floodplains are critical in supporting the rich flora and fauna communities of the central desert.

The central east Simpson Desert is punctuated by long (50-70km) relatively high longitudinal dunes laid down over an ancient floodplain of Eyre Creek which is exposed between many of the interdunal swales. This area is occupied by much of Munga Thirri National Park.

Until recently the desert environment has been relatively unknown in a biological sense, but in the last 40 years we have come to understand the Simpson Desert is highly dynamic in nature, both in the short and long term. It is dramatically influenced by rainfall, fire, pestilence and yes, tourism.

Central south is a large area of longitudinal dunes overlaying an old alluvial clay plain with numerous claypans and salinas. Further southwards the salinas are connected to active drainage systems associated with Kallakoopah Creek and Warburton River. Much of the Simpson Desert Conservation Park is in this area.

Amongst the dunes systems are other signficant land systems including floodplains, sandplains, gibber plains, low hills and tablelands also known as breakaways. Each supports a diversity of habitats.

The Central South to South West is a very large area of longitudinal dunes subject to internal variation in length, height, crest height and degree of cross-connect. The dune system is laid atop a clay alluvial plain which is often exposed in the swales.

For many years the Wangkangurru people made a home here. The native wells or mikiri provided access to water making survival out here possible. Each mikiri has unique character and significance differing in its status as a habitation site.

The Central West is characterised by short, low and crowded longitudinal and reticulate dunes with sandy corridors. This is where oil and natural gas first came into play before extending out into Central South with SANTOS, Dehli International and the French Petroleum Company active through the early and mid 60s.

This resulted in the establishment of the main crossing tracks of the French Line, WAA Line and the Rig Rd.

The North West is characterised by by medium to high relatively short longitudinal dunes laid over a clay plain which is often exposed in the interdunal corridors.

Simpson Desert dunes are composed of siliceous, aeolian (wind-derived) sands and are generally asymmetric in cross section with gentle western slopes and steep eastern slopes. Swales are generally flat and composed of clay, clay sand or deposits from old alluvial or gibber plains.

Despite its inherent harshness the Simpson Desert is a living, fertile and resilient environment. It is a land to be enjoyed for its wilderness, cultural and natural history, its colours and its contrasts.

 Expedition Simpson East is available upon request