What the crossing involves

The Simpson Desert crossing is about 550 km of unsealed track between Mount Dare and Birdsville, over more than a thousand parallel sand dunes. Big Red, outside Birdsville, is the last and the tallest. The French Line is the shortest and the roughest route; the Rig Road and the WAA Line are longer and gentler. There is no fuel, water or phone coverage between the two ends, so you carry everything for the three to five days in between.

What permitted means for your hire

Permitted means the conditions of hire allow the camper on the Simpson Desert tracks, and the standard insurance applies while you are there. It does not reserve a vehicle or a date, and it does not cover every track nearby: beach driving and the Canning Stock Route are listed separately. Check the equipment list on each camper for the second spare wheel, the compressor and the UHF radio. You add the sand flag, the Desert Parks Pass and the fuel range.

Questions about the Simpson Desert

Do I need a permit to cross the Simpson Desert?

Yes. A Desert Parks Pass covers the Munga-Thirri Simpson Desert Conservation Park and the Witjira section around Mount Dare. Buy it online before you set off; the pass is per vehicle and lasts twelve months.

Can I tow a camper trailer across?

No. The off-road trailers and caravans are not permitted in the Simpson Desert, so choose a camper that sleeps everyone inside or on the roof.

When is the desert closed?

Every year from 1 December to 15 March, because of the summer heat. The campers above are permitted for the rest of the year, subject to the tracks being open after rain.