Contacts and References

Maps Available

Simpson Desert - HEMA Maps, 2nd edition, 1:250 000 . Text and notes by Ron and Viv Moon. This map is readily available from speciality map shops - http://www.hemamaps.com/

Simpson Desert - Westprint Maps: ISBN 9781875608232 - http://www.westprint.com.au/

Small internet page views of the Simpson Desert
http://www.australian-4x4.com.au/australian-desert-maps.html

http://www.travelnt.com/en/advice/maps/simpson-desert.htm

Desert Parks Pass

If using a vehicle to travel through the Simpson, whether it be SA, QLD or the NT, you will need to purchase a Desert Parks Pass. In 2007, they were $95. All vehicles must display a pass, which are valid for 12 months. You can get one in Birdsville or at Mt Dare and also on line at the SA Department for Environment and Heritage web site: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au

Road Conditions and Local Information

ExplorOz.com has some very useful notes for trip planning - go to:

http://www.exploroz.com/TrekNotes/Deserts/Simpson_Desert.asp?xc=1

Local Information

Ranger in Charge - Simpson Desert National Park, Birdsville QLD
Ph:(07) 4656 3272 Fax: (07) 4656 3273
Corner of Billabong Boulevard and Jardine Street

Mt Dare Hotel – Desert Parks Pass Agents - Diesel and unleaded fuel, accommodation, meals, hot showers, fuel, minor repairs, camping and travel supplies available for travelers. Satellite phones are available to hire from Mt Dare Hotel for trips across the Simpson Desert. Contact Mt Dare on (61 8) 8670 7835

Support Companies for Walking the Simpson Desert

Camel supported walking expeditions

http://www.camelexpeditions.com/

Paddy McHugh

http://www.paddymchugh.com/

Aboriginal Occupation of the Desert

http://www.diamantina-tour.com.au/outback_info/simpson_desert/aboriginal_occupation/aboriginal_occupation.htm

Books/Journals

Chester Q. (2001) The Wild Scientist, Wild Magazine, No 79 (2001). This article gives a good account of Warren Bonython's life achievements: http://wild.com.au/

Moore, P. (2005) Plants of Inland Australia, Reed New Holland ISBN 1 876334 86 X

Simpson, K. and Day, N. (1993) Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Viking Penguin Books Reed New Holland ISBN 0 670 90478 3

Trihey Lucas: for information on Lucas Trihey's account of walking the Simpson in June 06 go to: http://www.escalade.com.au/simp_mn.html

or, you can read an account in the following journal

Trihey L. (2007), Arunta, Simpson Desert Trek - Adventure Journal (2007) - Australia's Annual Magazine of Adventure and Exploration, pp 67-69, Adventure Publishing. Available from: http://www.adventurepublishing.com.au/

Van Oosterzee, P. (2006) The Centre: the Natural History of Australia's Desert Regions, JB Books ISBN 1 876622 10 5

Webster, Tim (1995) 'Witjira: verdant islands in the desert', Australian Geographic, no. 39, July-September, pp. 52-69. This article gives an account of Witjira National Park, which is on the edge of the Simpson Desert and contains Dalhousie Springs: http://editorial.australiangeographic.com.au/

Wilson, S. and Swan, G. (2003) A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Reed New Holland ISBN 1 876334 72

Bird Recordings

Horton, H. (2000) Desert (Sound recordings of desert birds) ABC Audio ISBN 0642 55699 7

Brochures

Species List - Mammals and Reptiles of Simpson Desert National Park
Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service (Department of Environment)

Interim Flora Species List - Witjira National Park - Department for Environment and Heritage, Biological Survey, South Australia, REserve Code NP12

Friends of the Simpson Desert Parks Brochure - contains general information on on history, flora and fauna and the role of the organisation. Contact THe Treasurer, PO Box 988, Kent Town SA, 5071.

http://www.communitywebs.org/FriendsofSimpsonDesert/topbar.htm

WalksAustralia.com Contact

To update any of the information on this site, contact the editor at:

editor@walksaustralia.co