The Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert Conservation Park is a definite inclusion in any 4x4 overlander's bucket list. It is one of those iconic places in Australia, sharing the same status as say Cape York.
We were fortunate enough to do the Simpson crossing (west to east) back in 2017. It was one of the most memorable trips we have ever done. Doing it again is certainly in the list.
This park remains closed from 1st December to 15th March each year. Despite having passed the opening date this year (at the time of writing this post - 15th April) the park remains closed due to significant flooding in some areas. Particularly on the South Australian side.
From information we have been able to gather, the flats at the Spring Creek Delta are underwater and expected to be impassable for some time. The park will continue to remain closed until the Mt Dare Hamilton road is repaired.
Park rangers are active in the area. Especially at Dalhousie Springs and will be reporting any vehicles trying to get through the reserve. Severe fines and penalties will be imposed.
Access to the park is possible from the Birdsville side (QLD). However, this is only up to Poppel corner.
Binns track between Mt Dare and Old Andado is also closed.
Speaking to Graham at Mt Dare Hotel, they are hoping to have the tracks opened towards the end of April. That is if the graders can get the job done quickly enough.
So that is the bad news. Now for the good news. That is, with all the rains this region has had the area will be filled with wild flowers and an abundant bird life for some time. However, this will not last too long as the winter sets in. So if you are able to take some time off and make the trip, the crossing will be spectacular! It is one of those once in a while opportunities.
For more up to date information visit the Mt Dare Hotel web page.
If you have any questions with regards to this article please leave a comment behind or write to us on our contact page.
Hope this was helpful.
Duncan & Ajanie
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The South Australian National Parks are building new experiences, improvements and facilities across the entire state. This includes fossil and mountain biking experiences, new multi-day walks, trails, roads, campgrounds, kayak launches and car parks. All this is part of the state government's $130 million spending which forms the Parks 2025 investment initiative.
These initiatives include:
If you have any questions with regards to this article please leave a comment behind or write to us on our contact page.
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Rhonda & Rob's first 4x4 overlander was series 2A Land Rover fitted with a Holden motor. After several years of travel they purchased an ex government 1992 Nissan GQ Patrol with very low mileage. A bull bar, winch and cargo barrier came with the vehicle.
Their first trip was a bit of a shamble as Rob put it. They had no real order to the way the vehicle was packed. So as soon as they returned from that first trip the conversation began in both the choice of camping equipment and the way the 4x4 was set up.
The tent Rob & Rhonda purchased was a Southern Cross touring tent. It had a five minute set up. To sleep on they purchased a Thermarest mattress with good quality sleeping bags. Next was to replace their three way (gas/12v/240v) fridge with a 40l Engel. These basic (but important) items "revolutionised" their touring making camp set up quick and easy.
As for the Patrol, the load area was set up with a place for everything enabling ease of access. This was accomplished by manufacturing and installing a custom storage setup. Rob did this all by him self, saving cost and most importantly, ending up with a system perfectly suited for their needs.
The storage system consisted of two rear drawers with two levels of storage shelves. "This setup enabled us to remove any item without the need to move anything else" as Rob put it.
Behind the passenger seat a frame was bolted to the floor which in turn had the fridge tied down. Behind the driver's seat was storage for personal items sucn as clothes etc. Between the two sections was a custom built box to securely hold cameras maps etc This location also made it easy to access from the front.
Extra equipment fitted to the car included a HF radio for long distance comms, a UHF radio, dual batteries, long range tank ,snorkel and upgraded suspension with a 50mm lift. All this gave Rhonda & Rob a very comfortable and reliable vehicle for long distance solo travel.
RHONDA & ROB'S TIPS FOR OVERLANDING
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