Thread: Simpson Crossing

I've just returned from crossing the Simpson West/East.
Prior to our departure I found that the Disco needed a new radiator and water pump, I puy new Bidgestone A/T's all around, there went the funds for the snorkel. My vehicle is basically standard, no suspension mods.
We were fully loaded with 3 blokes and gear for more. 12 of us went on the trip, 5 riding motor bikes, 2 in a much modified Range Rover (the green machine) and 2 in a Nissan Patrol.
My only pre trip addition was a UHF radio.
We went from Adelaide via Roxby on the Borefield track, up the Oodnadatta Track to Mount Dare, took 4 days. This route has many changes in track surface, with lots of corrugations and rocks.
Across the desert along the French Line then down the Coulson Track across the WAA line up Knolls track along the QAA line over Big Red to Birdsville.
One of our bike friends hit a washout on the Coulson track, came off at about 80kph, smashed his right shoulder, we rushed him out to Birdsville where the RFDS flew him to Charleville then Brisbane.
The Disco performed beautifully. I cleaned out the air box and air filter every day. In the dunes she bottomed out the suspension often, couldn't be avoided.
Used only 90 litres of fuel to cross from Mt Dare to Birdsville, about 580km much of which was in low range and all in low gear. (Auto). The total trip was 3220 km, average fuel consumption 14.14 litres/100km.
The Birdsville track was disappointing, it is now a beatifully graded wide smooth road, it should be renamed the Birdsville Highway. I did do in a tyre when my son drove over a big brick on the track, took out the sidewall, OUCH!
If you are considering this trip, don't do it in school holidays, you could hitch hike across with the amount of traffic, unbelievable.

Good report, like Weeds we did it 2yrs ago too, but in July east/west, lots of water when we did it.

Shame about Ian from Mt Dare and his passing, from all reports a very nice guy.

Baz.