Toyota LandCruiser Simpson Desert Adventure
The Simpson Desert.
It’s a big undertaking, and one at the front of the mind – along with being at the top of the bucket list – for many Australians.
Encompassing over 165,000 square kilometres and including over 1,100 sand dunes – which are the longest of their kind in the world – the Simpson Desert is one of the few remaining places on the world that represents raw, rugged and inhospitable nature.
But unlike the Arctic Circle, the Simpson Desert is something that is relatively accessible to everyday Australians. Provided of course that they have a four-wheel drive, some gear and a sense of adventure.
And in this upcoming five-part series we’ll show you what’s involved in making a journey like this happen for yourself. The gear you’ll need, the skills you’ll want, and the places you’ll want to visit along the way.
Episodes will drop twice weekly from Monday 12 September 2022.
Episode 1 - Getting there
Simply getting to the Simpson Desert is an adventure in itself. Learn about our plans, our routes and of course the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series
Episode 2 - Gear guide
Trent and Sam run through what they have planned (and packed) for our journey across the Simpson Desert in the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series
Episode 3 - The Desert
Taking on the Simpson desert is no small undertaking, with many things to consider. Most of all, how much time do you have, and which way are you going across?
Episode 4 - When things go wrong
Remote area travel in places like the Simpson Desert isn't something to be trifled with. So what to do in the case where things go wrong?
Episode 5 - The Final Review
From Sydney to Sydney via the Simpson Desert, we've covered six thousand kilometres, crossed four states, and traversed countless tracks - read the full story,
What is the Simpson Desert?
1000 kilometres north of Adelaide, and almost 2000 kilometres west of Brisbane, the Simpson Desert is 180,000 square kilometres of arid, sandy and inhospitable wasteland that is split between South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory, not too far east of the geographical centre of Australia.
How big is the Simpson Desert?
For reference’s sake, this desert mecca for Australian four-wheel drivers is about the same size as Missouri in the USA, or Cambodia. There are no permanent settlements out here, save for snakes, lizards, dingoes, some birdlife and wandering troupes of camels.
Why should I visit the Simpson Desert?
While there are bigger deserts in the world, the Simpson Desert is home to the world’s longest parallel sand dunes and a handful of desert tracks, which rates as some of the most remote in the world.
When was the first crossing of the Simpson Desert?
The first recorded crossing of the Simpson Desert was by camel in 1936, while the first motorised crossing came in 1962.
These days, the Simpson Desert is a bucket list destination for adventure-seekers, who mostly explore the vast interior by four-wheel drive.
What is the best time to visit the Simpson Desert?
The Simpson Desert is closed to travellers during the summer months, because of the extremely hot and dry conditions. Winter is the most popular time to visit, with most travellers taking on the 550-odd kilometre pilgrimage between Birdsville and Mount Dare, which runs east-to-west along the French Line.
Journeying to the Simpson Desert is an adventure in itself, which can take in thousands of kilometres of remote and far flung destinations. Depending on which way you go, there are places like Lake Eyre, the Birdsville Track, Uluru, The Diamantina and Cameron Corner to visit.
Dos and don'ts of a Simpson Desert adventure
- Do plan your journey, with accurate estimates of distances between refuelling and resupply opportunities.
- Do stick to the formed tracks in the desert
- Do have a UHF radio, most desert travellers communicate on channel 10
- Do be self-sufficient for food, supplies, camping and emergencies
- Don’t travel unprepared
- Don’t enter the desert during the summer months
- Don’t travel without the correct permits
- Don't leave anything (especially rubbish) behind
- Don’t be too scared to visit! All it takes is some preparation and planning
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Our Adventure Team
Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series
A brand-new mid-spec GXL model fitted with some Toyota Genuine Accessories.
Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series
A 70th Anniversary Edition of the bulletproof cab-chassis ute.
Writers / Presenters
Sam Purcell and Trent Nikolic take you on an adventure of a lifetime!
Photos / Video
Our Head of Video Lucas Kennedy and photographer Ted Airey bring the Simpson Desert to your screen
How far away are you?
What's the driving distance from your capital city to the edge of the Simpson Desert?
Simpson Desert Adventure gallery
Just some of the amazing photos taken on the nine-day trip.
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