SIMPSON DESERT

We promised five epic Australian trips to celebrate 50 years, and saved one of the most iconic for last. The Simpson Desert, home to the legendary Madigan Line, is Australia’s ultimate remote 4WD challenge. With endless red dunes, vast salt pans, and rugged desert terrain, this raw, isolated landscape offers tough tracks, breathtaking sunrises, and a solitude like no other. It’s a true test of skill and endurance, delivering an unforgettable finale deep in the heart of the untamed outback.

You do not want to miss this! Click below to watch the story unfold on ARB’s YouTube channel.

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Day 1: Mt Dare → Camp 1A

Leaving Mt Dare with full tanks and jerry cans topped up, we ventured onto the Binns Track and out onto the Madigan Line. A stop at Old Andado Station offered a glimpse into Molly’s remarkable life of isolation in the desert. That night, we camped between Camp 1 and 1A, settling into the rhythm of the journey.

ARB Tip: Have a bit of fun in the bull dust – it makes for great photos!

Day 2: Camp 1 → Camp 5

The Madigan Line truly came to life on day two, with its endless dunes and changing light. A wild dingo appeared in the distance, a rare but exciting sight – though we made sure to keep our distance. The day’s travel was shorter, leaving time to soak in the silence and remoteness.

ARB Tip: Keep on top of your tyre pressures, and adjust as necessary for the terrain.

Day 3: Camp 5 → Camp 11

A longer push across the desert revealed a surprising burst of colour. Thanks to recent rains, the Simpson’s flora was blooming, a reminder that the desert is far from lifeless. Camping east of Camp 11, we enjoyed the simple beauty of the desert under the stars.

ARB Tip: Travel with a good group of people – it truly makes all the difference out here.

Day 4: Camp 11 → Camp 13

The journey carried us along the Madigan and down into the Hay River Track. The terrain shifted constantly, from dry riverbeds to stands of box gums and fields of flowers. A camel wandered across the track after dark, a reminder of how alive the desert truly is.

ARB Tip: Good spotlights are essential for night driving to see camels, cattle, or any obstacles ahead.

Day 5: Camp 13 → Camp

Travelling east along the Hay River Track, history came alive when we stopped at the old Beachcomber oil well. The desert held stories of exploration and industry, layered across the land. Floodwaters from earlier in the season forced a few detours, but added to the adventure.

ARB Tip: Always carry reliable mapping – digital systems and a backup paper map are a must.

Day 6: Camp → Camp

Day six was all about ticking off a bucket list moment – standing at Poeppel Corner, where Queensland, South Australia, and the Northern Territory meet. The journey then pushed us across salt pans and sand, camping near Eyre Creek as the desert slowly gave way to the QAA Line.

ARB Tip: When crossing salt pans, stick to the designated tracks to protect the environment.

Day 7: Camp → Birdsville Hotel

The final stretch brought some of the Simpson’s most iconic challenges. We tackled the Eyre Creek crossing before climbing Big Red, the desert’s biggest sand dune. The sense of achievement was matched only by rolling into Birdsville, enjoying a hot meal, a cold drink, and the comfort of the Birdsville Hotel.

ARB Tip: After a big week in the desert, nothing beats a hot shower at the Birdsville Hotel!

Planning your own trip to the Simpson Desert?

As Australia’s 4×4 experts, we’ve made planning your Simpson Desert adventure simple. Download the full itinerary and checklist as a handy PDF – perfect for printing or saving to your device. This guide has everything you need to explore with confidence, and if you’d like more advice, drop into your local ARB store or stockist, our teams have plenty of experience and are always happy to chat about your next adventure.

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