2008 Expeditions

20 Day Eastern Simpson Desert Expedition

The objective of this expedition is to traverse the eastern / south eastern section the Simpson Desert, beginning in the dunes west of Birdsville and travelling south into South Australia, concluding on the lower reaches of Eyre Creek.

The Country

Our 2008 expedition will begin in the eastern Simpson Desert on Eyre Creek near the Mulligan River and travel south following the creek to its junction with the Warburton River. In 1845 Charles Sturt followed Eyre Creek north - we will follow it south. Please note that this expedition is not a re-enactment of Sturt's journey as we are using camels and Sturt obviously had horses. Although there is a degree of uncertainty at to Sturt's exact route, our journey will continually cross his general northwards traverse of August/September 1845, and we will attempt to relocate some of his campsites. The Wangkanguru, who lived on the southern fringes of the Simpson Desert and who were the last Aborigines in the Lake Eyre Basin to encounter Europeans, left the desert in 1900, and along this desert fringe we may find stone chippings and other artefacts.

A typical days walk

A typical days walk - the two camel strings with expedition party members walking ahead, beside & behind

Please note that due to the nature of this country and the seasonal conditions, the exact expedition route can only be determined closer to departure in mid 2008. The distance covered will be a minimum of approximately 250 kilometres with the option - depending on seasonal conditions - of several 'half-days' to stop and explore the area in more detail.

Eastern Simpson Desert dunes

The dunefields of the Eastern Simpson Desert, South Australia

Camels at sunset

Departure Date: July 14 to August 2 2008 - Completed

Grade:

Challenging – all expeditions fall into this category. These are genuine contemporary expeditions that travel in a traditional style just as the early explorers would have done, whilst encountering the rich desert diversity entwined with the rewarding experience of working with the camels. Due to their duration and terrain covered, these explorations are far more challenging than any trek. The expeditions may travel approximately 350 - 450 kilometres (unless otherwise noted) and have a definite objective, whether it be to cross an entire desert or to arrive at the designated base camp at journeys end. Full rest days during the expedition are not guaranteed and the average distance covered per day can be between 17 to 22 kilometres. Water rationing is strictly enforced and there are neither permanent camps nor any type of vehicle back-up. On such a journey it is essential that you are prepared, both mentally & physically, to fully participate as an expedition member. At journeys end you can expect to be tired but also fulfilled with a sense of great personal accomplishment.

Despite the less distance being covered compared to the Outback Camel Company's Simpson Desert Expedition, which makes the entire crossing of the desert to Birdsville, this expedition is still graded as Challenging. This will be a genuine contemporary expedition that will travel in a traditional style similar to how the early explorers would have done. The journey will encounter the rich desert diversity entwined with the fascinating and rewarding experience of working with a string of up to 18 packcamels. Due to the duration and terrain covered, this exploration will be far more challenging than any trek but not as 'hard' as the Simpson Desert Expedition. The pace will be slower and (depending on seasonal conditions) there will be numerous 'half days' to allow for a more detailed investigation of certain areas along Eyre Creek. However there will still be the underlying importance to keep to the schedule so as arrive at the designated base camp at journeys end on the lower reaches of the creek.

Itinerary: 2-day road transfer from Adelaide via the Birdsville Track, 16 days on the camel expedition, 2-day return road transfer to Adelaide. Further information...

Pick up point: Adelaide

Set down point: Adelaide

Price (including road transfers): AUD$5912 Discount for previous travellers $5616

Full moon

Camels ascending a dune

Ascending a dune in the eastern Simpson Desert