4 Day Birdsville to Big Red Trek
Whilst we have walked from west to east into Birdsville on the Simpson Desert Expedition, this will be the first time we’ve ever offered a short walk from Birdsville back to the edge of the great Simpson Desert dune field. This three-day trek begins on the outskirts of town, crossing the smaller, scattered white dunes that rise gently from the vast gibber plains.
As we approach Big Red, the landscape transforms and the pale dunes deepen into the classic rich red for which the Simpson Desert is renowned. A trek ideally suited to those short on time, or for anyone simply wanting a taste of what walking with camels can offer.
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Birdsville is the traditional land of the Wangkangurru people, many of whom reside in town. The Simpson Desert technically finishes at the Diamantina River, and on this trek we will begin walking on the Birdsville town common, then the adjoining cattle stations that fringe Birdsville. Most of the walk will be spent on Adria Downs Station, home to the Brook family. This 8,750-square-kilometre cattle station, established in 1912, operates on organic management principles. Please note that Adria Downs is an active cattle station and we may encounter evidence of cattle during the trek, though at 8,750 square kilometres, any encounter would be brief and sparse.​
We will walk across the vast gibber plains west of town. Photo - A Harper
Typical desert country enroute to Big Red. Photos - A Harper
On this trek, you will walk alongside our team of pack camels, accompanied by four cameleers who will serve as your crew for the duration of the journey. While technically not “tour guides,” our cameleers are, first and foremost, seasoned stockmen and women. They are experts in handling and working with camels, with a wealth of experience navigating the desert and deep knowledge of its flora and fauna. They also hold profound respect for the First Nations people who call this remarkable landscape home.
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Over the course of a 5 to 6 hour walking day (including breaks) you will cover approximately 8 to 10 kilometres. Our pace is set by the camels, as they navigate the dunes and other natural features of the landscape. The camels carry all your personal gear, leaving you with just your daypack and a healthy attitude. Everything else is best left behind!
This is a truly authentic Australian desert experience. Camels are the perfect cross-country vehicle, allowing us to travel far from roads and tracks, with no vehicle back-up. Campsites are selected based on the availability of camel feed, and we never camp in the same place twice.
As Australia’s only trekking company specialising in remote desert travel, you won’t encounter other trekking groups. Unlike the 4WD tracks that can become virtual highways of vehicles in winter, we journey into a silent desert landscape, far removed from the crowds.
All of our treks are active participation experiences. The cameleers will gladly involve you in loading and unloading the camels as much as you’d like to participate, with the level of involvement decided on a day-to-day basis.
Your assistance is also warmly welcomed with various camp chores at the end of the day, such as collecting firewood or helping to shepherd the camels as they graze. These tasks are part of the unique experience and foster a deeper connection to the rhythm of desert life.
Photo - Carolyn Larcombe
What's included
4WD transfers to/from Birdsville to the Simpson Desert
All camping equipment - swags, stools, tents. You bring your own sleeping bag and eating utensils
All meals, though we do not provide snacks
LOTS of space...
RFDS Medical Chest and emergency communications equipment
Crew of 4 to 5 cameleers
Trek medic
Desert Silence!
Trekking with an environmentally aware responsible business
(A detailed Trek Information Guide is sent to you when you book)
What's not included
Pre and post trek airfares and accommodation. You are responsible for arranging your travel to/from Birdsville and any accommodation. We can help organise this for you
Please look at this page How To Get To Birdsville
What else is recommended?
Travel Insurance. You have the option to arrange your own travel insurance, or you can contact us for a quote.
Where are we trekking?
In the shaded area of the map below in the Simpson Desert, Queensland.
Photo - Carolyn Larcombe