4 Day Munga -Thirri Explorer Trek
Like the previous trek, the Munga-Thirri Explorer is perfectly suited to first-time Great Desert Walk participants. On this short circuit around our base camp, we move through interdune swales where scattered coolibah and acacia thrive, all framed by the tall red dunes of the eastern Simpson Desert. It’s an inviting landscape, gentle yet immersive, and ideal for those seeking their first experience of walking with camels.
​Where Are We Walking?
​We will be walking in Munga-Thirri, Big Sandhill Country, the traditional land of the Wangkangurru people, many of whom reside in Birdsville. This region is also home to the Brook family, who operate Adria Downs Station, an 8,750-square-kilometre cattle station established in 1912 that operates on organic management principles.
​We will be spending the entire trek on Adria Downs, on the western side of Eyre Creek. Please note that Adria Downs is an active cattle station and we may encounter evidence of cattle during our trek, though at 8,750 square kilometres, any encounter would be brief and sparse.
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This part of Munga-Thirri is a mixture of towering red dunes, large claypans, small salt lakes, and forests of Acacia georginae (gidgee), pictured above.
Walking in this landscape involves firm sand, with soft sand encountered only at the dune crests. If there has been widespread rain across the desert we may be walking through a vibrant display of yellow flowers, such as poached-egg daisies and 'Yellowtop,' providing a stunning backdrop and fresh feed for our camels. ​
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
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.
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