Simpson Desert Tagalong Tour

Vast. Remote. Unforgettable. The Simpson Desert is the world's largest sand dune desert. From west to east you will cross more than 1150 sand dunes. This tour starts in Alice Springs with a loop around the ranges before heading south along the historic Old Ghan railway line. After spending the night in the geographical centre of Australia we head off across the Simpson Desert. After the first 100 dunes you will be an old hand at tackling the hills. ## About Outback Adventure Treks Founded by Magnus Eriksson in 1989 as a specialized niche tour operator, Outback Adventure Treks began in the late 1980s when Magnus was creating, operating and leading groundbreaking adventure tours throughout inland Australia. Starting with nothing more than an old Series 2 Land Rover ute, these early tours crossed vast deserts and jungles found on this incredible continent. In 1994, Magnus established Outback Adventure Treks as a specialist tour operator focused on inland Australia, promoting off-road group tours directly to clients worldwide. Today, our expert-led tagalong 4WD journeys maintain the highest standards of service through meticulous itinerary planning, careful preparation, thorough staff training and professional licensed multilingual tour guides who are passionate about creating the best possible experiences with total dedication to satisfaction. ## Tour Overview & Pricing • **Total Price:** $3,400 AUD per vehicle • **Duration:** 10 Days / 9 nights • **Distance:** 1,330 kilometers total • **Start Location:** Alice Springs, Northern Territory • **End Location:** Birdsville, Queensland • **Tour Grade:** Medium (3 out of 5) - No trailers permitted • **Group Size:** 6-10 vehicles for personalized experience • **Average Daily Distance:** 130km per day • **Road Conditions:** 5% bitumen / 95% dirt roads for authentic outback experience • **Glamping Options:** Available for 3 out of 10 days ## Experience Highlights • Cross more than 1,150 sand dunes in the world's largest sand dune desert • Visit Big Red - Australia's tallest sand dune and iconic desert landmark • Experience the legendary Birdsville Pub and famous Birdsville Races • Stand at Lambert Centre - the geographical centre of Australia • Explore Poeppel Corner where Queensland, South Australia and Northern Territory meet • Relax at Dalhousie Hot Springs natural thermal pools • Follow the historic Old Ghan railway line and visit abandoned railway sidings • Marvel at Chambers Pillar sandstone formation with stunning sunset views • Navigate the challenging French Line through spectacular desert vistas • Experience authentic outback towns and remote cattle country ## Accommodation & Camping • **Accommodation:** Bush camps and established campgrounds • **Glamping Options:** Rooms and meals available for 3 out of 10 nights • **Bush Camping:** Remote wilderness locations in the heart of the Simpson Desert • **Campground Facilities:** Access to amenities in Alice Springs and Birdsville • **BBQ equipment** provided at each campsite for meal preparation ## What's Included - Complete Package ✓ Welcome and farewell dinners plus group dinner in Birdsville ✓ Accredited guides with senior first aid certification throughout journey ✓ Free Wi-Fi at each camp with comprehensive communication support ✓ 4WD backup vehicle equipped with professional winch for recovery operations ✓ All recovery equipment for challenging terrain and remote desert assistance ✓ UHF radio and satellite phone for remote area safety and emergency communication ✓ Tyre repair gear and equipment for punctures and emergency roadside repairs ✓ Comprehensive first aid kit and medical emergency supplies ✓ Full professional tool kit for vehicle maintenance and mechanical repairs ✓ Welder and specialized power tools for advanced repair requirements ✓ Qualified mechanic support and technical assistance throughout entire journey ✓ All National Park permits and camping fees for every destination ✓ Complete Aboriginal land access permits required for remote cultural areas ✓ Licensed and accredited tour operator with full insurance coverage and compliance ✓ BBQ plate and cooking equipment provided at each camp location ## Major Destinations & Desert Landmarks **Historic Railway Heritage:** Old Ghan railway line, Arltunga gold mining town, Rodinga railway station **Desert Icons:** Big Red sand dune, French Line, WAA Line, QAA Line, Lone Gum landmark **Natural Wonders:** Dalhousie Hot Springs, Chambers Pillar, Approdinna Attora Knolls, Eyre Creek **Cultural Sites:** Lambert Centre (geographical centre of Australia), Poeppel Corner (three-state junction) **Adventure Tracks:** French Line, Rig Road, Knoll Track, K1 Line desert crossing routes **Historic Towns:** Alice Springs departure, Birdsville destination with famous pub and races ## Detailed 10-Day Itinerary **Day 1:** Alice Springs to Hale River Homestead (155km) - Visit Arltunga historic gold mining town **Day 2:** Hale River to Chambers Pillar (276km) - Follow Old Ghan Railway, stunning sunset views **Day 3:** Chambers Pillar to Lambert Centre (221km) - Visit Rodinga railway station, geographical centre **Day 4:** Lambert Centre to Dalhousie Hot Springs (244km) - Historic sites, Mt Dare fuel stop **Day 5:** Dalhousie to WAA Line (123km) - First day in Simpson Desert, escalating dune challenges **Day 6:** WAA Line to Rig Road (74km) - Abandoned oil wells, Lynnies Junction, iconic Lone Gum **Day 7:** Rig Road to Knoll Track (82km) - Amazing desert scenery and challenging dune navigation **Day 8:** Knoll Track to Poeppel Corner (54km) - Approdinna Attora Knolls, three-state junction camping **Day 9:** Poeppel Corner to Birdsville (166km) - K1 and QAA Lines, lunch at Eyre Creek, conquer Big Red **Day 10:** Birdsville Races - Explore town, experience famous races, farewell dinner celebration ## Tour Requirements & Restrictions • Medium difficulty level (3 out of 5) suitable for adventurous desert travelers • No trailers or caravans permitted due to challenging sand dune terrain • Must have suitable 4WD vehicle capable of remote desert area travel • Participants must be comfortable with bush camping and basic outback facilities • Physical fitness required for sand dune driving and desert hiking activities • Travel insurance strongly recommended for extended remote desert journey • Desert driving experience beneficial but not essential with professional guidance ## Vehicle & Group Information • Group size limited to 6-10 vehicles ensuring personalized attention and safety • Backup vehicle with qualified mechanic accompanies every desert crossing • Professional recovery equipment and expertise available for all sand dune challenges • Radio communication systems connecting all vehicles for safety in remote areas • Satellite phone access for emergency situations in vast desert wilderness ## Meeting Point Alice Springs, Northern Territory (tour starts at lunchtime giving you time to explore the town). This ultimate desert adventure culminates the crossing experience with Big Red - the biggest dune in the desert - before arriving in legendary Birdsville for the incredible experience of the famous Birdsville Races. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic outback adventure through the world's largest sand dune desert with professional support and comprehensive inclusions.