Patrol across the Simpson

[FNQGU]

Hi Doc, thanks for sharing. It really is a great trip and something everyone who loves the bush should do.

Just out of interest, what were your tyre pressures at when you got stuck there? Did you try the Max Trax on the rear wheels, or even to try reversing out with them facing backwards? That sand looks pretty soft there.

We just did the trip in July and had a ball. Tyres were at about 20psi the whole trip and we were ok. Others in our group ran even lower at 16psi too.

[TPC]

Thanks for sharing, I have done a few different Simpson trips and loved them all, your post has made me want to go back again.
The first time I crossed was it was October which is definitely too late in the year as the temp was getting into the 40's.
The photo's are great, you will keep re-living the trip looking at them.

[Dr Gary]

I was running 20 and 22, but the 40 degree heat had them well above that--should have checked that earlier. After that it was 18 and 20.
BTW we had very few issues earlier so were pretty close to OK until the days got much hotter.
Had max Trax front and back, but buried too deep to get traction on them, AND the sand was like water--just kept filling up as soon as I shoveled it out. Reverse just buried it deeper--bummer.

[Dr Gary]

Is the homestead still near the Kulgera road house ? I used to live there
for a while before venturing south on the ghan line, they say one of the gum trees planted
there are from John Batman

We did not stop at Kulgera--we were on schedule to get from Alice Springs to Mt Dare in one day--easy but not much time to "smell the roses"

[BSRT.Beast]

Fantastic pics .... would love to do something similar soonish. Just out of curiosity how long did you take for the trip ?

[Dr Gary]

Fantastic pics .... would love to do something similar soonish. Just out of curiosity how long did you take for the trip ?

The way we went, it was via Longreach, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs to Mt Dare, with a little sightseeing along the way. One night at Mt Dare, three nights on the Simpson and one at Birdsville. Total was 13 days. The desert crossing was quicker than we planned, but it was too hot to stop mid afternoon, and there is not much to see once you leave Dalhousie Springs. That could be another night if you like to soak. Purnie Bore is not worth the stop.
Recommendation--go early--June/July for road conditions and weather.

[Clunk]

great pics Doc, thanks for sharing mate

[hempo]

thanks Doc for the write up. I am always curious as to how much fuel one needs for the trip. Most say the standard Patrol tanks of 125 litres should be enough if doing a fairly straight run across.

Glad to hear someone came along in time to winch you out. Would have been hard going digging in that heat.

Cheers