Simpson Desert: 50 Years On

Description

A first crossing of the year of the Simpson Desert along the French Line, but heavy rain made this trip more difficult than usual.

In 1962, Reg Sprigg and party completed the first motorised crossing of the Simpson Desert. Fifty years on, Vic Widman led another group on the first crossing of the Simpson for 2012. The adventures of Vic’s group were quite different to those of the exploration party and just as challenging as rain had transformed some of the desert into lakes and a muddy sponge. The video also features an interview with Marg and Doug Sprigg who tell us about their adventure crossing the Simpson Desert with their parents on that first crossing. And you will also see the Oodnadatta Track, Mt Dare and Birdsville. 

This trip was nearly cancelled due to heavy rain in late February of 2012, as all the access roads to the desert were closed only a week before.  As we travelled north, there was evidence of water everywhere. Lake Eyre South was a lake, creeks flowed across the Oodnadatta Track, and detours went around claypans.

Authorities close the Simpson Desert from 1 December of each year and reopen on March 15. This is due to the intense heat of summer and the harsh conditions that prevail during this period. We timed our trip to coincide with the March opening, despite the wet conditions.

Soon after leaving Dalhousie Springs, the group encountered the sponge of the Spring Creek Delta. This proved to be the major obstacle. At first there seemed no way to continue, but one vehicle finally got through. Unfortunately, the second vehicle bogged down for some time.

One of the best advantages of all the water was that the desert vegetation was flourishing everywhere, sometimes in the wheel tracks. Trees, shrubs large and small and grasses covered the ground to the amazement of the travellers.

Yes the group finally crossed the Simpson Desert and found their way to Birdsville. You will find the whole adventure in this DVD. And for more Simpson Desert adventures see the Madigan Line and also the Binns Track.