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General => Previous Member Trips => Trips, Tracks, Touring and Reports => 2014 Simpson Crossing => Topic started by: jetcrew on August 19, 2013, 05:09:06 PM
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Ok after much back and forth about a holiday for next year I have settled (sorry we) have settled on a Simpson Desert crossing. ;D
Dates will be
DEPART Brisbane SAT 13th SEP
Return Brisbane SAT 11th OCT
QLD school Hols are smack in the middle 2 weeks.
I have not yet set any firm plans except that these will be the dates.. I must add that I have never crossed the desert and would think that numbers would need to be manageable say 10 vehicles.
Crossing would be an EAST to WEST and back so campers and vehicles would need to be pretty capable from what I have read. I will be vehicle based only.
Open to all suggestions ect as I said I have never travelled through here . but would love to do it with some myswaggers.
I know there is the other desert trip and not trying to steal any thunder ;D ;D but a few people expressed an interest and I have wanted to do this for years and years just need some other like minded people to do it with.
Anyone keen please do some reading as your set-up MUST be capable of doing the trip.
As I said happy to take advice from those who have been there.
Jet ;D
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We are doing the Simpson in September 2014 from Perth. We are meeting my Brother and Others in Port Augusta (He's from Melb)and doing the Birdsville Track to Birdsville and then across the Simpson, Old Andado ,Mt Dare, Chambers Pillar, Alice, Kings Canyon, Ayers Rock then the Great Central Desert Road to Perth. Dates are still up in the air atm. Closer to the time, we may very well meet you out there :D
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Ok after much back and forth about a holiday for next year I have settled (sorry we) have settled on a Simpson Desert crossing. ;D
Dates will be
DEPART Brisbane SAT 13th SEP
Return Brisbane SAT 11th OCT
QLD school Hols are smack in the middle 2 weeks.
Sounds same in Victoria.
Term 3: 14 July to 19 September
Term 4: 6 October to 19 December
Could be interested.. keep me informed.
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Could be interested if we don't do the Central Aus trip.
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Oooowwwww don't make me choose
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Oooowwwww don't make me choose
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LOL ;D mate certainly not my intention if I could attend the other one I would but I am sure I am not alone with that, so figured with the amount of active members on here there will never be an issue filling trip numbers. ;D ;D.
And besides a Trip for each school hols is an awesome thing with the amount of members also.
Jet ;D ;D
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Could be interested if we don't do the Central Aus trip.
X2
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Always planned to do Birdsville and Simpson to Alice for the June/July school holidays in 2014 and return via the Plenty to Boulia. Or vice versa. Now that the myswag Alice/Ayers trip is in the pipeline I am planning on joining that. Sorry Jet, just can't get away in September because of a leave embargo.
KB
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We are very keen to join you really want to cross it off out bucket list
x2
Paulp
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"Crossing would be an EAST to WEST and back so campers and vehicles would need to be pretty capable from what I have read. I will be vehicle based only."
I think everyone being the same would be a good idea.
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"Crossing would be an EAST to WEST and back so campers and vehicles would need to be pretty capable from what I have read. I will be vehicle based only."
I think everyone being the same would be a good idea.
Most probably mate , but from what I have read if well set-up and exp and travelling with a few vehicles minus campers only then campers are not a complete NO NO.
OBV without is less stress hence my option to do it that way.. am keen to really enjoy the desert so prob 10 nights in there and a good look around.
Fuel carriage in a V8 petrol is another stress LOL ;D ;D ;D So 2 x twin ARB jerry can holders on the way .. concerned re weight but will see how it all fits up . scored a good deal from a bloke in WA.
Jet ;D
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Yea, might be a bit tough for you if you don't have a Paj. Where always happy to rescue Toyota's ;D
Arh, gee I'm funny 8)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb36/Steveandviv/SimpsonDesert34mag-1.jpg) (http://s207.photobucket.com/user/Steveandviv/media/SimpsonDesert34mag-1.jpg.html)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb36/Steveandviv/SimpsonDesert25mag.jpg) (http://s207.photobucket.com/user/Steveandviv/media/SimpsonDesert25mag.jpg.html)
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That's one way to get the MRS on top in bed ;D ;D ;D
Flowers is much easier though :cheers:
Jet :D :D
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I would like to very loosely show an interest in this trip.
Having been out to Dalhousie twice I really want to cross the Simpson to see what its all about. I wouldnt be keen to tow the camper at my first crossing so I would use the roof top tent or swags especially going East to West.
The Simpson wasnt in our plans, we are planning on doing the North Western part of Australia next but a lot can change in 12 months so we are a definite maybe.........20% chance lets say :) If you will have us!
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I would like to very loosely show an interest in this trip.
Having been out to Dalhousie twice I really want to cross the Simpson to see what its all about. I wouldnt be keen to tow the camper at my first crossing so I would use the roof top tent or swags especially going East to West.
The Simpson wasnt in our plans, we are planning on doing the North Western part of Australia next but a lot can change in 12 months so we are a definite maybe.........20% chance lets say :) If you will have us!
Sure will mate , if I get enough interest I will get a topic started up top.
Jet ;D
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Jet pencil us in if you like you know I'd follow you anywhere again. Could leave the trailer behind and rough it for a few weeks and im sure i could twist coeys arm to ;D
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Why, why, why >:D - just because you can................ ;D oh well, I will have to convince the other half, but pencil us in. Missed it once, :'( cant miss it again. :D :D
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OK guys. Haven't done much research yet but from what I'm reading between the lines, is sounds like it is easier to travel across the Simpson from west to east than it is from east to west. Is that correct? Why? Because of the angle of the dune faces? Excuse my ignorance as I'm used to going in any direction I want on a motorcycle but have never crossed the Simpson fully. Only been out to Big Red.
KB
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Yes it is true, we crossed from west to east. The 3 litre Prado did it standing on her head. I would like to go the other way for something different. Not stealing your thunder Theo but the novices would have plenty of help judging by the replies. Whichever way I am still showing an interest. :cheers:
Wayne
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This past July, I drove from Big Red out a couple of km past Eyre Creek and back to Birdsville, admittedly without the trailer on, and had no problems. The only previous sand driving experience I'd had was on Stockton Beach, and that was only limited.
I really enjoyed the dunes and could have kept going and going all the way to Mt Dare had we not had the dog with with us. Hubby very nearly didn't get the driver's seat back ;D
I actually found the Western side to be more cut up than the Eastern, but it obviously changes regularly dependent on traffic and weather. Even the difference in Big Red over the two weeks between when our friends went and when we went was noticeable.
Our travelling companions this year towed a camper East to West across the Simpson Desert and didn't get stuck once, despite the heavy downpourwhilst out in the desert and the access being closed behind them(lots of unhappy campers at Dalhousie who weren't allowed to cross :().
He was in a 200 series Cruiser towing a Kimberley Kamper with another single vehicle.
Unfortunately, we had to drive around and meet them at Oodnadatta, so would love to go back one day to fully cross the Simpson.
I don't think 2014 will be our year though, but good luck to all you lucky buggers who are planning on doing it :cup:
Cheers
Karen
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I am keen to do the Simpson so will tentatively put my hand up, if okay?
Will be vehicle only.
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Sounds good. Doesn't line up with the other trip?
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Could be interested if we don't do the Central Aus trip.
You will get lost leaving melbourne it has been that long mate
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Most probably mate , but from what I have read if well set-up and exp and travelling with a few vehicles minus campers only then campers are not a complete NO NO.
OBV without is less stress hence my option to do it that way.. am keen to really enjoy the desert so prob 10 nights in there and a good look around.
Fuel carriage in a V8 petrol is another stress LOL ;D ;D ;D So 2 x twin ARB jerry can holders on the way .. concerned re weight but will see how it all fits up . scored a good deal from a bloke in WA.
Jet ;D
On our 2012 trip one mate used 200lts in his v8 100.
He was towing a AORC unit
A GU TD42t towing a Kimberly used 140lts
And a 2012 Hilux d4d towing my camel used 118lts
Cheers
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On our 2012 trip one mate used 200lts in his v8 100.
He was towing a AORC unit
A GU TD42t towing a Kimberly used 140lts
And a 2012 Hilux d4d towing my camel used 118lts
Cheers
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Thats good info, thanks for that. I was curious how much diesel my Patrol would use going East to West and towing, not that I want to tow anything until ive checked it out for myself first.
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This will def be an east to west and more than likely back agian via a different route.
This trip for us is about the desert so we want a fair bit of time in there as there seems to be so many different routes and things to see and absorb.
Trailers are welcome but that decision will rest with each owner.
Having regard for their ability and equip.
I have never crossed so am in no position to tell others weather or not they should take a trailer. ;D
I am sure common sense will prevail and no one would expect others to perform multiple recoveries so they have a comfy bed lol ;D ;D
Jet :cheers:
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Thats good info, thanks for that. I was curious how much diesel my Patrol would use going East to West and towing, not that I want to tow anything until ive checked it out for myself first.
we did a West -> East crossing!
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Thats good info, thanks for that. I was curious how much diesel my Patrol would use going East to West and towing, not that I want to tow anything until ive checked it out for myself first.
From DDR who did it recently without a trailer though (just before I did the broken Broken Hill trip)
"we rushed cos its was 45deg in the shade every day so 3 nights from Mt Dare to Birdsville I think we used about 3/4 of a tank so that would be about 90-100lt"
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Jet pencil us in if you like you know I'd follow you anywhere again. Could leave the trailer behind and rough it for a few weeks and im sure i could twist coeys arm to ;D
Excellent mate a bit of a cape york reunion :cup: :cup: :cup:
Jet ;D
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Would be a great trip, but taking wife to Hawaii and Las Vegas
'shakey'
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On our 2012 trip one mate used 200lts in his v8 100.
He was towing a AORC unit
A GU TD42t towing a Kimberly used 140lts
And a 2012 Hilux d4d towing my camel used 118lts
Cheers
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks for the info mate I will carry approx 210L which should be enough, I hate not having enough to be able to have a look around. Obv 80 ltrs on roof is a fair bit of weight but I will fill at last servo and transfer into car as used so 40ltrs should come down after day 1
Jet :D
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Thanks for the info mate I will carry approx 210L which should be enough, I hate not having enough to be able to have a look around. Obv 80 ltrs on roof is a fair bit of weight but I will fill at last servo and transfer into car as used so 40ltrs should come down after day 1
Jet :D
We used 180l west - east in a 4.0L V6 120 series Prado towing a CT.
Edit filled up at Mt Dare.
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You will get lost leaving melbourne it has been that long mate
Hyuck hyuck hyuck
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Some good real world info from members who have done the trip already which is greatly appreciated , I am confident that everyone who attends will have everything squared away with the help of this site .
Thanks in advance to all those who can share . :cup: :cup: :cup:
Have made the first $$$ outlay tonight in preperation for the trip with the 2 x ARB jerry holders coming my way. Have along list of mods to do on the crusier as I have yet to turn a spanner on her since buying it.
Diff drop kit
snorkel ( in shed)
dual batts (in shed) anyone know an installer LOL ;D ;D
cargo barrier and divider (will build)
4 x metal jerrys
sand grabba matts
awning
solar set up
new tent (prob blackwolf)
Storage frame in rear seats (only one child so take 60% seat out and mount engle)
Tyres (this will be tough 16x8 or stay 17x8)
There must be a hundred things I have missed but that's a start, nothing like an adventure to get you motivated. ;D ;D
Jet ;D
Jet ;D
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Hey mate this sounds like a great plan, we would love to come along if you will have us :cheers:
you never know we may even be living down the road from you by then 8)
Coey
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Hey Jet, don't over think this one. There is nothing as tough as the OTL etc, this is about day after day - same - same. There will be a few dunes you will end up trying twice and will learn the speed to negate the wallows on approach etc.
I'll keep going back to one dune we could not get up, it was just too rutted just when we needed the momentum. I climbed to the top of the dune and rather than looking strait ahead, looked left and there was a 50% lower dune 500 meters away with a nice easy over the dune. We weren't running over plants etc and we most likely did less damage just doing this quick diversion. While the track will be formed once you get there after the summer rain you can still make you own track. We also had a few attempts at one like the one in my pics. But found it easier to go right of the track and then cut back in at the last moment, Stuff like that will hold you in good stead. I always thought I was good at reversing trailers but after doing it all the way down a few dunes I realized- I was really good ;D- just kidding, it was fun as though.
There are very few turns so you can run very low pressures. I know that I can do 11 front and 15 back with my rims and MTZ's and I did right from the start.
You'll have a ball I'm sure.
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Hey mate this sounds like a great plan, we would love to come along if you will have us :cheers:
you never know we may even be living down the road from you by then 8)
Coey
I can feel a croissant or two coming up ;D ;D
Top stuff mate :cup:
Jet ;D
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Hi,
I'd be interested in this trip. Have already done a Cape York, so pretty well prepared.
Cheers,
CP
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Any chance of you putting up a bit more of a plan/outline of the trip and what you wanna see/plan to see through the trip etc.
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Any chance of you putting up a bit more of a plan/outline of the trip and what you wanna see/plan to see through the trip etc.
I am waiting for a child board to go up then we can sort out some sort if itinerary , would like it to be a collaborative approach so people have input. All that is confirmed is dates and the desert .
If people have a plan then we can table them all and agree on a final it itinerary :D
Jet ;D
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Jet we are only a slim chance at this stage but as I stated earlier a lot can happen/fall into place in 12 months so Id like to approach this trip as though we are going in some capacity.
It may be only my wife and I with roof top tent. It may be my wife and I and a couple of kids with RTT and swags/touring tent. It may be just me and my dear old father.
So having said that I hope you dont mind me putting in some input and still only be a 'chance' of being able to attend. Nothing worse than 20 people putting their hands up as going and when push comes to shove only 3 actually go, so Id prefer to leave myself in the 'slim chance' list until I am certain we can go :)
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I too am keen but very much the same as Dannyg, will not firmly commit to anything as a family big trip is planned for april Tassie - WA return which will possibly blow the funds to do another family trip later that year unless I travel solo. I will sit back and follow this thread with interest and if I am to late to commit my self in going - so be it.
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Jet we are only a slim chance at this stage but as I stated earlier a lot can happen/fall into place in 12 months so Id like to approach this trip as though we are going in some capacity.
It may be only my wife and I with roof top tent. It may be my wife and I and a couple of kids with RTT and swags/touring tent. It may be just me and my dear old father.
So having said that I hope you dont mind me putting in some input and still only be a 'chance' of being able to attend. Nothing worse than 20 people putting their hands up as going and when push comes to shove only 3 actually go, so Id prefer to leave myself in the 'slim chance' list until I am certain we can go :)
DannyG,
I fully understand and I guess there are 2 ways to look at it .
I am absolutely happy to have as many as possible provide info and tips into this trip. Just because there is a chance you may not make it is no reason not to put some ideas and concepts forward mate. ;D ;D heck someone who can't come may have a great Idea or thing / place to visit.
I encourage everyone who is keen to contribute, by having a collaborative approach we end up with a final agreed position that every member has ownership off then if i get hit by a bus we wont have 20 people doing an itinerary they had no input into ;D ;D.
Then if you can not make it , it,s not like we are all doing the one thing you wanted to do as the whole trip is agreed upon. if you know what I mean , so jump in mate and we can put a rippa trip together.
Jet ;D ;D ;D
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Hi, we have been watching this and thinking sounds awesome.
But until last week we would of been good to go, but now there will not be enough room in the Prado for everyone and the fridge.
:cheers:
Rod and Julie.......
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We have been planning this trip now for awhile and will be leaving the Newcastle area NSW last week of August 2014 so I guess we will see you all out there .Our aim is to see the race at Birdsville .We are hoping to see Flinders first then to Birdsville West to East
Some reading in this link im definitely not taking the CT.
Sounds like Jet is sorting the first item to tackle the fuel storage as we have been today the ARB holders or equivelant
http://blog.snowys.com.au/crossing-the-simpson-for-beginners-part-1-who-can-do-it/ (http://blog.snowys.com.au/crossing-the-simpson-for-beginners-part-1-who-can-do-it/)
http://blog.snowys.com.au/crossing-the-simpson-desert-for-beginners-part-2/ (http://blog.snowys.com.au/crossing-the-simpson-desert-for-beginners-part-2/)
http://blog.snowys.com.au/crossing-the-simpson-desert-for-beginners-part-3/ (http://blog.snowys.com.au/crossing-the-simpson-desert-for-beginners-part-3/)
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While its not a definite yet, I'm definitely keen. As long as work picks up a bit so a few mods can be added to our vehicle and obviously for general trip costs, we will be doing our best to make this one.
Fingers crossed
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The way we are going this could be the Tassie Simpson crossing......we might need a logo and tshirts to be made LOL ;)
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The way we are going this could be the Tassie Simpson crossing......we might need a logo and tshirts to be made LOL ;)
Bloody hell I hope someone else comes one qlder in a sea of taswegians anything could happen ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Bloody hell I hope someone else comes one qlder in a sea of taswegians anything could happen ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Should I be bringing my sister? ;) :)
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Should I be bringing my sister? ;) :)
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Only if you think your going to be lonely if you know what i mean ;D
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Bloody hell I hope someone else comes one qlder in a sea of taswegians anything could happen ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I have the shovel. >:D >:D Who has the lime. :laugh: :laugh:
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Good luck with this trip. We are planning on doing it the other way a week or two before this trip and are still considering the idea of using CT's. Will watch this post with interest for more ideas for our Planning.