Rick Shea from the HF Radio Club explains how he was in the right place at the right time … and had the right equipment and knowledge … to help a family broken down and stranded in the Simpson Desert
Recently myself with partner Hazel left Rockhampton to embark on a 9,000-kilometre trip to Boulia, across the Plenty Highway to Alice Springs, and then on to Halls Creek in Western Australia through the Tanami Desert via the Tanami Track.
From Halls Creek, we travelled down the iconic Canning Stock Route, almost 1,900 kilometres of sand hills and corrugations to Wiluna. After an overnight stop at Wiluna we headed east across the notorious Gun Barrel Highway, the Great Central Road, to Warburton and then Giles which is the most remote weather station on the Australian mainland.
We crossed back into the Northern Territory on the Great Central Road heading for the Olgas and Uluru. About 50 kilometres east of Docker River we came upon a family which had broken down. We were unable to help them but, using our HF Radio, I rang Docker River store to send out help and we continued on to Alice Springs.
After leaving Alice Springs we travelled south through Santa Theresa Community, Old Andado station, Mt Dare and Dalhousie Springs before heading across the Simpson Desert on the French Line. The Simpson is the largest sand desert in the world with 1,100 sand hills to cross. We were 275 kilometres west of Birdsville and 240 kilometres east of Mt Dare when we came across a family of six broken down. There were two adults, twins aged five, and a 12-year-old and a 14-yearold … all boys. We stayed with the family for five days co-ordinating a rescue, using the HF Radio with relays from other HF Radio Club members situated in Adelaide, Wagga Wagga and the Hunter Valley.
During this time no other vehicles came through. There are many arguments as to which is better, HF Radio or sat phone. The advantages of HF are it will work any time anywhere, over long distances (over 3000kms) and while initial set up costs are high, ongoing costs are low. The HF Radio Club offer membership for $80 per year plus $20 per year for the travellers’ pack which allows you to make phone calls to any phone in Australia no charge. HF Radio Club members can send SMS to any mobile, also the GPS location of the vehicle using Google maps and this is automatically emailed to any three address at no charge.
The HF Club has four bases and 10 frequencies to choose from. The club also has the ability to locate a missing vehicle provided it has its radio turned on.
Honestly why do people with families go out on these trips so unprepared they were very lucky this time don’t even try if your not prepared for any circumstances that could pop up and especially with young children
Great advice Diane.
There is help within 24 hours from both Mt Dare & Birdsville, The HF Radio or Sat Phone or EPIRB can alert either. The Desert itself however is closed from 15th December to 15th March & it is illegal to enter during that period due to the remoteness & dangers.
When in Birdsville I was told that a recovery from the Simpson Desert can cost $10,000. They have an awesome recovery vehicle there.