No sooner had South Australia’s massive Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert National Park been declared open to travellers again following its annual closure due to summer’s extreme heat, than it was closed again … this time due to heavy rainfall.
National Parks and Wildlife Service District Ranger Travis Gotch said the deluge over recent days and weeks had made vehicle tracks within the parks impassable.
“We’re closely monitoring park and track conditions … we look forward to welcoming people back to these spectacular parks as soon as conditions improve,” he said. “Many of the tracks in our Outback parks are unmaintained and conditions can change unpredictably, so this is a good reminder to be well prepared and check local conditions when travelling.”
Adventurous travellers will have to wait a while before crossing the Simpson Desert. PIC: Cizza
Mr Gotch said important safety tips for people preparing to travel in remote parts of the state, or in desert parks when they re-open, included:
Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert National Park spans a massive 3.6 million hectares in South Australia’s Far North, and provides unique four-wheel driving experiences across vast stretches of desert.
“The best camping spots in Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert National Park are in the central region where the gidgee woodlands provide shade, shelter and soft ground for pitching a tent,” Mr Gotch said. “The park is full of interesting wildlife, including the thorny devil, fat-tailed dunnart and wedge-tailed eagle.”
For current advice on desert park conditions, click here
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We have crossed the Simpson Desert multiple times and from different directions. But, when it’s yep, don’t go there! However, afterwards; the countryside will be absolutely glorious. Just need a little patience to wait it out. We’ll be back…again…just love it!
The golden rule is know what is half way in your journey including any detours due to weather etc. and be sure you have sufficient fuel, water etc to complete your journey. It is always easier to turn around than to be rescued.