Hi all, planning a round trip from Brisbane to Central Australia and back via the Simpson next year. Hoping to get a few tips and ideas to iron out the route.
Currently two families of 5, we will be in our Prado 150 GXL (pick it up in 2 weeks - cannot wait!) and another family in a SDV6 Discovery. Kitted out with most of the major accessories (ARB bullbar, snorkel, OME suspension, underbody armour, towbar), just need to sort a roof cage, new spotties and maybe a set of storage drawers.
Looking at 2 and a bit weeks at the moment (Sept school holidays with a couple of days tacked on). The trip itself will kick off from Townsville, as we'll be up north for a 40th.
The current plan from Townsville is:
> Mt Isa
> Old Police Stations Water Hole (is it worth the detour of the highway?)
> Glen Helen Resort
> Finke Gorge / Palm Valley
> Kings Canyon
> Ayers Rock
> Kulgera/Finke (depending on what time we get away from Ayers Rock)
> Dalhousie Springs
> Purnie Bore
> Simpson Desert
> Birdsville
> ???
> Nindigully Pub
> Brisbane
I did most of the route up to Ayers Rock (with a side trip to the Top End) years ago in an old HJ75 Cruiser, but the Simpson is all new.
General plan is to do a couple of days of solid driving straight up so that we can spend more time in Central Aus and the return trip. The kids handle big drives without issue (often do Brisbane - Bowen in one hit - c17 hours). Will be mostly camping, with a few motels/cabins for overnighting on the make-a-mile runs.
Couple of questions:
> Recommendations for camping spots close to Kings Canyon? Stay at the Resort?
> How long does it take to get from Kulgera to Dalhousie Springs via Mt Dare?
> How many days to cross the Simpson itself? We've allowed 3-4 days
> One or two spares? Currently running BFG A/T with c10k on them
Any tips on additional things to see (or skip) greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Adrian
Currently two families of 5, we will be in our Prado 150 GXL (pick it up in 2 weeks - cannot wait!) and another family in a SDV6 Discovery. Kitted out with most of the major accessories (ARB bullbar, snorkel, OME suspension, underbody armour, towbar), just need to sort a roof cage, new spotties and maybe a set of storage drawers.
Looking at 2 and a bit weeks at the moment (Sept school holidays with a couple of days tacked on). The trip itself will kick off from Townsville, as we'll be up north for a 40th.
The current plan from Townsville is:
> Mt Isa
> Old Police Stations Water Hole (is it worth the detour of the highway?)
> Glen Helen Resort
> Finke Gorge / Palm Valley
> Kings Canyon
> Ayers Rock
> Kulgera/Finke (depending on what time we get away from Ayers Rock)
> Dalhousie Springs
> Purnie Bore
> Simpson Desert
> Birdsville
> ???
> Nindigully Pub
> Brisbane
I did most of the route up to Ayers Rock (with a side trip to the Top End) years ago in an old HJ75 Cruiser, but the Simpson is all new.
General plan is to do a couple of days of solid driving straight up so that we can spend more time in Central Aus and the return trip. The kids handle big drives without issue (often do Brisbane - Bowen in one hit - c17 hours). Will be mostly camping, with a few motels/cabins for overnighting on the make-a-mile runs.
Couple of questions:
> Recommendations for camping spots close to Kings Canyon? Stay at the Resort?
> How long does it take to get from Kulgera to Dalhousie Springs via Mt Dare?
> How many days to cross the Simpson itself? We've allowed 3-4 days
> One or two spares? Currently running BFG A/T with c10k on them
Any tips on additional things to see (or skip) greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Adrian
Comment