Image 1 of 19
Image 2 of 19
Image 3 of 19
Image 4 of 19
Image 5 of 19
Image 6 of 19
Image 7 of 19
Image 8 of 19
Image 9 of 19
Image 10 of 19
Image 11 of 19
Image 12 of 19
Image 13 of 19
Image 14 of 19
Image 15 of 19
Image 16 of 19
Image 17 of 19
Image 18 of 19
Image 19 of 19
“★★★★★ Five star rating. This trip ticked all the boxes, at 4x4 Explore, the team has the experience and confidence to guide random people from all walks of life across the Simpson Desert as well as many other tours. From day one I learnt so much more about my vehicle, equipment and myself. Fid and Haydee had the knowledge and confidence that rubbed off on the rest of us. So by day two the routine of what we needed to do was set. They took us to some amazing, historical and cultural sites and the camping each night was excellent. The whole group bonded and we all watched out for each other. I particularly liked chilling around the campfire and these great memories will always be with me. So thankyou again Fid and Haydee and your whole team. Hope to see you again one day.👍😊🕺
If you want to go on a great adventure across the Simpson Desert let these guys take you. They will take the stress away as they direct you safely through this wonderful part of Australia. With their knowledge, experience and confidence you can’t go wrong.”
“★★★★★ Five star rating. Fantastic, epic! Fid and Haydee were a super team guiding and helping us to complete an incredible traverse across the Simpson. Fid’s knowledge of the desert, tracks, and camp sites is very impressive. Then, there was the fellow travellers-wonderfull people who all made our journey so memorable.
Wow, what an adventure. Thank you to the 4x4 Explore team🙏🙏🙏”
-
The tour group will link up in Birdsville by 11:00am on Day 1. The afternoon is busy and we will depart Birdsville in the morning of Day 2, so if you would like to take the opportunity to see some of the highlights around Birdsville before the tour starts we suggest arriving a day or two early. After a tour brief, we will leave our trailers at our accommodation and head out to the iconic “Big Red” (Nappanerica) sand dune. This is the largest dune of the desert at some 40m tall, the symbolic eastern edge of the Simpson, and a bucket list challenge for any 4WD enthusiast. Having conquered Big Red, we will head back into Birdsville and refuel, before getting to know each other over dinner at the Birdsville Hotel.
On Day 2, we will head west into the desert. East to west is typically regarded as the more testing direction as the prevailing westerly winds make for a steeper upslope on the eastern side of the dunes. Regardless of whether you are towing, we share tips and techniques so you can cross the desert with minimal strain on your vehicle, and to minimise environmental and track damage.
Our route across the 1,140 or so sand dunes will expose you to several tracks including the French Line, WAA Line, and Rig Road. At the end of each day’s travel, we will relax with a cold drink around a campfire (providing our own firewood). You will see areas of almost white sand in the east change to the well-known deep outback red in the west. We will see more sign of dingoes and camels than we see the animals themselves, but we will spot a huge variety of birds, lizards and other wildlife.
At the western edge of the Simpson, we will camp at a true desert oasis, Dalhousie Springs, where we can wash off the desert dust by soaking in the 37 degrees water of this artesian spring while watching another spectacular desert sunset. Can you think of anything better? After reluctantly dragging ourselves away from the springs, we will head to the Mt Dare Hotel to refuel vehicles and grab a bite to eat. As we make our way to Alice Springs, we will camp beside a special waterhole, watch the changing colours as the sun sets on Chambers Pillar, visit galleries of ancient indigenous rock carvings, and see some relics of the old Ghan railway.
The tour will arrive at the release point in Alice Springs by 2:00pm on Day 9, so you will have plenty of time to settle into your chosen accommodation.
-
Payment Options
Bookings made within six weeks of the scheduled tour start date require full payment at the time of booking.
For bookings made more than six weeks before the scheduled tour start date, you may either:
(a) pay the total booking price in full at the time of booking; or
(b) pay a minimum deposit of 30% of the total booking price at the time of booking, with the balance payable in one or more instalments by the due date(s) specified on an invoice we will issue you.
Payment Methods
Payment may be made by bank transfer (BSB and account number or PayID) or by credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or PayPal through our website.
Payment by bank transfer can be arranged by completing an invoice request form or by contacting us.
Cancellations
For a change-of-mind cancellation more than six weeks before departure, choose a 24-month tour credit or a refund less $75. Within six weeks, change-of-mind cancellations are normally non-refundable. Your statutory rights still apply.
Terms of Service
Please read our full Terms of Service before booking.
-
Having completed this tour, why not see one the hidden gems near Alice Springs with our three-day tour of the little known Finke Gorge. Highlights of the tour include Palm Valley with its red gorges, desert palm trees, cycads and spring-fed pools; and the remote Finke Gorge 4WD track which follows the Finke River bed and its picturesque waterholes. Then, if you want to take your Simpson Desert crossings to the next level, or simply need to return to Birdsville as part of your journey home, why not book a spot on our Madigan Line tour across the north Simpson Desert. You can bundle all three tours for a discount with our Ultimate Desert Adventure.
Have any questions?
