www.parks.sa.gov.au

March 2013 • FIS 91851 FIS • 2013 March

state for the enjoyment of others. others. of enjoyment the for state

© Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Natural and Water Environment, of Department ©

pastoralists and tourists to follow. follow. to tourists and pastoralists

Amytomis Goyderi Amytomis Grasswren Eyrean Cover: Thank you for leaving the bush in its natural natural its in bush the leaving for you Thank

tracks, thus opening up the desert for other explorers, explorers, other for desert the up opening thus tracks,

• Be considerate of other park users. park other of considerate Be •

as the French and QAA lines, Rig Road and other other and Road Rig lines, QAA and French the as could be fatal. be could

walking trails. walking at a time in the desert, building what are now known known now are what building desert, the in time a at exceed 50˚. A breakdown during this time time this during breakdown A 50˚. exceed

• Keep to defined vehicle tracks and and tracks vehicle defined to Keep • for oil and gas deposits. These workers spent months months spent workers These deposits. gas and oil for is to ensure public safety as temperatures can can temperatures as safety public ensure to is

Website www.parks.sa.gov.au Website

contracted to conduct seismic surveys and explore explore and surveys seismic conduct to contracted animals or remove native plants. native remove or animals between 1 December and 15 March. This closure closure This March. 15 and December 1 between

Pogona vitticeps Pogona Email [email protected] Email

Central Bearded Dragon Dragon Bearded Central • Keep wildlife wild. Do not feed or disturb disturb or feed not Do wild. wildlife Keep • In 1936, the French Petroleum Company was was Company Petroleum French the 1936, In Reserve and Conservation Park are closed annually annually closed are Park Conservation and Reserve

Phone Information Line (08) 8204 1910 8204 (08) Line Information Phone

autumn, winter and spring. Simpson Desert Regional Regional Desert Simpson spring. and winter autumn,

heritage sites. heritage Geosurveys of Australia company. Australia of Geosurveys

Email [email protected] Email

enjoyable times to visit the Simpson Desert are are Desert Simpson the visit to times enjoyable

• Respect geological, cultural and and cultural geological, Respect • the first motorised crossing in 1962, with Dr Sprigg’s Sprigg’s Dr with 1962, in crossing motorised first the

Freecall 1800 816 078 816 1800 Freecall

camping in the true outback of Australia. The most most The Australia. of outback true the in camping

Geologist Reg Sprigg and his family completed completed family his and Sprigg Reg Geologist or gas stoves. gas or Desert Parks Hotline Parks Desert

properties and to towns and communities. communities. and towns to and properties visitors to cross the desert by four-wheel drive while while drive four-wheel by desert the cross to visitors eastwards via Poeppel Corner to Birdsville. Birdsville. to Corner Poeppel via eastwards

• Conserve native habitat by using liquid fuel fuel liquid using by habitat native Conserve •

Website www.parks.sa.gov.au Website

other Aboriginal people were attracted to work on on work to attracted were people Aboriginal other There are several routes through the parks, allowing allowing parks, the through routes several are There

five camels, travelled from Mount Etingambra Etingambra Mount from travelled camels, five

to 30 April. Check CFS Hotline 1300 362 361. 362 1300 Hotline CFS Check April. 30 to

Phone (08) 8648 5300 Fax (08) 8648 5301 8648 (08) Fax 5300 8648 (08) Phone

as pastoral properties took over their land, while while land, their over took properties pastoral as

with Peter Ains (an Aboriginal companion) and and companion) Aboriginal (an Ains Peter with marvel at the ever-changing environment. ever-changing the at marvel

• Observe fire restrictions, usually 1 November November 1 usually restrictions, fire Observe • 9 Mackay Street Port Augusta SA 5700 SA Augusta Port Street Mackay 9

decimating the population. Groups were displaced displaced were Groups population. the decimating

was in 1936 and is credited to E. A. Colson, who, who, Colson, A. E. to credited is and 1936 in was seemingly repetitiveness of the desert while others others while desert the of repetitiveness seemingly SA Arid Lands Arid SA

• Take your rubbish with you. with rubbish your Take •

introduced influenza to the Aboriginal groups, groups, Aboriginal the to influenza introduced

The first successful European crossing of the desert desert the of crossing European successful first The emotions in visitors – some are overwhelmed by the the by overwhelmed are some – visitors in emotions Natural Resources Natural

• Leave your pets at home. at pets your Leave •

Aboriginal occupation of the desert. White settlers settlers White desert. the of occupation Aboriginal

Department of Environment, Water and and Water Environment, of Department

of the endless landscape inspires a wide range of of range wide a inspires landscape endless the of the original peg near the corner post. post. corner the near peg original the

European settlement brought about the decline of of decline the about brought settlement European

these guidelines: these

between them seem endless. The sheer magnitude magnitude sheer The endless. seem them between Simpson Desert Parks erected a red gum replica of of replica gum red a erected Parks Desert Simpson

Help protect your national parks by following following by parks national your protect Help

do not disturb them. disturb not do - the towering crests and vast, flat valleys (or swales) swales) (or valleys flat vast, and crests towering the - to mark Poeppel Corner. In 1989, the Friends of the the of Friends the 1989, In Corner. Poeppel mark to For further information contact: information further For

common. All Aboriginal sites are protected, so please please so protected, are sites Aboriginal All common. The sand dunes stretch over hundreds of kilometres kilometres of hundreds over stretch dunes sand The

Survey placed the current steel and concrete post post concrete and steel current the placed Survey The National Parks Code Parks National The

and workings can be seen in the park, but are not not are but park, the in seen be can workings and

On 25 August 1968, Bill Haylock of the SA Geodetic Geodetic SA the of Haylock Bill 1968, August 25 On and sand ridge formations to be protected. be to formations ridge sand and

the North Flinders Ranges. Some stone implements implements stone Some Ranges. Flinders North the

Trust of South Australia's Historic Relics Collection. Collection. Relics Historic Australia's South of Trust allows a wide cross-section of diverse flora, fauna fauna flora, diverse of cross-section wide a allows

were sandstone grinding stones and ochre from from ochre and stones grinding sandstone were by Dr Reg Sprigg and now forms part of the History History the of part forms now and Sprigg Reg Dr by covers 29 191 sq km, the conservation park, 6 881 sq km) km) sq 881 6 park, conservation the km, sq 191 29 covers

axes from quarries in Queensland were traded, as as traded, were Queensland in quarries from axes

was removed to Adelaide for preservation in 1962 1962 in preservation for Adelaide to removed was enormous size of the parks (the regional reserve reserve regional (the parks the of size enormous

• Bag and carry out all rubbish. rubbish. all out carry and Bag •

with groups to the north and south. Ground-edge Ground-edge south. and north the to groups with in 1880. The original peg marking Poeppel Corner Corner Poeppel marking peg original The 1880. in conservation park with Witjira National Park. The The Park. National Witjira with park conservation

burn toilet paper. toilet burn

and gatherers, but they also traded extensively extensively traded also they but gatherers, and

Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia Australia South and Queensland Territory, Northern

regional reserve was established in 1988, linking the the linking 1988, in established was reserve regional

• Bury toilet waste well away from water and and water from away well waste toilet Bury •

Aboriginal groups living in this area were hunters hunters were area this in living groups Aboriginal

Poeppel who surveyed the junction of the borders of of borders the of junction the surveyed who Poeppel to conservation park classification in 1972. The The 1972. in classification park conservation to

will cause pollution. cause will

Notable among the early surveyors was Augustus Augustus was surveyors early the among Notable the flush of new life that rain brings to the desert. desert. the to brings rain that life new of flush the proclaimed as a national park in 1967, but changed changed but 1967, in park national a as proclaimed

even a small amount of soap or detergent detergent or soap of amount small a even

these sites, taking advantage of groundwater and and groundwater of advantage taking sites, these The Simpson Desert Conservation Park was originally originally was Park Conservation Desert Simpson The number of the familiar landmarks in the area. the in landmarks familiar the of number

• Avoid washing close to water supplies, as as supplies, water to close washing Avoid •

In good seasons they could spread out away from from away out spread could they seasons good In Sturt, mainly government surveyors, named a a named surveyors, government mainly Sturt, and Witjira National Park. National Witjira and

Minimal impact Minimal Australian Branch). The explorers who came after after came who explorers The Branch). Australian provided the only permanent source of water. water. of source permanent only the provided Conservation Park, Simpson Desert Regional Reserve Reserve Regional Desert Simpson Park, Conservation

Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (South (South Australasia of Society Geographical Royal concentrated around native wells, or ‘Mikiri’ which which ‘Mikiri’ or wells, native around concentrated divided into three protected areas, Simpson Desert Desert Simpson areas, protected three into divided

subsequent expedition and then president of the the of president then and expedition subsequent partly in the desert. Family groups were generally generally were groups Family desert. the in partly the Northern Territory. The South Australian section is is section Australian South The Territory. Northern the

you use a liquid fuel or gas stove. gas or fuel liquid a use you named it after Allen Simpson, the sponsor of his his of sponsor the Simpson, Allen after it named the Lower Southern Arrernte lived on the edge and and edge the on lived Arrernte Southern Lower the the boundaries of South Australia, Queensland and and Queensland Australia, South of boundaries the

provides refuge for small animals. It is preferable preferable is It animals. small for refuge provides explorer and geologist, Cecil Thomas Madigan, Madigan, Thomas Cecil geologist, and explorer desert; and to the west of their traditional boundary boundary traditional their of west the to and desert; square kilometres. The Simpson Desert lies across across lies Desert Simpson The kilometres. square

• Please do not collect firewood as fallen timber timber fallen as firewood collect not do Please • and named until the 1930s when another another when 1930s the until named and this time, the Wangkangurru actually lived in the the in lived actually Wangkangurru the time, this red to white, covering a total area of 170 000 000 170 of area total a covering white, to red

Conservation Park Conservation

in 1845, but the desert was not fully recognised recognised fully not was desert the but 1845, in watercourses on the desert boundaries. Prior to to Prior boundaries. desert the on watercourses desert, a sea of parallel sand ridges ranging from from ranging ridges sand parallel of sea a desert, wood) are prohibited in the parks. the in prohibited are wood)

Regional Reserve and and Reserve Regional Simpson Desert was the explorer Charles Sturt Sturt Charles explorer the was Desert Simpson nineteenth century were concentrated around the the around concentrated were century nineteenth Desert is one of the world's best examples of dunal dunal of examples best world's the of one is Desert • On Total Fire Ban Days, all fires (liquid, gas and and gas (liquid, fires all Days, Ban Fire Total On •

The first European to see the grandeur of the the of grandeur the see to European first The Most Simpson Desert Aboriginal groups in the the in groups Aboriginal Desert Simpson Most Located in the driest region of Australia, the Simpson Simpson the Australia, of region driest the in Located April. Please use liquid fuel or gas stoves only. only. stoves gas or fuel liquid use Please April.

Simpson Desert Desert Simpson

the Fire Danger Season usually 1 November to 30 30 to November 1 usually Season Danger Fire the Exploration Aboriginal culture and heritage and culture Aboriginal

and Conservation Park Conservation and

• Wood fires are not permitted in the parks during during parks the in permitted not are fires Wood •

Simpson Desert Regional Reserve Reserve Regional Desert Simpson Heritage

Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Natural and Water Environment, of Department

Location map Location Fire safety Fire

1 Fire safety Location map Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Simpson Desert Regional Reserve Heritage • Wood fires are not permitted in the parks during and Conservation Park the Fire Danger Season usually 1 November to 30 Simpson Desert Aboriginal culture and heritage Exploration April. Please use liquid fuel or gas stoves only. Located in the driest region of Australia, the Simpson Most Simpson Desert Aboriginal groups in the The first European to see the grandeur of the • On Total Fire Ban Days, all fires (liquid, gas and Regional Reserve and Desert is one of the world's best examples of dunal nineteenth century were concentrated around the Simpson Desert was the explorer Charles Sturt desert, a sea of parallel sand ridges ranging from watercourses on the desert boundaries. Prior to wood) are prohibited in the parks. in 1845, but the desert was not fully recognised red to white, covering a total area of 170 000 this time, the Wangkangurru actually lived in the and named until the 1930s when another • Please do not collect firewood as fallen timber Conservation Park square kilometres. The Simpson Desert lies across desert; and to the west of their traditional boundary explorer and geologist, Cecil Thomas Madigan, provides refuge for small animals. It is preferable the boundaries of South Australia, Queensland and the Lower Southern Arrernte lived on the edge and named it after Allen Simpson, the sponsor of his you use a liquid fuel or gas stove. the Northern Territory. The South Australian section is partly in the desert. Family groups were generally subsequent expedition and then president of the divided into three protected areas, Simpson Desert concentrated around native wells, or ‘Mikiri’ which Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (South Conservation Park, Simpson Desert Regional Reserve provided the only permanent source of water. Australian Branch). The explorers who came after Minimal impact and Witjira National Park. In good seasons they could spread out away from Sturt, mainly government surveyors, named a number of the familiar landmarks in the area. • Avoid washing close to water supplies, as The Simpson Desert Conservation Park was originally these sites, taking advantage of groundwater and even a small amount of soap or detergent proclaimed as a national park in 1967, but changed the flush of new life that rain brings to the desert. Notable among the early surveyors was Augustus will cause pollution. to conservation park classification in 1972. The Aboriginal groups living in this area were hunters Poeppel who surveyed the junction of the borders of regional reserve was established in 1988, linking the Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia • Bury toilet waste well away from water and and gatherers, but they also traded extensively conservation park with Witjira National Park. The with groups to the north and south. Ground-edge in 1880. The original peg marking Poeppel Corner burn toilet paper. enormous size of the parks (the regional reserve axes from quarries in Queensland were traded, as was removed to Adelaide for preservation in 1962 • Bag and carry out all rubbish. covers 29 191 sq km, the conservation park, 6 881 sq km) were sandstone grinding stones and ochre from by Dr Reg Sprigg and now forms part of the History allows a wide cross-section of diverse flora, fauna the North Flinders Ranges. Some stone implements Trust of South Australia's Historic Relics Collection. and sand ridge formations to be protected. and workings can be seen in the park, but are not On 25 August 1968, Bill Haylock of the SA Geodetic The sand dunes stretch over hundreds of kilometres common. All Aboriginal sites are protected, so please Survey placed the current steel and concrete post The National Parks Code - the towering crests and vast, flat valleys (or swales) do not disturb them. to mark Poeppel Corner. In 1989, the Friends of the Simpson Desert Parks erected a red gum replica of For further information contact: between them seem endless. The sheer magnitude European settlement brought about the decline of Help protect your national parks by following the original peg near the corner post. of the endless landscape inspires a wide range of Aboriginal occupation of the desert. White settlers these guidelines: emotions in visitors – some are overwhelmed by the introduced influenza to the Aboriginal groups, The first successful European crossing of the desert Department of Environment, Water and • Leave your pets at home. seemingly repetitiveness of the desert while others was in 1936 and is credited to E. A. Colson, who, Natural Resources decimating the population. Groups were displaced marvel at the ever-changing environment. with Peter Ains (an Aboriginal companion) and • Take your rubbish with you. SA Arid Lands as pastoral properties took over their land, while five camels, travelled from Mount Etingambra • Observe fire restrictions, usually 1 November 9 Mackay Street Port Augusta SA 5700 There are several routes through the parks, allowing other Aboriginal people were attracted to work on eastwards via Poeppel Corner to Birdsville. to 30 April. Check CFS Hotline 1300 362 361. Phone (08) 8648 5300 Fax (08) 8648 5301 visitors to cross the desert by four-wheel drive while properties and to towns and communities. Website www.parks.sa.gov.au camping in the true outback of Australia. The most Geologist Reg Sprigg and his family completed • Conserve native habitat by using liquid fuel enjoyable times to visit the Simpson Desert are the first motorised crossing in 1962, with Dr Sprigg’s or gas stoves. Desert Parks Hotline autumn, winter and spring. Simpson Desert Regional Geosurveys of Australia company. Freecall 1800 816 078 • Respect geological, cultural and Reserve and Conservation Park are closed annually In 1936, the French Petroleum Company was Email [email protected] Central Bearded Dragon heritage sites. between 1 December and 15 March. This closure Pogona vitticeps contracted to conduct seismic surveys and explore • Keep wildlife wild. Do not feed or disturb Phone Information Line (08) 8204 1910 is to ensure public safety as temperatures can for oil and gas deposits. These workers spent months Email [email protected] animals or remove native plants. exceed 50˚. A breakdown during this time at a time in the desert, building what are now known Website www.parks.sa.gov.au could be fatal. as the French and QAA lines, Rig Road and other • Keep to defined vehicle tracks and tracks, thus opening up the desert for other explorers, walking trails. pastoralists and tourists to follow. • Be considerate of other park users.

Thank you for leaving the bush in its natural Cover: Eyrean Grasswren Amytomis Goyderi state for the enjoyment of others. © Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources March 2013 • FIS 91851 www.parks.sa.gov.au www.environment.sa.gov.au

www.parks.sa.gov.au

March 2013 • FIS 91851 FIS • 2013 March

state for the enjoyment of others. others. of enjoyment the for state

© Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Natural and Water Environment, of Department ©

Amytomis Goyderi Amytomis Grasswren Eyrean Cover: Thank you for leaving the bush in its natural natural its in bush the leaving for you Thank

• Be considerate of other park users. park other of considerate Be •

walking trails. walking The swales between the sand dunes collect more As you drive, remain on the lookout for some of the • Keep to defined vehicle tracks and and tracks vehicle defined to Keep • Facilities

water and nutrients than the sand dunes and so can reptilian inhabitants of the desert. Australia’s biggest Website www.parks.sa.gov.au Website

animals or remove native plants. native remove or animals support larger shrubs such as eremophila, grevillea Email [email protected] Email The only services available between Oodnadatta lizard, the Perentie, can be found out here as well

• Keep wildlife wild. Do not feed or disturb disturb or feed not Do wild. wildlife Keep •

Phone Information Line (08) 8204 1910 8204 (08) Line Information Phone and Birdsville, are at Mount Dare in Witjira National and acacias like Mulga and Gidgee – particularly as the more common Sand Goanna. Painted and

heritage sites. heritage Park. In Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and around Poeppel Corner where low open woodlands Central Bearded dragons can be found sunning Email [email protected] Email

• Respect geological, cultural and and cultural geological, Respect • of Gidgee spread out to the horizon. The playa themselves next to the track, while the desert python Freecall 1800 816 078 816 1800 Freecall Conservation Park visitors may camp within 50

lakes in these swales also support small clumps of or gas stoves. gas or (the Woma) and smaller Beaked Geckos and Desert Desert Parks Hotline Parks Desert metres of public access tracks. The best places to

salt-tolerant samphire and other herbaceous plants

• Conserve native habitat by using liquid fuel fuel liquid using by habitat native Conserve • camp are mostly located towards the swales in the Skinks may be seen if you take the time to look.

Website www.parks.sa.gov.au Website around their periphery.

to 30 April. Check CFS Hotline 1300 362 361. 362 1300 Hotline CFS Check April. 30 to central region where Gidgee woodlands provide Phone (08) 8648 5300 Fax (08) 8648 5301 8648 (08) Fax 5300 8648 (08) Phone • Observe fire restrictions, usually 1 November November 1 usually restrictions, fire Observe • shade, shelter and soft ground for camping.

9 Mackay Street Port Augusta SA 5700 SA Augusta Port Street Mackay 9 Desert Parks Pass SA Arid Lands Arid SA

• Take your rubbish with you. with rubbish your Take • If you are travelling this area for the first time, it is Natural Resources Natural Fauna

recommended that you cross the reserves from • Leave your pets at home. at pets your Leave • A Desert Parks Pass is required to enter and camp

Department of Environment, Water and and Water Environment, of Department west to east to take advantage of the gentler You may be surprised to know that some 195 bird in the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and

these guidelines: these upsweep to most dunes. Reserves of fuel, water species have been recorded in the Simpson Desert. Conservation Park. A Desert Parks Pass is a 12 month Help protect your national parks by following following by parks national your protect Help

For further information contact: information further For and food, as well as basic vehicle spare parts and Common birds include Crested Pigeons and Zebra permit that allows camping and entry to: The National Parks Code Parks National The recovery equipment, must be carried. Finches, while Galahs and corellas are often seen • Witjira National Park congregating away from the midday sun in a tree overlooking a waterhole. The desert is home to • Lake Eyre National Park

Things to do several species of birds of prey such as the mighty • Wabma Kadarbu Conservation Park • Bag and carry out all rubbish. rubbish. all out carry and Bag • Wedge-tailed Eagle (often seen soaring on the (camping not permitted) The vast wilderness of the Simpson Desert allows

desert thermals), as well as burn toilet paper. toilet burn visitors to explore the natural features of the • Tallaringa Conservation Park

Black Kites, Nankeen Kestrels • Bury toilet waste well away from water and and water from away well waste toilet Bury • extreme outback. Visitors can enjoy photography,

and Brown Falcons. • Innamincka Regional Reserve will cause pollution. cause will birdwatching, camping, and of course,

• Coongie Lakes National Park (short-term entry and even a small amount of soap or detergent detergent or soap of amount small a even experiencing the challenge and enormity of the

overnight camping permits also available). • Avoid washing close to water supplies, as as supplies, water to close washing Avoid • desert while crossing the innumerable dunes by

four-wheel drive. The Desert Parks Pass is valid for 12 months and is Minimal impact Minimal There are several sites of interest throughout the issued on a per vehicle basis. It includes the maps parks. The Lone Gum stands beside the Rig Road in required to visit this area, information on the parks, the conservation park, a solitary Coolibah (which and requirements for safe travel through the outback

you use a liquid fuel or gas stove. gas or fuel liquid a use you these days is slowly being joined by its seedlings). of South Australia.

provides refuge for small animals. It is preferable preferable is It animals. small for refuge provides The tree thrives, despite growing far from the Fees collected are used for conservation and to • Please do not collect firewood as fallen timber timber fallen as firewood collect not do Please • Conservation Park Conservation nearest watercourse. It remains a mystery how the maintain and improve park facilities for your

wood) are prohibited in the parks. the in prohibited are wood) tree survives in this location. Wedge-tailed Eagle ongoing enjoyment. Regional Reserve and and Reserve Regional Aquila audax

• On Total Fire Ban Days, all fires (liquid, gas and and gas (liquid, fires all Days, Ban Fire Total On • The Approdinna Attora Knolls, in the conservation April. Please use liquid fuel or gas stoves only. only. stoves gas or fuel liquid use Please April.

Simpson Desert Desert Simpson park, are rare gypsum outcrops that are very the Fire Danger Season usually 1 November to 30 30 to November 1 usually Season Danger Fire the Look carefully for the Eyrean Grasswren on the slopes

fragile and of great scientific importance. They Outback safety • Wood fires are not permitted in the parks during during parks the in permitted not are fires Wood • of sand dunes, scurrying from one Sandhill Cane-

appear, almost ghost-like, from amongst the

Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Natural and Water Environment, of Department grass clump to another. The outback of South Australia is a vast, wonderful Location map Location Fire safety Fire red sand dunes. The unusual formations are also and rewarding place to visit. To ensure that you get significant to local Aboriginal groups - please treat Following a good season, the Simpson Desert can the best out of your experience it is important to this area with the respect it deserves. become a birdwatcher’s paradise as flocks of birds obtain good advice and thoroughly prepare for Poeppel Corner, first surveyed by Augustus Poeppel arrive to take advantage of the water and abundant your journey. food, particularly around the playa lakes and Simpson Desert Regional Reserve Heritage in 1880, is the junction of the South Australian, 2 and Conservation Park Facilities TheQueensland swales between and Northern the sand Territory dunes collectborders. more The temporaryAs you drive, waterholes. remain on Watch the lookout out for for waterbirds, some of the The Desert Parks Pass contains detailed safety Aboriginal culture and heritage Exploration wateroriginal and post nutrients is preserved than the in sandAdelaide, dunes but and a replicaso can chatsreptilian and inhabitants the rare Australian of the desert. Bustard. Australia’s biggest instruction, outback driving advice, as well as support larger shrubs such as eremophila, grevillea detailed maps for extended travel throughout Located in the driest region of Australia, the Simpson Most Simpson Desert Aboriginal groups in the The first European to see the grandeur of the The only services available between Oodnadatta post stands near the survey post where visitors can Tolizard, escape the Perentie,the searing can heat be foundof the outday, here many as ofwell the and acacias like Mulga and Gidgee – particularly Australia's unforgiving outback. Desert is one of the world's best examples of dunal nineteenth century were concentrated around the Simpson Desert was the explorer Charles Sturt and Birdsville, are at Mount Dare in Witjira National stand in three states at once. Simpsonas the more Desert’s common mammal Sand inhabitants Goanna. Painted only come and around Poeppel Corner where low open woodlands desert, a sea of parallel sand ridges ranging from watercourses on the desert boundaries. Prior to in 1845, but the desert was not fully recognised Park. In Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and outCentral at night. Bearded Small dragons marsupials can including be found dunnarts sunning For shorter trips, pick up a Remote Area Travel of Gidgee spread out to the horizon. The playa red to white, covering a total area of 170 000 this time, the Wangkangurru actually lived in the and named until the 1930s when another Conservation Park visitors may camp within 50 andthemselves Ampurta next come to the out track, to feast while on theinsects, desert while python Information brochure from Desert Parks Pass stockists, lakes in these swales also support small clumps of square kilometres. The Simpson Desert lies across desert; and to the west of their traditional boundary explorer and geologist, Cecil Thomas Madigan, metres of public access tracks. The best places to Flora Dingoes(the Woma) are outand searching smaller Beaked for bigger Geckos prey and such Desert as download it from www.parks.sa.gov.au or free-call salt-tolerant samphire and other herbaceous plants the boundaries of South Australia, Queensland and the Lower Southern Arrernte lived on the edge and named it after Allen Simpson, the sponsor of his camp are mostly located towards the swales in the rabbits.Skinks may If you’ve be seen got if a you good take field the guide time tohandy, look. try the Desert Parks Hotline on 1800 816 078 to aroundOn the their crests periphery. of the sand dunes small grasses the Northern Territory. The South Australian section is partly in the desert. Family groups were generally subsequent expedition and then president of the central region where Gidgee woodlands provide to identify the different tracks on the sand dunes in find out more. and herbs, such as Sandhill Cane-grass thrive, divided into three protected areas, Simpson Desert concentrated around native wells, or ‘Mikiri’ which Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (South shade, shelter and soft ground for camping. the morning. The desert is also home to feral animals Conservation Park, Simpson Desert Regional Reserve provided the only permanent source of water. Australian Branch). The explorers who came after while on the more stable sands Triodia species like If you are travelling this area for the first time, it is includingDesert rabbits,Parks camels Pass and foxes. and Witjira National Park. In good seasons they could spread out away from Sturt, mainly government surveyors, named a FaunaLobed Spinifex and other small grasses and shrubs recommended that you cross the reserves from A Desert Parks Pass is required to enter and camp The Simpson Desert Conservation Park was originally these sites, taking advantage of groundwater and number of the familiar landmarks in the area. dominate. These spinifex tussocks can often grow west to east to take advantage of the gentler You may be surprised to know that some 195 bird in the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and proclaimed as a national park in 1967, but changed the flush of new life that rain brings to the desert. Notable among the early surveyors was Augustus to form large donut-like shapes as the centre of the upsweep to most dunes. Reserves of fuel, water species have been recorded in the Simpson Desert. Conservation Park. A Desert Parks Pass is a 12 month to conservation park classification in 1972. The Poeppel who surveyed the junction of the borders of plant dies out, while new growth continues at the Aboriginal groups living in this area were hunters and food, as well as basic vehicle spare parts and Common birds include Crested Pigeons and Zebra permit that allows camping and entry to: regional reserve was established in 1988, linking the Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia outer edges. and gatherers, but they also traded extensively recovery equipment, must be carried. Finches, while Galahs and corellas are often seen conservation park with Witjira National Park. The in 1880. The original peg marking Poeppel Corner After rain the sand dunes can become covered • Witjira National Park with groups to the north and south. Ground-edge congregating away from the midday sun in a tree enormous size of the parks (the regional reserve axes from quarries in Queensland were traded, as was removed to Adelaide for preservation in 1962 in a veritable carpet of wildflowers, as the long overlooking a waterhole. The desert is home to • Lake Eyre NationalFat-tailed Park Dunnart covers 29 191 sq km, the conservation park, 6 881 sq km) were sandstone grinding stones and ochre from by Dr Reg Sprigg and now forms part of the History dormant seeds of Poached-egg Daisies and Fleshy Sminthopsis crassicaudata Things to do several species of birds of prey such as the mighty • Wabma Kadarbu Conservation Park allows a wide cross-section of diverse flora, fauna the North Flinders Ranges. Some stone implements Trust of South Australia's Historic Relics Collection. Groundsel spring into life. Image courtesy of Lorraine Hancox Wedge-tailed Eagle (often seen soaring on the (camping not permitted) and sand ridge formations to be protected. On 25 August 1968, Bill Haylock of the SA Geodetic The vast wilderness of the Simpson Desert allows The swales between the sand dunes collect more and workings can be seen in the park, but are not Facilities desert thermals), as well as As you drive, remain on the lookout for some of the The sand dunes stretch over hundreds of kilometres common. All Aboriginal sites are protected, so please Survey placed the current steel and concrete post visitors to explore the natural features of the water and nutrients than the sand dunes and so can • Tallaringa Conservation Park Black Kites, Nankeen Kestrels reptilian inhabitants of the desert. Australia’s biggest - the towering crests and vast, flat valleys (or swales) do not disturb them. to mark Poeppel Corner. In 1989, the Friends of the extreme outback. Visitors can enjoy photography, support larger shrubs such as eremophila, grevillea The only services available between Oodnadatta and Brown Falcons. • lizard, Innamincka the Perentie, Regional can Reserve be found out here as well Simpson Desert Parks erected a red gum replica of birdwatching, camping, and of course, between them seem endless. The sheer magnitude European settlement brought about the decline of and Birdsville, are at Mount Dare in Witjira National and acacias like Mulga and Gidgee – particularly as the more common Sand Goanna. Painted and the original peg near the corner post. experiencing the challenge and enormity of the • Coongie Lakes National Park (short-term entry and of the endless landscape inspires a wide range of Aboriginal occupation of the desert. White settlers Park. In Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and around Poeppel Corner where low open woodlands Central Bearded dragons can be found sunning desert while crossing the innumerable dunes by overnight camping permits also available). emotions in visitors – some are overwhelmed by the introduced influenza to the Aboriginal groups, The first successful European crossing of the desert Conservation Park visitors may camp within 50 of Gidgee spread out to the horizon. The playa themselves next to the track, while the desert python four-wheel drive. The Desert Parks Pass is valid for 12 months and is seemingly repetitiveness of the desert while others decimating the population. Groups were displaced was in 1936 and is credited to E. A. Colson, who, metres of public access tracks. The best places to lakes in these swales also support small clumps of (the Woma) and smaller Beaked Geckos and Desert issued on a per vehicle basis. It includes the maps marvel at the ever-changing environment. as pastoral properties took over their land, while with Peter Ains (an Aboriginal companion) and Therecamp are are several mostly sites located of interest towards throughout the swales the in the salt-tolerant samphire and other herbaceous plants Skinks may be seen if you take the time to look. required to visit this area, information on the parks, There are several routes through the parks, allowing other Aboriginal people were attracted to work on five camels, travelled from Mount Etingambra parks.central The region Lone Gumwhere stands Gidgee beside woodlands the Rig provideRoad in around their periphery. and requirements for safe travel through the outback visitors to cross the desert by four-wheel drive while properties and to towns and communities. eastwards via Poeppel Corner to Birdsville. theshade, conservation shelter and park, soft a groundsolitary Coolibahfor camping. (which camping in the true outback of Australia. The most Geologist Reg Sprigg and his family completed these days is slowly being joined by its seedlings). of South Australia. If you are travelling this area for the first time, it is Desert Parks Pass enjoyable times to visit the Simpson Desert are the first motorised crossing in 1962, with Dr Sprigg’s The tree thrives, despite growing far from the Fauna Fees collected are used for conservation and to recommended that you cross the reserves from A Desert Parks Pass is required to enter and camp autumn, winter and spring. Simpson Desert Regional Geosurveys of Australia company. nearest watercourse. It remains a mystery how the maintain and improve park facilities for your west to east to take advantage of the gentler You may be surprised to know that some 195 bird Reserve and Conservation Park are closed annually In 1936, the French Petroleum Company was tree survives in this location. Wedge-tailed Eagle in the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and Central Bearded Dragon upsweep to most dunes. Reserves of fuel, water Aquila audax ongoing enjoyment. Pogona vitticeps species have been recorded in the Simpson Desert. Conservation Park. A Desert Parks Pass is a 12 month between 1 December and 15 March. This closure contracted to conduct seismic surveys and explore The Approdinna Attora Knolls, in the conservation and food, as well as basic vehicle spare parts and Common birds include Crested Pigeons and Zebra is to ensure public safety as temperatures can for oil and gas deposits. These workers spent months permit that allows camping and entry to: park,recovery are rare equipment, gypsum outcrops must be carried.that are very LookFinches, carefully while for Galahs the Eyrean and corellasGrasswren are on often the seenslopes exceed 50˚. A breakdown during this time at a time in the desert, building what are now known fragile and of great scientific importance. They Outback• Witjira National safety Park could be fatal. as the French and QAA lines, Rig Road and other ofcongregating sand dunes, scurrying away from from the one midday Sandhill sun Cane- in a tree appear, almost ghost-like, from amongst the • Lake Eyre National Park grassoverlooking clump to a another. waterhole. The desert is home to The outback of South Australia is a vast, wonderful tracks, thus opening up the desert for other explorers, redThings sand dunes. to do The unusual formations are also several species of birds of prey such as the mighty and• Wabma rewarding Kadarbu place Conservationto visit. To ensure Park that you get pastoralists and tourists to follow. significant to local Aboriginal groups - please treat Following a good season, the Simpson Desert can Wedge-tailed Eagle (often seen soaring on the the (campingbest out of not your permitted) experience it is important to thisThe area vast with wilderness the respect of the it deserves.Simpson Desert allows become a birdwatcher’s paradise as flocks of birds desert thermals), as well as visitors to explore the natural features of the obtain• Tallaringa good advice Conservation and thoroughly Park prepare for Poeppel Corner, first surveyed by Augustus Poeppel arrive to take advantage of the water and abundant Black Kites, Nankeen Kestrels your journey. extreme outback. Visitors can enjoy photography, food, particularly around the playa lakes and in 1880, is the junction of the South Australian, and Brown Falcons. • Innamincka Regional Reserve birdwatching, camping, and of course, temporary waterholes. Watch out for waterbirds, The Desert Parks Pass contains detailed safety Queensland and Northern Territory borders. The • Coongie Lakes National Park (short-term entry and experiencing the challenge and enormity of the chats and the rare Australian Bustard. instruction, outback driving advice, as well as original post is preserved in Adelaide, but a replica overnight camping permits also available). desert while crossing the innumerable dunes by www.environment.sa.gov.au detailed maps for extended travel throughout post stands near the survey post where visitors can To escape the searing heat of the day, many of the four-wheel drive. Australia'sThe Desert unforgiving Parks Pass outback. is valid for 12 months and is stand in three states at once. Simpson Desert’s mammal inhabitants only come issued on a per vehicle basis. It includes the maps There are several sites of interest throughout the out at night. Small marsupials including dunnarts For shorter trips, pick up a Remote Area Travel required to visit this area, information on the parks, parks. The Lone Gum stands beside the Rig Road in and Ampurta come out to feast on insects, while Information brochure from Desert Parks Pass stockists, and requirements for safe travel through the outback Florathe conservation park, a solitary Coolibah (which Dingoes are out searching for bigger prey such as download it from www.parks.sa.gov.au or free-call of South Australia. these days is slowly being joined by its seedlings). rabbits. If you’ve got a good field guide handy, try the Desert Parks Hotline on 1800 816 078 to On the crests of the sand dunes small grasses The tree thrives, despite growing far from the to identify the different tracks on the sand dunes in findFees out collected more. are used for conservation and to and herbs, such as Sandhill Cane-grass thrive, nearest watercourse. It remains a mystery how the the morning. The desert is also home to feral animals maintain and improve park facilities for your whiletree onsurvives the more in this stable location. sands Triodia species like Wedge-tailed Eagle including rabbits,Aquila audaxcamels and foxes. ongoing enjoyment. Lobed Spinifex and other small grasses and shrubs The Approdinna Attora Knolls, in the conservation dominate. These spinifex tussocks can often grow park, are rare gypsum outcrops that are very to form large donut-like shapes as the centre of the Look carefully for the Eyrean Grasswren on the slopes fragile and of great scientific importance. They Outback safety plant dies out, while new growth continues at the of sand dunes, scurrying from one Sandhill Cane- appear, almost ghost-like, from amongst the outer edges. grass clump to another. The outback of South Australia is a vast, wonderful red sand dunes. The unusual formations are also and rewarding place to visit. To ensure that you get Aftersignificant rain the to sand local dunes Aboriginal can become groups -covered please treat Following a good season, the Simpson Desert can the best out of your experience it is important to in thisa veritable area with carpet the respect of wildflowers, it deserves. as the long become a birdwatcher’s paradise as flocks of birds Fat-tailed Dunnart obtain good advice and thoroughly prepare for dormant seeds of Poached-egg Daisies and Fleshy Sminthopsis crassicaudata Poeppel Corner, first surveyed by Augustus Poeppel arrive to take advantage of the water and abundant Groundsel spring into life. Image courtesy of Lorraine Hancox your journey. in 1880, is the junction of the South Australian, food, particularly around the playa lakes and Queensland and Northern Territory borders. The temporary waterholes. Watch out for waterbirds, The Desert Parks Pass contains detailed safety original post is preserved in Adelaide, but a replica chats and the rare Australian Bustard. instruction, outback driving advice, as well as detailed maps for extended travel throughout post stands near the survey post where visitors can To escape the searing heat of the day, many of the Australia's unforgiving outback. stand in three states at once. Simpson Desert’s mammal inhabitants only come out at night. Small marsupials including dunnarts For shorter trips, pick up a Remote Area Travel and Ampurta come out to feast on insects, while Information brochure from Desert Parks Pass stockists, Flora Dingoes are out searching for bigger prey such as download it from www.parks.sa.gov.au or free-call rabbits. If you’ve got a good field guide handy, try the Desert Parks Hotline on 1800 816 078 to On the crests of the sand dunes small grasses to identify the different tracks on the sand dunes in find out more. and herbs, such as Sandhill Cane-grass thrive, the morning. The desert is also home to feral animals while on the more stable sands Triodia species like including rabbits, camels and foxes. Lobed Spinifex and other small grasses and shrubs dominate. These spinifex tussocks can often grow to form large donut-like shapes as the centre of the plant dies out, while new growth continues at the outer edges. After rain the sand dunes can become covered in a veritable carpet of wildflowers, as the long Fat-tailed Dunnart dormant seeds of Poached-egg Daisies and Fleshy Sminthopsis crassicaudata Groundsel spring into life. Image courtesy of Lorraine Hancox The swales between the sand dunes collect more As you drive, remain on the lookout for some of the FacilitiesThe swales between the sand dunes collect more As you drive, remain on the lookout for some of the Facilities water and nutrients than the sand dunes and so can reptilian inhabitants of the desert. Australia’s biggest water and nutrients than the sand dunes and so can reptilian inhabitants of the desert. Australia’s biggest The only services available between Oodnadatta support larger shrubs such as eremophila, grevillea lizard, the Perentie, can be found out here as well The only services available between Oodnadatta support larger shrubs such as eremophila, grevillea lizard, the Perentie, can be found out here as well and Birdsville, are at Mount Dare in Witjira National and acacias like Mulga and Gidgee – particularly as the more common Sand Goanna. Painted and and Birdsville, are at Mount Dare in Witjira National and acacias like Mulga and Gidgee – particularly as the more common Sand Goanna. Painted and Park. In Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and around Poeppel Corner where low open woodlands Central Bearded dragons can be found sunning Park. In Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and around Poeppel Corner where low open woodlands Central Bearded dragons can be found sunning Conservation Park visitors may camp within 50 of Gidgee spread out to the horizon. The playa themselves next to the track, while the desert python Conservation Park visitors may camp within 50 of Gidgee spread out to the horizon. The playa themselves next to the track, while the desert python metres of public access tracks. The best places to lakes in these swales also support small clumps of (the Woma) and smaller Beaked Geckos and Desert metres of public access tracks. The best places to lakes in these swales also support small clumps of (the Woma) and smaller Beaked Geckos and Desert camp are mostly located towards the swales in the salt-tolerant samphire and other herbaceous plants Skinks may be seen if you take the time to look. camp are mostly located towards the swales in the salt-tolerant samphire and other herbaceous plants Skinks may be seen if you take the time to look. central region where Gidgee woodlands provide around their periphery. central region where Gidgee woodlands provide around their periphery. shade, shelter and soft ground for camping. shade, shelter and soft ground for camping. Desert Parks Pass If you are travelling this area for the first time, it is Desert Parks Pass If you are travelling this area for the first time, it is Fauna recommendedFauna that you cross the reserves from A Desert Parks Pass is required to enter and camp recommended that you cross the reserves from A Desert Parks Pass is required to enter and camp west to east to take advantage of the gentler You may be surprised to know that some 195 bird in the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and west to east to take advantage of the gentler You may be surprised to know that some 195 bird in the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and upsweep to most dunes. Reserves of fuel, water species have been recorded in the Simpson Desert. Conservation Park. A Desert Parks Pass is a 12 month upsweep to most dunes. Reserves of fuel, water species have been recorded in the Simpson Desert. Conservation Park. A Desert Parks Pass is a 12 month and food, as well as basic vehicle spare parts and Common birds include Crested Pigeons and Zebra permit that allows camping and entry to: and food, as well as basic vehicle spare parts and Common birds include Crested Pigeons and Zebra permit that allows camping and entry to: recovery equipment, must be carried. Finches, while Galahs and corellas are often seen recovery equipment, must be carried. Finches, while Galahs and corellas are often seen • Witjira National Park congregating• Witjira National away from Park the midday sun in a tree congregating away from the midday sun in a tree overlooking a waterhole. The desert is home to • Lake Eyre National Park overlooking a waterhole. The desert is home to • Lake Eyre National Park Things to do several species of birds of prey such as the mighty • Wabma Kadarbu Conservation Park Things to do several species of birds of prey such as the mighty • Wabma Kadarbu Conservation Park Wedge-tailed Eagle (often seen soaring on the (camping not permitted) TheWedge-tailed vast wilderness Eagle of the (often Simpson seen Desert soaring allows on the (camping not permitted) The vast wilderness of the Simpson Desert allows desert thermals), as well as visitorsdesert to explore thermals), the as natural well as features of the • Tallaringa Conservation Park visitors to explore the natural features of the Black• Kites, Tallaringa Nankeen Conservation Kestrels Park extremeBlack outback.Kites, Nankeen Visitors Kestrels can enjoy photography, extreme outback. Visitors can enjoy photography, and Brown Falcons. The swales between the• Innamincka sand dunes Regional collect Reserve more As you drive, remain on the lookout for some of the birdwatching,and Brown camping,Falcons. and of course, • Innamincka Regional Reserve birdwatching, camping, and of course, Facilities experiencing the challenge and enormity of the water and nutrients than• Coongie the sand Lakes National dunes Park and (short-term so can entry and experiencing the challenge and enormity of the • Coongie Lakes National Park (short-term entry and reptilian inhabitants of the desert. Australia’s biggest desert while crossing the innumerable dunes by overnight camping permits also available). desert while crossing the innumerable dunes by overnight camping permits also available). The onlyfour-wheel services drive. available between Oodnadatta support larger shrubs suchThe Desert as Parkseremophila, Pass is valid for grevillea12 months and is lizard, the Perentie, can be found out here as well four-wheelFacilities drive. The swales between the sand dunes collect more TheAs you Desert drive, Parks remain Pass on is validthe lookout for 12 months for some and of isthe Therewater are andseveral nutrients sites of than interest the sandthroughout dunes theand so can reptilian inhabitants of theand desert. acacias Australia’s biggest like Mulgaissued and on aGidgee per vehicle –basis. particularly It includes the maps There are several sites of interest throughout the and Birdsville, are at Mount Dare in Witjira Nationalissued on a per vehicle basis. It includes the maps as the more common Sand Goanna. Painted and parks.support The Lone larger Gum shrubs stands such beside as eremophila, the Rig Road grevillea in lizard, the Perentie, can be found out here as well required to visit this area, information on the parks, parks.The only The services Lone Gum available stands between beside the Oodnadatta Rig Road in required to visit this area, informationaround onPoeppel the parks, Corner where low open woodlands Park. theInand conservationSimpson acacias like park, Desert Mulga a solitary and Regional Gidgee Coolibah – particularly (which Reserve and as the more common Sand Goanna. Painted and and requirements for safe travel through the outback Central Bearded dragons can be found sunning theand conservation Birdsville, are park,at Mount a solitary Dare Coolibahin Witjira National(which and requirements for safe travel through the outback thesearound days Poeppelis slowly beingCorner joined where by low its seedlings).open woodlands Central Bearded dragons can be found sunning of South Australia. thesePark. Indays Simpson is slowly Desert being Regional joined byReserve its seedlings). and Conservation Park visitors may camp within 50 of South Australia. of Gidgee spread out to the horizon. The playa themselves next to the track, while the desert python Conservation Park visitors may camp within 50 Theof tree Gidgee thrives, spread despite out growing to the horizon. far from The the playa themselves next to the track, while the desert python Fees collected are used for conservation and to The tree thrives, despite growing far from the Fees collected are used forlakes conservation in these and to swales also support small clumps of metres of public access tracks. The best places to metresnearest lakesof publicwatercourse. in these swales access It remains also support tracks. a mystery small howThe clumps the best of places to(the Woma) and smaller Beaked Geckos and Desert maintain and improve park facilities for your (the Woma) and smaller Beaked Geckos and Desert nearest watercourse. It remains a mystery how the maintain and improve park facilities for your treesalt-tolerant survives in thissamphire location. and other herbaceous plants Skinks Wedge-tailedmay be seen Eagle if you take the time to look. ongoing enjoyment. treecamp survives are mostly in this located location. towards the swales in the Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax salt-tolerant samphire and other herbaceous plants camp are mostlyAquila audaxlocated towards the swales in theongoing enjoyment. Skinks may be seen if you take the time to look. central region where Gidgee woodlands provide Thearound Approdinna their periphery.Attora Knolls, in the conservation The Approdinna Attora Knolls, in the conservation 3 shade, shelter and soft ground for camping. centralpark, region are rare gypsum where outcrops Gidgee that are woodlands very provide around their periphery. park, are rare gypsum outcrops that are very Look carefully for the Eyrean Grasswren on the slopes If you are travelling this area for the first time, it is fragileLook and carefully of great for scientific the Eyrean importance. Grasswren They on the slopes Desert Parks Pass Outback safety fragile and of great scientific importance. They shade, Faunashelter and soft ground for camping. of sandOutback dunes, scurrying safety from one Sandhill Cane- recommended that you cross the reserves from appear,of sand almost dunes, ghost-like, scurrying from from amongst one Sandhill the Cane- appear, almost ghost-like, from amongst the grass Aclump Desert to Parks another. Pass is required to enter and camp The outback of South Australia is a vast, wonderful west to east to take advantage of the gentler redgrass sand clumpdunes. to The another. unusual formations are also The outback of South Australia is a vast, wonderful Desert Parks Pass red sand dunes. The unusual formations are also If you areYou maytravelling be surprised this to know area that forsome the 195 bird first time, it is in the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and and rewarding place to visit. To ensure that you get upsweep to most dunes. Reserves of fuel, water significant to local Aboriginal groups - please treat Followingand rewardinga good season, place the to visit.Simpson To ensure Desert that can you get significant to local Aboriginal groups - please treat Followingspecies have a good been season, recorded the inSimpson the Simpson Desert Desert. can Conservation Park. A DesertFauna Parks Pass is a 12 month the best out of your experience it is important to and food, as well as basic vehicle spare parts and recommendedthis area with the thatrespect you it deserves. cross the reserves frombecome the besta birdwatcher’s out of your experienceparadise as itflocks is important of birds to this area with the respect it deserves. becomeCommon a birds birdwatcher’s include Crested paradise Pigeons as flocks and of Zebra birds permit that allows camping and entry to: obtain good advice and thoroughly prepare for A Desert Parks Pass is required to enter and camp recovery equipment, must be carried. Poeppel Corner, first surveyed by Augustus Poeppel arriveobtain to take good advantage advice ofand the thoroughly water and prepare abundant for Poeppel Corner, first surveyed by Augustus Poeppel arriveFinches, to whiletake advantage Galahs and of corellas the water are and often abundant seen your journey. west to east to take advantage of the gentler food,your• particularly Witjira journey. National around Park the playa lakes and in 1880,food,congregating is particularly the junction away around of from the Souththe playamidday Australian, lakes sun andin a tree You may be surprised to know that some 195 bird in the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and in 1880, is the junction of the South Australian, temporary waterholes. Watch out for waterbirds, The Desert Parks Pass contains detailed safety upsweepQueenslandtemporaryoverlooking to most and waterholes. a waterhole.Northern dunes. WatchTerritory The Reserves desert out borders. for is waterbirds, home The of to fuel, water The• Lake Desert Eyre Parks National Pass Park contains detailed safety Queensland and Northern Territory borders. The chats and the rare Australian Bustard.species have been recordedinstruction, inoutback the drivingSimpson advice, Desert. as well as Conservation Park. A Desert Parks Pass is a 12 month Things to do originalchatsseveral post and species is the preserved rare of birds Australian in of Adelaide, prey Bustard. such but as athe replica mighty instruction,• Wabma Kadarbu outback Conservation driving advice, Park as well as original post is preserved in Adelaide, but a replica and food, as well as basic vehicle spare parts and detailed maps for extended travel throughout postWedge-tailed stands near theEagle survey (often post seen where soaring visitors on canthe To escapedetailed(camping the maps searing not for permitted) heat extended of theCommon travel day, manythroughout of birds the include Crested Pigeons and Zebra postThe vast stands wilderness near the of survey the Simpson post where Desert visitors allows can To escape the searing heat of the day, many of the Australia's unforgiving outback. permit that allows camping and entry to: standdesert in three thermals), states atas once.well as SimpsonAustralia's Desert’s unforgiving mammal inhabitantsoutback. only come standvisitors in to three explore states the at natural once. features of the recoverySimpson equipment, Desert’s mammal must inhabitants be carried. only come • Tallaringa Conservation Finches,Park while Galahs and corellas are often seen Black Kites, Nankeen Kestrels out at night. Small marsupials including dunnarts For shorter trips, pick up a Remote Area Travel extreme outback. Visitors can enjoy photography, out at night. Small marsupials including dunnarts For shorter trips, pick up a Remote Area Travel • Witjira National Park and Brown Falcons. and Ampurta• Innamincka come Regional out to feast Reserve on insects, while Information brochure from Desert Parks Pass stockists, birdwatching, camping, and of course, and Ampurta come out to feast on insects, while Information brochure fromcongregating Desert Parks Pass stockists, away from the midday sun in a tree Flora Dingoes are out searching for bigger prey such as download it from www.parks.sa.gov.au or free-call Floraexperiencing the challenge and enormity of the Dingoes are out searching for bigger prey such as download• Coongie itLakes from Nationalwww.parks.sa.gov.au Park (short-term or free-callentry and • Lake Eyre National Park rabbits. If you’ve got a good fieldoverlooking guide handy, try a waterhole.the Desert The Parksdesert Hotline is on home 1800 816 to 078 to desert while crossing the innumerable dunes by On rabbits.the crests If you’ve of the sandgot a dunesgood fieldsmall guide grasses handy, try theovernight Desert Parks camping Hotline permits on 1800 also 816 available). 078 to On the crests of the sand dunes small grasses to identify the different tracks on the sand dunes in find out more. four-wheel drive. Thingsandto herbs, identify to such thedo as different Sandhill tracks Cane-grass on the thrive,sand dunes in findThe Desertout more. Parks Pass is validseveral for 12 months species and is of birds of prey such as the mighty and herbs, such as Sandhill Cane-grass thrive, the morning. The desert is also home to feral animals • Wabma Kadarbu Conservation Park whilethe on morning. the more The stable desert sands is also Triodia home species to feral like animals issued on a per vehicle basis. It includes the maps whileThere onare the several more sites stable of interest sands Triodia throughout species the like including rabbits, camels and foxes.Wedge-tailed Eagle (often seen soaring on the Lobedincluding Spinifex rabbits, and other camels small and grasses foxes. and shrubs required to visit this area, information on the parks, (camping not permitted) Lobedparks. TheSpinifex Lone and Gum other stands small beside grasses the and Rig Roadshrubs in The vast wilderness of the Simpson Desert allows dominate. These spinifex tussocks can often grow and requirements for safe travel through the outback dominate.the conservation These spinifexpark, a tussockssolitary Coolibah can often (which grow desert thermals), as well as visitorsto formto explorelarge donut-like the shapes natural as the centrefeatures of the of the of South Australia. • Tallaringa Conservation Park tothese form days large is slowlydonut-like being shapes joined as by the its centreseedlings). of the plant dies out, while new growth continues at the Black Kites, Nankeen Kestrels plantThe tree dies thrives, out, while despite new growing growth farcontinues from the at the extreme outback. Visitors can enjoy photography,Fees collected are used for conservation and to outer edges. • Innamincka Regional Reserve outernearest edges. watercourse. It remains a mystery how the maintain and improve parkand facilities Brown for your Falcons. tree survives in this location. birdwatching,After rain the sand Wedge-tailedcamping, dunes Eagle can become and ofcovered course, ongoing enjoyment. After rain the sand dunes can become covered Aquila audax in a veritable carpet of wildflowers, as the long • Coongie Lakes National Park (short-term entry and inThe a Approdinnaveritable carpet Attora of Knolls,wildflowers, in the as conservation the long experiencing the challenge and enormity of the Fat-tailed Dunnart park, are rare gypsum outcrops that are very dormant seeds of Poached-eggFat-tailed Dunnart Daisies and Fleshy Sminthopsis crassicaudata dormant seeds of Poached-egg Daisies and Fleshy Sminthopsis crassicaudata overnight camping permits also available). desertGroundsel whileLook carefully spring crossing intofor the life. Eyrean the Grasswreninnumerable on the slopes dunes by Image courtesy of Lorraine Hancox Groundselfragile and spring of great into scientific life. importance. They Image courtesy of Lorraine Hancox Outback safety of sand dunes, scurrying from one Sandhill Cane- appear, almost ghost-like, from amongst the four-wheelgrass clump drive. to another. The outback of South Australia is a vast, wonderful The Desert Parks Pass is valid for 12 months and is red sand dunes. The unusual formations are also and rewarding place to visit. To ensure that you get significant to local Aboriginal groups - please treat Following a good season, the Simpson Desert can issued on a per vehicle basis. It includes the maps There are several sites of interest throughout the the best out of your experience it is important to this area with the respect it deserves. become a birdwatcher’s paradise as flocks of birds The swales between the sand dunes collect more As you drive, remain on the lookout for some of the obtain good advice and thoroughly prepare for required to visit this area, information on the parks, Facilities Poeppel Corner, first surveyed by Augustus Poeppel parks. Thearrive Loneto take advantageGum stands of the water beside and abundant the Rig Road in water and nutrients than the sand dunes and so can reptilian inhabitants of the desert. Australia’s biggest your journey. in 1880, is the junction of the South Australian, food, particularly around the playa lakes and and requirements for safe travel through the outback The only services available between Oodnadatta support larger shrubs such as eremophila, grevillea the conservationlizard, the Perentie, park, can be a foundsolitary out here Coolibah as well (which Queensland and Northern Territory borders. The temporary waterholes. Watch out for waterbirds, The Desert Parks Pass contains detailed safety and acacias like Mulga and Gidgee – particularly as the more common Sand Goanna. Painted and and Birdsville, are at Mount Dare in Witjira National these dayschats andis slowly the rare Australianbeing Bustard.joined by its seedlings).instruction, outback driving advice, as well as of South Australia. aroundoriginal Poeppel post is preserved Corner where in Adelaide, low open but woodlands a replica Park. In Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and Central Bearded dragons can be found sunning detailed maps for extended travel throughout ofpost Gidgee stands spread near theout surveyto the horizon.post where The visitors playa can To escape the searing heat of the day, many of the Conservation Park visitors may camp within 50 The treethemselves thrives, next despite to the track, growing while the desert far frompython the Australia's unforgiving outback. stand in three states at once. Simpson Desert’s mammal inhabitants only come Fees collected are used for conservation and to metres of public access tracks. The best places to lakes in these swales also support small clumps of (the Woma) and smaller Beaked Geckos and Desert nearestout watercourse. at night. Small marsupials It remains including adunnarts mystery how theFor shorter trips, pick up a Remote Area Travel camp are mostly located towards the swales in the salt-tolerant samphire and other herbaceous plants Skinks may be seen if you take the time to look. maintain and improve park facilities for your and Ampurta come out to feast on insects, while Information brochure from Desert Parks Pass stockists, central region where Gidgee woodlands provide around their periphery. Wedge-tailed Eagle Flora tree survivesDingoes arein outthis searching location. for bigger prey such as download it from www.parks.sa.gov.au or free-call ongoing enjoyment. shade, shelter and soft ground for camping. Aquila audax rabbits. If you’ve got a good field guide handy, try the Desert Parks Hotline on 1800 816 078 to On the crests of the sand dunes small grasses The ApprodinnaDesert Parks Attora Pass Knolls, in the conservation If you are travelling this area for the first time, it is to identify the different tracks on the sand dunes in find out more. Faunaand herbs, such as Sandhill Cane-grass thrive, recommended that you cross the reserves from park, aretheA Desert morning.rare Parks gypsum The Pass desert is required isoutcrops also home to enter to feralthatand campanimals are very while on the more stable sands Triodia species like west to east to take advantage of the gentler You may be surprised to know that some 195 bird includingin the Simpson rabbits, Desert camels Regional and foxes. Reserve and Look carefully for the Eyrean Grasswren on the slopes Lobed Spinifex and other small grasses and shrubs upsweep to most dunes. Reserves of fuel, water species have been recorded in the Simpson Desert. fragile andConservation of great Park. Ascientific Desert Parks Passimportance. is a 12 month They www.environment.sa.gov.au Outback safety and food, as well as basic vehicle spare parts and dominate. These spinifex tussocks can often grow of sand dunes, scurrying from one Sandhill Cane- Common birds include Crested Pigeons and Zebra appear,permit almost that allows ghost-like, camping and from entry to:amongst the recovery equipment, must be carried. Finches,to form whilelarge Galahsdonut-like and shapes corellas as arethe oftencentre seen of the • Witjira National Park grass clump to another. The outback of South Australia is a vast, wonderful congregatingplant dies out, away while from new the growth midday continues sun in aat tree the red sand dunes. The unusual formations are also overlookingouter edges. a waterhole. The desert is home to • Lake Eyre National Park and rewarding place to visit. To ensure that you get Things to do significant to local Aboriginal groups - please treat Following a good season, the Simpson Desert can severalAfter rain species the sand of birds dunes of prey can suchbecome as the covered mighty • Wabma Kadarbu Conservation Park the best out of your experience it is important to Wedge-tailedin a veritable Eaglecarpet (often of wildflowers, seen soaring as the on longthe (camping not permitted) The vast wilderness of the Simpson Desert allows this area with the respectFat-tailed Dunnart it deserves. become a birdwatcher’s paradise as flocks of birds desertdormant thermals), seeds of as Poached-egg well as Daisies and Fleshy Sminthopsis crassicaudata visitors to explore the natural features of the • Tallaringa Conservation Park obtain good advice and thoroughly prepare for BlackGroundsel Kites, Nankeenspring into Kestrels life. Image courtesy of Lorraine Hancox arrive to take advantage of the water and abundant extreme outback. Visitors can enjoy photography, Poeppel Corner, first surveyed by Augustus Poeppel and Brown Falcons. • Innamincka Regional Reserve your journey. birdwatching, camping, and of course, food, particularly around the playa lakes and in 1880, •is Coongie the junction Lakes National of Park the (short-term South entry Australian, and experiencing the challenge and enormity of the temporary waterholes. Watch out for waterbirds, The Desert Parks Pass contains detailed safety desert while crossing the innumerable dunes by Queenslandovernight and camping Northern permits also Territory available). borders. The four-wheel drive. original Thepost Desert is Parkspreserved Pass is valid infor 12Adelaide, months and is but a replica chats and the rare Australian Bustard. instruction, outback driving advice, as well as There are several sites of interest throughout the issued on a per vehicle basis. It includes the maps detailed maps for extended travel throughout parks. The Lone Gum stands beside the Rig Road in post standsrequired near to visit thethis area, survey information post on wherethe parks, visitors can To escape the searing heat of the day, many of the and requirements for safe travel through the outback the conservation park, a solitary Coolibah (which stand in three states at once. Australia's unforgiving outback. these days is slowly being joined by its seedlings). of South Australia. Simpson Desert’s mammal inhabitants only come The tree thrives, despite growing far from the Fees collected are used for conservation and to out at night. Small marsupials including dunnarts For shorter trips, pick up a Remote Area Travel nearest watercourse. It remains a mystery how the maintain and improve park facilities for your tree survives in this location. Wedge-tailed Eagle and Ampurta come out to feast on insects, while Information brochure from Desert Parks Pass stockists, Aquila audax ongoing enjoyment. The Approdinna Attora Knolls, in the conservation Flora Dingoes are out searching for bigger prey such as download it from www.parks.sa.gov.au or free-call park, are rare gypsum outcrops that are very Look carefully for the Eyrean Grasswren on the slopes fragile and of great scientific importance. They Outback safety rabbits. If you’ve got a good field guide handy, try the Desert Parks Hotline on 1800 816 078 to of sand dunes, scurrying from one Sandhill Cane- appear, almost ghost-like, from amongst the On the crests of the sand dunes small grasses grass clump to another. The outback of South Australia is a vast, wonderful to identify the different tracks on the sand dunes in find out more. red sand dunes. The unusual formations are also and herbs,and rewarding such as place Sandhill to visit. To ensureCane-grass that you get thrive, significant to local Aboriginal groups - please treat Following a good season, the Simpson Desert can the morning. The desert is also home to feral animals the best out of your experience it is important to this area with the respect it deserves. become a birdwatcher’s paradise as flocks of birds while on the more stable sands Triodia species like obtain good advice and thoroughly prepare for including rabbits, camels and foxes. Poeppel Corner, first surveyed by Augustus Poeppel arrive to take advantage of the water and abundant Lobed Spinifexyour journey. and other small grasses and shrubs in 1880, is the junction of the South Australian, food, particularly around the playa lakes and Queensland and Northern Territory borders. The temporary waterholes. Watch out for waterbirds, dominate.The Desert These Parks spinifex Pass contains tussocks detailed safety can often grow original post is preserved in Adelaide, but a replica chats and the rare Australian Bustard. instruction, outback driving advice, as well as to form detailedlarge mapsdonut-like for extended shapes travel throughout as the centre of the post stands near the survey post where visitors can To escape the searing heat of the day, many of the Australia's unforgiving outback. stand in three states at once. Simpson Desert’s mammal inhabitants only come plant dies out, while new growth continues at the out at night. Small marsupials including dunnarts For shorter trips, pick up a Remote Area Travel and Ampurta come out to feast on insects, while outer edges.Information brochure from Desert Parks Pass stockists, Flora Dingoes are out searching for bigger prey such as download it from www.parks.sa.gov.au or free-call rabbits. If you’ve got a good field guide handy, try After rainthe theDesert sand Parks Hotline dunes on 1800 can 816 078become to covered On the crests of the sand dunes small grasses to identify the different tracks on the sand dunes in find out more. and herbs, such as Sandhill Cane-grass thrive, in a veritable carpet of wildflowers, as the long the morning. The desert is also home to feral animals Fat-tailed Dunnart while on the more stable sands Triodia species like including rabbits, camels and foxes. dormant seeds of Poached-egg Daisies and Fleshy Sminthopsis crassicaudata Lobed Spinifex and other small grasses and shrubs Image courtesy of Lorraine Hancox dominate. These spinifex tussocks can often grow Groundsel spring into life. to form large donut-like shapes as the centre of the plant dies out, while new growth continues at the outer edges. After rain the sand dunes can become covered in a veritable carpet of wildflowers, as the long Fat-tailed Dunnart dormant seeds of Poached-egg Daisies and Fleshy Sminthopsis crassicaudata Groundsel spring into life. Image courtesy of Lorraine Hancox 4

Facilities The swales between the sand dunes collect more As you drive, remain on the lookout for some of the water and nutrients than the sand dunes and so can reptilian inhabitants of the desert. Australia’s biggest The only services available between Oodnadatta support larger shrubs such as eremophila, grevillea lizard, the Perentie, can be found out here as well and Birdsville, are at Mount Dare in Witjira National and acacias like Mulga and Gidgee – particularly as the more common Sand Goanna. Painted and Park. In Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and around Poeppel Corner where low open woodlands Central Bearded dragons can be found sunning Conservation Park visitors may camp within 50 of Gidgee spread out to the horizon. The playa themselves next to the track, while the desert python metres of public access tracks. The best places to lakes in these swales also support small clumps of (the Woma) and smaller Beaked Geckos and Desert camp are mostly located towards the swales in the salt-tolerant samphire and other herbaceous plants Skinks may be seen if you take the time to look. central region where Gidgee woodlands provide around their periphery. shade, shelter and soft ground for camping. Desert www.environment.sa.gov.auParks Pass If you are travelling this area for the first time, it is Fauna recommended that you cross the reserves from A Desert Parks Pass is required to enter and camp west to east to take advantage of the gentler You may be surprised to know that some 195 bird in the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and upsweep to most dunes. Reserves of fuel, water species have been recorded in the Simpson Desert. Conservation Park. A Desert Parks Pass is a 12 month and food, as well as basic vehicle spare parts and Common birds include Crested Pigeons and Zebra permit that allows camping and entry to: recovery equipment, must be carried. Finches, while Galahs and corellas are often seen • Witjira National Park congregating away from the midday sun in a tree overlooking a waterhole. The desert is home to • Lake Eyre National Park Things to do several species of birds of prey such as the mighty • Wabma Kadarbu Conservation Park Wedge-tailed Eagle (often seen soaring on the (camping not permitted) The vast wilderness of the Simpson Desert allows desert thermals), as well as visitors to explore the natural features of the • Tallaringa Conservation Park Black Kites, Nankeen Kestrels extreme outback. Visitors can enjoy photography, and Brown Falcons. • Innamincka Regional Reserve birdwatching, camping, and of course, experiencing the challenge and enormity of the • Coongie Lakes National Park (short-term entry and desert while crossing the innumerable dunes by overnight camping permits also available). four-wheel drive. The Desert Parks Pass is valid for 12 months and is There are several sites of interest throughout the issued on a per vehicle basis. It includes the maps parks. The Lone Gum stands beside the Rig Road in required to visit this area, information on the parks, the conservation park, a solitary Coolibah (which and requirements for safe travel through the outback these days is slowly being joined by its seedlings). of South Australia. The tree thrives, despite growing far from the Fees collected are used for conservation and to nearest watercourse. It remains a mystery how the maintain and improve park facilities for your tree survives in this location. Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax ongoing enjoyment. The Approdinna Attora Knolls, in the conservation park, are rare gypsum outcrops that are very Look carefully for the Eyrean Grasswren on the slopes fragile and of great scientific importance. They Outback safety of sand dunes, scurrying from one Sandhill Cane- appear, almost ghost-like, from amongst the grass clump to another. The outback of South Australia is a vast, wonderful red sand dunes. The unusual formations are also and rewarding place to visit. To ensure that you get significant to local Aboriginal groups - please treat Following a good season, the Simpson Desert can the best out of your experience it is important to this area with the respect it deserves. become a birdwatcher’s paradise as flocks of birds obtain good advice and thoroughly prepare for Poeppel Corner, first surveyed by Augustus Poeppel arrive to take advantage of the water and abundant your journey. in 1880, is the junction of the South Australian, food, particularly around the playa lakes and Queensland and Northern Territory borders. The temporary waterholes. Watch out for waterbirds, The Desert Parks Pass contains detailed safety original post is preserved in Adelaide, but a replica chats and the rare Australian Bustard. instruction, outback driving advice, as well as detailed maps for extended travel throughout post stands near the survey post where visitors can To escape the searing heat of the day, many of the Australia's unforgiving outback. stand in three states at once. Simpson Desert’s mammal inhabitants only come out at night. Small marsupials including dunnarts For shorter trips, pick up a Remote Area Travel and Ampurta come out to feast on insects, while Information brochure from Desert Parks Pass stockists, Flora Dingoes are out searching for bigger prey such as download it from www.parks.sa.gov.au or free-call rabbits. If you’ve got a good field guide handy, try the Desert Parks Hotline on 1800 816 078 to On the crests of the sand dunes small grasses to identify the different tracks on the sand dunes in find out more. and herbs, such as Sandhill Cane-grass thrive, the morning. The desert is also home to feral animals while on the more stable sands Triodia species like including rabbits, camels and foxes. Lobed Spinifex and other small grasses and shrubs dominate. These spinifex tussocks can often grow to form large donut-like shapes as the centre of the plant dies out, while new growth continues at the outer edges. After rain the sand dunes can become covered in a veritable carpet of wildflowers, as the long Fat-tailed Dunnart dormant seeds of Poached-egg Daisies and Fleshy Sminthopsis crassicaudata Groundsel spring into life. Image courtesy of Lorraine Hancox

pastoralists and tourists to follow. follow. to tourists and pastoralists

tracks, thus opening up the desert for other explorers, explorers, other for desert the up opening thus tracks,

as the French and QAA lines, Rig Road and other other and Road Rig lines, QAA and French the as could be fatal. be could

at a time in the desert, building what are now known known now are what building desert, the in time a at exceed 50˚. A breakdown during this time time this during breakdown A 50˚. exceed

for oil and gas deposits. These workers spent months months spent workers These deposits. gas and oil for is to ensure public safety as temperatures can can temperatures as safety public ensure to is

contracted to conduct seismic surveys and explore explore and surveys seismic conduct to contracted

between 1 December and 15 March. This closure closure This March. 15 and December 1 between

Pogona vitticeps Pogona

Central Bearded Dragon Dragon Bearded Central In 1936, the French Petroleum Company was was Company Petroleum French the 1936, In Reserve and Conservation Park are closed annually annually closed are Park Conservation and Reserve

autumn, winter and spring. Simpson Desert Regional Regional Desert Simpson spring. and winter autumn, Geosurveys of Australia company. Australia of Geosurveys

enjoyable times to visit the Simpson Desert are are Desert Simpson the visit to times enjoyable the first motorised crossing in 1962, with Dr Sprigg’s Sprigg’s Dr with 1962, in crossing motorised first the

camping in the true outback of Australia. The most most The Australia. of outback true the in camping Geologist Reg Sprigg and his family completed completed family his and Sprigg Reg Geologist

properties and to towns and communities. communities. and towns to and properties visitors to cross the desert by four-wheel drive while while drive four-wheel by desert the cross to visitors eastwards via Poeppel Corner to Birdsville. Birdsville. to Corner Poeppel via eastwards

other Aboriginal people were attracted to work on on work to attracted were people Aboriginal other There are several routes through the parks, allowing allowing parks, the through routes several are There five camels, travelled from Mount Etingambra Etingambra Mount from travelled camels, five

as pastoral properties took over their land, while while land, their over took properties pastoral as

with Peter Ains (an Aboriginal companion) and and companion) Aboriginal (an Ains Peter with marvel at the ever-changing environment. ever-changing the at marvel

decimating the population. Groups were displaced displaced were Groups population. the decimating

was in 1936 and is credited to E. A. Colson, who, who, Colson, A. E. to credited is and 1936 in was seemingly repetitiveness of the desert while others others while desert the of repetitiveness seemingly

introduced influenza to the Aboriginal groups, groups, Aboriginal the to influenza introduced

The first successful European crossing of the desert desert the of crossing European successful first The emotions in visitors – some are overwhelmed by the the by overwhelmed are some – visitors in emotions

Aboriginal occupation of the desert. White settlers settlers White desert. the of occupation Aboriginal

of the endless landscape inspires a wide range of of range wide a inspires landscape endless the of the original peg near the corner post. post. corner the near peg original the

European settlement brought about the decline of of decline the about brought settlement European

between them seem endless. The sheer magnitude magnitude sheer The endless. seem them between Simpson Desert Parks erected a red gum replica of of replica gum red a erected Parks Desert Simpson

do not disturb them. disturb not do - the towering crests and vast, flat valleys (or swales) swales) (or valleys flat vast, and crests towering the - to mark Poeppel Corner. In 1989, the Friends of the the of Friends the 1989, In Corner. Poeppel mark to

common. All Aboriginal sites are protected, so please please so protected, are sites Aboriginal All common. The sand dunes stretch over hundreds of kilometres kilometres of hundreds over stretch dunes sand The Survey placed the current steel and concrete post post concrete and steel current the placed Survey

and workings can be seen in the park, but are not not are but park, the in seen be can workings and

On 25 August 1968, Bill Haylock of the SA Geodetic Geodetic SA the of Haylock Bill 1968, August 25 On and sand ridge formations to be protected. be to formations ridge sand and

the North Flinders Ranges. Some stone implements implements stone Some Ranges. Flinders North the

Trust of South Australia's Historic Relics Collection. Collection. Relics Historic Australia's South of Trust allows a wide cross-section of diverse flora, fauna fauna flora, diverse of cross-section wide a allows

were sandstone grinding stones and ochre from from ochre and stones grinding sandstone were

by Dr Reg Sprigg and now forms part of the History History the of part forms now and Sprigg Reg Dr by covers 29 191 sq km, the conservation park, 6 881 sq km) km) sq 881 6 park, conservation the km, sq 191 29 covers

axes from quarries in Queensland were traded, as as traded, were Queensland in quarries from axes

was removed to Adelaide for preservation in 1962 1962 in preservation for Adelaide to removed was enormous size of the parks (the regional reserve reserve regional (the parks the of size enormous

with groups to the north and south. Ground-edge Ground-edge south. and north the to groups with

in 1880. The original peg marking Poeppel Corner Corner Poeppel marking peg original The 1880. in conservation park with Witjira National Park. The The Park. National Witjira with park conservation

and gatherers, but they also traded extensively extensively traded also they but gatherers, and

Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia Australia South and Queensland Territory, Northern regional reserve was established in 1988, linking the the linking 1988, in established was reserve regional

Aboriginal groups living in this area were hunters hunters were area this in living groups Aboriginal

Poeppel who surveyed the junction of the borders of of borders the of junction the surveyed who Poeppel to conservation park classification in 1972. The The 1972. in classification park conservation to

Notable among the early surveyors was Augustus Augustus was surveyors early the among Notable the flush of new life that rain brings to the desert. desert. the to brings rain that life new of flush the proclaimed as a national park in 1967, but changed changed but 1967, in park national a as proclaimed

these sites, taking advantage of groundwater and and groundwater of advantage taking sites, these The Simpson Desert Conservation Park was originally originally was Park Conservation Desert Simpson The number of the familiar landmarks in the area. the in landmarks familiar the of number

In good seasons they could spread out away from from away out spread could they seasons good In

Sturt, mainly government surveyors, named a a named surveyors, government mainly Sturt, and Witjira National Park. National Witjira and

Australian Branch). The explorers who came after after came who explorers The Branch). Australian provided the only permanent source of water. water. of source permanent only the provided Conservation Park, Simpson Desert Regional Reserve Reserve Regional Desert Simpson Park, Conservation

Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (South (South Australasia of Society Geographical Royal concentrated around native wells, or ‘Mikiri’ which which ‘Mikiri’ or wells, native around concentrated divided into three protected areas, Simpson Desert Desert Simpson areas, protected three into divided

subsequent expedition and then president of the the of president then and expedition subsequent partly in the desert. Family groups were generally generally were groups Family desert. the in partly the Northern Territory. The South Australian section is is section Australian South The Territory. Northern the

named it after Allen Simpson, the sponsor of his his of sponsor the Simpson, Allen after it named the Lower Southern Arrernte lived on the edge and and edge the on lived Arrernte Southern Lower the the boundaries of South Australia, Queensland and and Queensland Australia, South of boundaries the

explorer and geologist, Cecil Thomas Madigan, Madigan, Thomas Cecil geologist, and explorer desert; and to the west of their traditional boundary boundary traditional their of west the to and desert; square kilometres. The Simpson Desert lies across across lies Desert Simpson The kilometres. square

and named until the 1930s when another another when 1930s the until named and this time, the Wangkangurru actually lived in the the in lived actually Wangkangurru the time, this red to white, covering a total area of 170 000 000 170 of area total a covering white, to red

in 1845, but the desert was not fully recognised recognised fully not was desert the but 1845, in watercourses on the desert boundaries. Prior to to Prior boundaries. desert the on watercourses desert, a sea of parallel sand ridges ranging from from ranging ridges sand parallel of sea a desert,

Simpson Desert was the explorer Charles Sturt Sturt Charles explorer the was Desert Simpson nineteenth century were concentrated around the the around concentrated were century nineteenth Desert is one of the world's best examples of dunal dunal of examples best world's the of one is Desert

The first European to see the grandeur of the the of grandeur the see to European first The Most Simpson Desert Aboriginal groups in the the in groups Aboriginal Desert Simpson Most Located in the driest region of Australia, the Simpson Simpson the Australia, of region driest the in Located

Exploration Aboriginal culture and heritage and culture Aboriginal

and Conservation Park Conservation and

Simpson Desert Regional Reserve Reserve Regional Desert Simpson Heritage

5 Fire safety Location map Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources • Wood fires are not permitted in the parks during the Fire Danger Season usually 1 November to 30 Simpson Desert April. Please use liquid fuel or gas stoves only. • On Total Fire Ban Days, all fires (liquid, gas and Regional Reserve and wood) are prohibited in the parks. • Please do not collect firewood as fallen timber Conservation Park provides refuge for small animals. It is preferable you use a liquid fuel or gas stove.

Minimal impact

• Avoid washing close to water supplies, as even a small amount of soap or detergent will cause pollution. • Bury toilet waste well away from water and burn toilet paper. • Bag and carry out all rubbish.

The National Parks Code For further information contact: Help protect your national parks by following these guidelines: Department of Environment, Water and • Leave your pets at home. Natural Resources • Take your rubbish with you. SA Arid Lands • Observe fire restrictions, usually 1 November 9 Mackay Street Port Augusta SA 5700 to 30 April. Check CFS Hotline 1300 362 361. Phone (08) 8648 5300 Fax (08) 8648 5301 Website www.parks.sa.gov.au • Conserve native habitat by using liquid fuel or gas stoves. Desert Parks Hotline Freecall 1800 816 078 • Respect geological, cultural and Email [email protected] heritage sites. • Keep wildlife wild. Do not feed or disturb Phone Information Line (08) 8204 1910 Email [email protected] animals or remove native plants. Website www.parks.sa.gov.au • Keep to defined vehicle tracks and walking trails. • Be considerate of other park users.

Thank you for leaving the bush in its natural Cover: Eyrean Grasswren Amytomis Goyderi state for the enjoyment of others. © Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources March 2013 • FIS 91851 www.parks.sa.gov.au www.environment.sa.gov.au