Uluru and Alice Springs
Uluru and Alice Springs
The Simpson Desert, Northern Territory
The Simpson Desert covers the vast region from the south east of the Northern Territory into south western Queensland, extending to the north east of South Australia. The first expedition to explore this harsh region was Charles Sturt's in 1845 and it is still a remote area networked with unsealed roads.
Conventional vehicles can use the road to the Ewaninga Rock Carvings. However, 4X4 is essential to reach Finke and Old Anando from the Stuart Highway. 4X4 is also essential for Rainbow Valley and the road to Chambers Pillar and beyond. Don't worry if you're not equipped to handle it - there are day tours from Alice Springs to the most spectacular attractions. Private charters can be arranged for longer trips which may include local Aboriginal guides and tours through desert communities.
With a 4X4, you can venture into the stark beauty of the Simpson Desert on the dirt road that carries you south between the sandhills and herds of camels until you reach the homestead of Old Anando. Continue south west to the wide, sandy, usually dry Finke River with its abundant bird life, then along the old Ghan rail route through the Dept Sandhills before reaching Chambers Pillar and the Ewaninga Rock Carvings. By the time you get back to Alice Springs, you will have seen the outback as only a few pioneers have seen it.
