The Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and Conservation Park will be closed from December 1 2009 to March 15 2010. See the Simpson Desert section for more details.

Outback temperatures are frequently in the high 40ΊC. If you decide to travel in the Outback Region, you should ensure your vehicles are properly prepared and equipped for outback travel and any emergencies or delays. The use of trailers in the Simpson Desert is strongly discouraged, plus motor homes and caravans should never attempt this crossing. Serious damage can be caused to vehicles and the environment, and difficulties are likely to result. Take extra water, food and fuel supplies. Ensure good communications equipment, either HF Radio or Satellite Phone. Ensure you notify a responsible person, such as a family member, of your plans prior to travelling into remote areas, and seek local advice.  

If you attempt driving in sandy conditions and get bogged, do not attempt to get the vehicle out without ensuring 4WD and hubs are engaged, tyre pressures are decreased and sand is removed from the path of the tyres. If you become stuck, do not leave your vehicles to walk for assistance as this can have fatal consequences.  

Check road and weather bulletins and local conditions before travelling into the Outback Region. Speed limits of 40km per hour apply within all Parks. For up to date public road information outside of National Parks, please call the Transport SA Road Condition Hotline on 1300 361 033 or visit the Transport SA web site on http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/quicklinks/northern_roads/northern.asp  

Be aware that entry to Desert Parks requires a day/overnight permit or a Desert Parks Pass that must be displayed on the vehicle windscreen.

General Conditions

For further information regarding the National Parks and Wildlife South Australia visit our web site www.parks.sa.gov.au.  For information regarding air tours phone the Wadlata Outback Centre on 1800 633 060.  Check local conditions before traveling into the Outback area.   

If you decide to travel in the following areas you should ensure your vehicles are properly prepared and equipped for outback travel and any emergencies. Take extra water, food and fuel supplies. Ensure good communications equipment. Notify a responsible person of your plans prior to travelling.  No fires at Lake Eyre.

Halligan Bay Track – Open to 4WD with caution.  This track is a declared Public Access Route. It is a bush track, not a road. Drive with caution as the landscape is fragile and the track will deteriorate due to the unusually high number of vehicles using it.  Be aware of bulldust holes and corrugations. Please drive to track conditions. Driving on the Lake surface is an offence and dangerous. 4WD only along this track. Trailers and caravans are not recommended.

Level Post Bay Track – Open to 4WD with caution.  This track is a declared Public Access Route. It is a bush track, not a road. Drive with caution as the landscape is fragile and the track will deteriorate due to the unusually high number of vehicles using it. Please drive to track conditions. Driving on the Lake surface is an offence and dangerous. 4WD only along this track. Trailers and caravans are not recommended. No camping at Level Post Bay – camping at Muloorina campground.

Marree’s Outback Roadhouse – Agents for the Desert Parks Pass & Lake Eyre Permits. Post Office & Commonwealth Bank Agency, diesel & unleaded fuel, gas bottle refills, licensed restaurant and take away service available. Ph (61 8) 8675 8360  

Note: Be aware that entry to Innamincka Regional Reserve requires a day/camping permit or a Desert Parks Pass that must be displayed on the vehicle windscreen. Desert Parks passes/permits are available from the Innamincka Trading Post.

Due to prolonged dry conditions, there are many sand drifts on tracks and roads so please drive cautiously and slow down at sand drifts.

Bore Track – Closed due to recent rains. Contact Bollards Lagoon (61 8 8091 3873) prior to crossing private land.  

The Innamincka Trading Post Ph: (61 8) 8675 9900. Agent for the Desert Parks Pass and camping permits. Provide a comprehensive range of supplies and services for visitors in the Innamincka area

Innamincka Hotel Ph: (61 8) 8675 9901.  Provide meals, drinks and accommodation.  

Check local conditions before travelling into this area. See the National Parks and Wildlife South Australia web site on www.parks.sa.gov.au for more information.  Please purchase Desert Parks Pass or permit before travelling to Witjira.

The Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and Conservation Park will be closed from December 1 2009 to March 15 2010. The closure is due to the combination of high summer temperatures, soft sand dunes and low visitation which can lead to visitors being stranded.  This is a high public risk that can be fatal. 

The use of trailers in the Simpson Desert is strongly discouraged, plus motor homes and caravans should never attempt this crossing.  Serious damage can be caused to vehicles and the environment, and difficulties are likely to result. 

Visitors are advised to drive in a convoy, carry a HF radio or sat phone and limit the total load of their vehicles. However, do take extra reserves of fuel, food and water. Satellite phones are available to hire for Simpson Desert trips from Mt Dare Hotel and the Wirrari Tourism Centre in Birdsville. See contact details below.

Mt Dare Hotel – Desert Parks Pass Agents - Diesel and unleaded fuel, accommodation, meals, hot showers, fuel, minor repairs, camping, travel supplies and phone cards available for travellers. Satellite phones are available to hire from Mt Dare Hotel for trips across the Simpson Desert.  Contact Mt Dare on (61 8) 8670 7835.