Simpson Desert closed 1 December 2011 to 15 March 2012.

Fire Ban Season is 15 October 2011 to 31 March 2012. Wood fires are not permitted during these dates.  Gas fires can be used on days that are not a Total Fire Ban day. 

No fires are permitted on Total Fire Ban days.

Outback temperatures are increasing and are reaching over 40ºC. If you decide to travel in the Outback, 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.

Boating in any type of vessel requires written permission from DENR, and granting of a boating permit will be dependant on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters being resolved.

Current surface coverage is less than 15%. There is some minor water in the catchment after recent rains but this will not impact Lake Eyre significantly. The best way to see water in Lake Eyre is still from the air. Local charters are available at William Creek and Marree.

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. Do not speed along roads and tracks. Take your time as Lake Eyre is not going anywhere. 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. Use caution at creek crossing, however drive with caution along the entire track 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. 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. 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

Coongie Lakes National Park may be inaccessible for 2012 due to floodwaters.

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..

Coongie Track – Closed due to floodwaters

15 Mile Track and Access to Cooper Creek – Policemans open to 4WD. Ski Beach , Kings, Minkie and Wills closed due to rain. Wills Grave open to day visitors only. 15 Mile closed beyond Wills turn off. Town Common and Queerbiddie is open.

Cullyamurra Track & Burke's Grave – Open to 4WD. Burke’s Grave - day visitors only.

Bore Track – Closed. 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.  Provides meals, drinks and accommodation.  

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

Witjira National Park - Open to 4WD with caution.  Caution at sections of minor damage due to recent rain. Pedirka PAR is open to 4WD vehicles with caution at creek crossings and sand dune crests, but trailers and caravans are not recommended.

Drive with caution and to track conditions as tracks are over a fragile landscape and deteriorate rapidly.   Check local conditions before travelling. Please call the Desert Parks hotline on 1800 816 078 for further information.  A public phone (card only) is available at Dalhousie Springs. (Note: Phone cards not available at Dalhousie).  Camping is restricted to Dalhousie Springs, 3 O’clock Creek and Purni Bore.

Closed due to excessive summer temperatures that may reach up to 50ºC, and soft sand on changing dunes which may cause vehicle breakdown.  This can lead to potentially fatal situations to people who cross the desert at this time and emergency personnel that may be required to assist.