Can be either West East (most travellers) Dalhousie Springs to Birdsville via the French Line, Rig Road, K1 Line and QAA Line or East West (from Birdsville) The Simpson Desert Crossing consists of a mixture of clay-topped and sand tracks and is definitely for 4WD vehicles only. Crossing some of the most desolate and remote country on the continent, it is not for the faint-hearted. Being stuck out there could easily cost you your life, so you will need to be extremely careful when planning and preparing for the trip. A number of old shot lines (from early exploration) and rig roads criss-cross the desert, but the safest and easiest route is the one described below. The crossing usually takes a minimum of three to four days. Spending more time is good if you have it as you can take some careful diversions. The main feature of the desert is the series of parallel sand dunes, stretching for some 200-300km and running south-east to north-west. You should exercise extreme care where soft sand has created ridges on dune tops, as the drop on the other side can be severe. You must take care when crossing the tops of Dunes that you do not collide with another vehicle. A fix a flag to you front bullbar. Another feature of the Simpson, particularly in the central and eastern sections, is a series of clay playa lakes or clay-based pans, many of which have a salt crust. Where the track crosses them, take care to check the firmness of the surface even in dry conditions because the thin crust covers mud that is permanently soft. When wet, these lakes become impenetrable and vehicles often bog. Crossing the desert can be difficult after rain.

Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park lies approximately 750 km to the north of Adelaide and 110 km from Leigh Creek. The Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park comprises arid wilderness with rugged, spectacular scenery, interesting wildlife and a wealth of Adnyamathanha Aboriginal culture and European heritage. The Gammon ranges is a great bushwalking destination – having only been first crossed by Warren Bonython in the late 1940s. The bushwalking is very rugged, and its extremely remote. There can be very limited water (depending on the weather in the weeks or months before). The weather can be very warm, and bushwalking is only suitable in the coolest months of the year – May,June, July and August. You can rent a Cottage at Grindalls Hut.There is one track through the park, and the mainroad from Leigh Creek to Balconnona running along the southern edge of the park The the Yankaninna-Yadnina-Balcanoona track, is 4WD, but in good weather is possibel for a careful 2WD driver. It winds its way through the centre of the park past Grindalls Hut and Lochnesswell. This track will take you through some of the most spectacular scenery and along the way there are plenty of places which make great bush camping spots.