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Hay River & the Madigan Line
The northern part of the Simpson Desert (Northern Territory section)
sees few travellers, even today, as access has not been available
until very recently. It is now possible for a limited number of
vehicles to cross the traditional lands of the Atnetye people. The
northern parts of the desert have different vegetation than in South
Australia, with ancient-water courses that snake in from the ranges
even further north. The sand hills are redder &
river gums survive here indicating that water is present at odd
times.
This tour starts at Thargomindah in the channel country & visits
historic Noccundra & Innamincka hotels as well as the points
of interest around the border & Cooper Creek, then on to Queensland
remotest settlement via the less used Walkers Crossing track. Birdsville
is our stepping of point into the Simpson but before we leave there
are a few things to see. The amazing Birdsville working museum is
a definite highlight.
Our route across the desert takes the more unconventional direction
from Poeppel corner, turning north to follow the line of the Hay
River. This section of the desert has no defined roads & at
times can be devoid of wheel tracks (covered by wind blown sands)
We use land marks & gps to find our way to the river bed &
a blaze tree marked by early explorers.
Cecil Madigan was a noted explorer who had a fascination for the
desert & was among those early Simpson explorers that unlocked
its secrets.
With the backing of the Royal Geological Society an aerial reconnaissance
was carried out on 1929 but it wasn't until 1936 before he was able
to mount an expedition using camels. He crossed from Old Andado
station to Birdsville. Whilst not the first European to make a crossing
he is by far the most recognised due to his official backing. We
intersect his route at camp 16 where the night will be spent. There
is a detour to the ancient seabed at Lake Caroline before continuing.
At Batton Hill in the far northern desert we meet Lindsay Bookie
who will spend a day with us on his "my country tour".
This a cultural experience not to be missed as we follow Lindsay
on one of his people's ancient hunting trails to learn of bush tucker,
native medicines & survival.
Lastly it is a stop at Jervois station for fuel &
on to Boulia for journey's end.
This trip is amongst the most remote you can do & those who
wish to experience it need to be well prepared. We can take the
worry away & offer help at every stage of your preparation.
There is a maximum limit to vehicles per tour so you do need to
get in early.
The Hay River tour can be combined with the 9 day
Simpson Desert crossing tour to make a 22 day (including rest period
& transit) Desert Bonanza that includes the very best the region
has to offer as well as the satisfaction of completing a west /east
desert crossing.
This
tour is self catered
Evening
meal at Birdsville Hotel Included
Tour Dates
10-19
August , 2011
.
Click
Here to show interest in this tour, or Contact
Us.
kend away. Test your
four wheel drive skills in reations. Feel safe in the comfort of
your own 4wd knowing that your experinced leader will ensure you
stay safe and will guide you through any difficult terrain.
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