Who said it could not be done with a 5 year old and an 18 month old! My Wife that’s who, yep I recall hatching this grand idea about a year ago with Peter and Cassie from Hannibal Safari. Sure it can be done. The plan was put together and then it rained again. Oh well we have a4wd and a snorkel lets go.
All said and done and we decided to head of into Central Australia to witness sights that most people should hope to see once in their lifetime. It was back in 2004 that myself and my then girlfriend, now wife (yep she is still married to me after 7500klms) first ventured into central Australia with just some swags and no kids, experiencing an arid desert adventure crossing the Simpson.
Circa 2011, a vastly different trip this time. Covering much the same route as 2004 only this time we had to unfortunately take some detours due to flooding. The first few days we high-tailed it to William Creek via Innamincka. Then on to Marree via the Strzelecki Track. Our second night at Nocundra introduced us to the first of our nightly ‘mice’ experiences -little jumping mice that were everywhere, into everything and not scared of anything. Lucky for the roof top tent!
The next couple of days we took in Lake Eyre. Witnessing water lapping the very edge of Lake Eyre was truly a spectacular site. Hard to believe that seven years ago we were standing on a salty crust stretching as far as the eye could see. Some in our party took a flight over; others choosing to view the Lake from several of the vantage points.
We decided some R&R at Coober Pedy was called for this was a great stop so of course we slept underground for the experience, with a mine tour thrown in for good measure. Well worth it.
From here we travelled through the beautiful, Painted Desert. The colour in the rock escarpments was spectacular and the landscape very flat, green and lush from the recent rains. We camped the night along the way and it was a great bush camp. Continuing the next day on the Oodnadatta Track, stopping for a coffee at the famous pink road house- next stop Uluru.
Uluru and the Olgas was a highlight for us. We camped here for a few days for a well earned rest, but in hindsight wishing we had a couple of extra days to explore and enjoy the area. We have some beautiful sunrise and sunset photos of both the Olgas and Uluru to add to our memories. There is something spiritual about this rock, seeing it for yourself is the only way you are going to understand what I mean.
Onwards to Kings Canyon and a bit of boy time on the quad bikes for the guys was just the treat, at the highly recommended Kings Creek Station. Kings Canyon itself is an amazing site. With several walks to choose, we took the easy amble down to Kathleen Springs with the kids. Peter and Cass on the other hand accomplished the Kings Canyon rim walk and loved every minute of it. Peter now has a fear of steps but enjoyed it none the less.
Day 12 and we headed of on the Mereenie Loop up into the Palm Valley, part of the amazing Finke Gorge. This was a great drive and the changing scenery never ceased to amaze us. Heading into the valley there were a few challenging crossings to traverse the Finke River before ending up in the valley of the palms. Another great walk and Pete and I were happy because we got to do some 4wdriving. Even the kids had fun.
With Alice Springs in our sights we mowed down the miles and spent a great couple of days in Alice; experiencing the Alice Springs Reptile Centre (a must do) especially if you want to conqueror your fear of snakes. The local culinary delights of camel and croc for dinner at the famous Bojangles Saloon; and of course the shops for some souvenirs, a top-up of food and a real coffee, Ahhhh.
The Simpson Desert was next on the list however the recent rains and the mighty channel country put a stop to those plans. So along the Plenty Highway instead, we made our west to east crossing. For those who have also experienced it, the Plenty has plenty of dirt, some corrugations and the occasional bull dust hole hardly fitting the title of ‘highway’. We made Boulia and then headed south through the channel country into Birdsville. Wow what a run, the channel country has again delivered, giving us an amazing experience of how the landscape is transformed after the wet: beautiful flowers, masses of birds, and heaps snakes and reptiles making the most of it.
Big Red, you cannot come this far without having a run up the biggest sand dune in the Simpson. Opting for an overnight desert, bush-camp on the western side of this mighty dune, we woke to a beautiful sunrise. Low-four second gear, dropped tyre pressures (around 25 psi) and a big right boot we made it to the top of Big Red. Nothing but water as far as the eye could see on the eastern side of it thanks to Eyre creek--what a way to finish of a trip of a life time! The flooding may have stopped us doing the full Simpson Desert crossing but with a well equipped 4WD and a desire to see this beautiful part of Australia after the wet, we did it. Who said you cannot travel with young kids! We did and we had a ball and saw some amazing places and met some great people along the way. So get out, get your 4WD equipped and travel this spectacular country of ours!!!
See you Outback
Yours truly, The Piper Family!
