TRAVEL PLANNER

This area is remote and you need to be well-equipped and experienced at desert travel. Any recovery out here is timeconsuming and very expensive. The route was easy to follow, but dry, windy conditions may cover the tracks, making good navigation essential.

PERMITS

A permit is required from the Central Lands Council (CLC) to travel the Madigan Line. It’s easy to get and free: www.clc.org.au/ articles/info/application-for-anentry-permit

If you have any queries, phone: (08) 8951 6211.

If you head south on the Hay River Track to the public access routes, you require a Desert Parks Pass from NPSA: www. environment.sa.gov.au/parks/ entry-fees/parks-passes/desertparks-pass

For info on Queensland Parks: www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/ simpson-desert

DISTANCE AND FUEL

It’s approximately 720km from Mt Dare to Birdsville via this route. Fuel usage can be heavy depending on conditions. Both Patrols and the Hilux consumed 130 to 140 litres of diesel. We each carried 200 litres, and it’s advised to carry similar. Petrol vehicles would need more.

MORE INFO

Pink Roadhouse, Oodnadatta: www.pinkroadhouse.com.au Mount Dare Hotel: www.mtdare. com.au Old Andado: www.oldandado. com.au Birdsville: www.queensland.com/ en-ie/information/wirrarri-visitorinformation-centre

FOR A GREAT READ

Crossing the Dead Heart, by Cecil Madigan Desert Walker, by Denis Bartell (www.desertwalker.com.au)