SIMPSON QAA LINE, NT

AMORE challenging Simpson Desert trek is to follow the QAA Line from Big Red near Birdsville all the way to just across the NT border, to the junction of the K1 Line near Poeppel Corner. We recommend beginning the adventure at Big Red, located just 35km from the popular outback town of Birdsville. Big Red is an iconic 40m-tall sand dune and a worthy adversary of many a four-wheeler – it’s also one of the best spots in the country to watch a sunset. Cresting Big Red as your bullbar points west provides a brilliant view of the desert and countless dunes on the horizon, and where your journey lies.

The high amount of traffic that utilises this route means the sand dunes are fairly churned up, so it’ll be a chore overcoming the track’s relatively short distance. Ensure your vehicle is adequately prepared – a sand flag is essential – and that you’re entirely self-sufficient.

The challenging, soft tracks are well worth the effort once you set-up camp for the night beneath the wide expanse of stars, with no distractions. Bliss.

At the junction in the NT, travels through the Simpson Desert can continue via the French Line, the Rig Road and/ or the WAA Line, all varying in length and difficulty.

The short but challenging QAA Line, in particular, provides a great taste of desert driving!