Simpson Desert
Simpson Desert National Park
Spanning 1,012,000 hectares in the arid outback, this is Queensland's largest protected area. Parallel wind-blown sand dunes dominate the landscape. Some extend 200 kilometres and reach 90 metres high. Saltpans and gibber-ironstone flats occupy interdunal areas. More than 180 species of birds, including the Eyrean grasswren, and numerous mammals and reptiles live in the park.
Be sure to visit Big Red, the largest sand dune. At Poeppels Corner, attempt to stand in two states and a territory at once. Camp and admire the expansive night sky and make sure you take binoculars and a camera!
Activities:
Off Road Driving: Vehicles must remain on the QAA Line within the park. Numbered posts within the park mark sites for the self-guiding drive.
Birdwatching: More than 180 bird species.
Camping: Camping is permitted within 500 metres of the QAA Line. A camping permit is required and must be obtained in advance.
Animal Viewing: Look for tracks of desert animals in the sand. Simpson Desert is home to the small carnivorous mulgara, which is vulnerable to extinction
With thanks to Tourism Queensland: www.queenslandholidays.com.au
