Can be either West East (most travellers) Dalhousie Springs to Birdsville via the French Line, Rig Road, K1 Line and QAA Line or East West (from Birdsville) The Simpson Desert Crossing consists of a mixture of clay-topped and sand tracks and is definitely for 4WD vehicles only. Crossing some of the most desolate and remote country on the continent, it is not for the faint-hearted. Being stuck out there could easily cost you your life, so you will need to be extremely careful when planning and preparing for the trip. A number of old shot lines (from early exploration) and rig roads criss-cross the desert, but the safest and easiest route is the one described below. The crossing usually takes a minimum of three to four days. Spending more time is good if you have it as you can take some careful diversions. The main feature of the desert is the series of parallel sand dunes, stretching for some 200-300km and running south-east to north-west. You should exercise extreme care where soft sand has created ridges on dune tops, as the drop on the other side can be severe. You must take care when crossing the tops of Dunes that you do not collide with another vehicle. A fix a flag to you front bullbar. Another feature of the Simpson, particularly in the central and eastern sections, is a series of clay playa lakes or clay-based pans, many of which have a salt crust. Where the track crosses them, take care to check the firmness of the surface even in dry conditions because the thin crust covers mud that is permanently soft. When wet, these lakes become impenetrable and vehicles often bog. Crossing the desert can be difficult after rain.

Damper was traditionally made in a cast-iron pot with a lid, called a "camp oven". The entire pot was either covered in hot wood coals or the camp oven was placed in a hole in the ground and surrounded with hot wood coals. It was usually served with tea made in a billy over the camp fire. Damper was originally made with plain flour, salt and water. Adding butter and self-raising flour came later on and gives a much tastier result. INGREDIENTS Two cups self-raising flour Two teaspoons baking powder Pinch salt Milk METHOD Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Mix in enough milk to make a soft dough. Form into a round shape and place on a well-greased and floured tray. Place in the preheated camp oven and cook for about 30 minutes.