SUBAS ACROSS THE SIMPSON

In 1997, the Subaru 4WD Club of Queensland embarked on its annual "big" trip from Brisbane to Uluru (Ayres Rock), then Alice Springs and back, via the Simpson Desert (scaling approximately 1,000 sand dunes - including the infamous Big Red); a round trip of over 7,000 km covered in just 17 days. The club outing comprised seven Subarus and 2 non-Subarus.

The following is a summary of the trip. 

Incidentally, the next "big" trip will be to the northern tip of Australia - Cape York Peninsula - in October.

"Big Red Is Dead!" was the cry as all seven Subarus, which undertook the gruelling Central Australia Trip, powered their way up and over the sand dune known as "Big Red", just west of Birdsville. Conquering Big Red placed the Subas on the home stretch of an epic journey which would ultimately clock up in excess of 7,000 km in just 17 days, and marked a crowning achievement after months of effort and great expense, preparing the cars for the expedition.

On 21 Jun, the group set off for Uluru via Cunnamulla, Thargomindah, Innamincka, Marree, William Creek, Oodnadatta, Finke and Kulgera, either bush camping, or on a few occasions, staying in camp grounds of varying standards along the way. Routes taken included parts of the (new) Strzelecki Track, Oodnadatta Track and Stuart Highway; and took in such sights as Burke’s Dig Tree, Lyndhurst Ochre Cliffs, Lake Eyre, Mound Springs , Coward Springs and Lambert Centre - Australia’s geographical centre of gravity.

The Track To Lambert Centre                                              Lambert Centre Monument

Mechanical trouble struck early when Royce’s MY broke a torsion bar on Day 2 and had to play catch up after some lengthy repairs at Cunnamulla. David M, chauffeuring Danna’s mob, remained to assist Royce.

Further problems occurred on Day 5 when Arnold bent a radius rod in his L-Series not far from Charlotte Waters, but was quickly restraightened with the help of a passing railway crew in their track-wheel equipped Landcruiser. The delay enabled Royce and Co to catch up before nightfall.

First Stones ....... Later Sand !

The remaining journey to Uluru on Day 6 was uneventful. A full day was then spent at Yulara watching spectacular sunrises and sunsets, a teeth chattering climb up Uluru (Ayres Rock) for some, and desert walks or scenic flights for others. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) provided a spectacular sunset venue for dinner under the stars.

Kata Tjuta At Sunset                                             Uluru In The Desert Sun

We set off for Alice Springs on Day 8 via a two-day trek through Kathleen Springs, King’s Canyon (where we witnessed a real-life Priscilla performance by one of our own), Gosse Bluff and Palm Valley. A further three days were then devoted to taking day trips around the city and into the red centre; before setting off in the direction of home and the Simpson Desert.

Chambers Pillar

Heading South on Day 12 the group detoured to Chambers Pillar and then followed the old Ghan Railway line - a savagely undulating sandy track, and at times, enormously corrugated former railway bed that few would want to do twice. Turning West after again camping at Charlotte Waters, the desert loomed ever nearer. A final check of conditions and a refuel at Mt Dare and our goal was in sight.

Entering The Desert Proper

Eating Up The Dunes

After a relaxing swim in the very warm water at Dalhousie Springs and lunch at Purnie Bore, the first of approximately 1100 sand dunes of the Simpson Desert presented themselves. The Subas lept ahead along the French Line, gobbling up the dunes with ease. However, trouble struck early when Big John’s "Pie Van" suffered a terminal chassis break near day’s end, only 185km from Mt Dare. The breakdown ultimately caused the vehicle to be recovered by a third party and freighted back to Brisbane. Regrettably, Big John's insurance company declined to pay up (still a point of contention) so the cost of recovery and repairs to the vehicle had to be totally met by the member.

Rodeo With A Broken Back ..... Should Have Bought A Subie !

Co-incident with the Rodeo’s calamity, Danna’s Turbo Sedan also broke a rear shock absorber, but was skilfully repaired that evening by John P employing three batteries linked together to effect some bush welding.

Following a group meeting, it was decided that the Subarus would all press on through the desert, while Trip Leader, Ron P and family, driving the only other non-Subaru - a Hilux, unselfishly volunteered to remain behind with Big John and co-driver Michael until the Pie Van could be recovered. Following that recovery, Ron and family continued the desert trek solo, making an uneventful return to Brisbane some days behind the Subaru group.

The Subaru Caterpillar Winds Its Way Through The Desert

The Subarus, meanwhile, continued to eat up the dunes with little drama, save for sand stuck in several accelerators (full on), and David S tearing out both front strut mounts from as far back as the Pie Van site. He managed to nurse the vehicle all the way home in that condition and even had to contend with a broken torsion bar not far out of Dalby, which he also nursed home.

A Lunchtime Parking Spot

On Day 15, flooded Eyre Creek was crossed - the height having dropped to around one metre by the time we got there. And then, there it was - Big Red! It didn’t look that big at first, but as you approached, the 90m monster sand dune became more daunting. A number of large 4WDs were already there, some playing, some having serious difficulties getting up even the easy side - we were going up the hard side. But to the shock and disbelief of many of the big 4WD fraternity, all seven Subarus made it to the top under their own power - of course some easier than others, particularly the turbos.

Entering Eyre Creek ... Two weeks Earlier It Was 14km Wide

The Infamous Big Red ....

90m High and sand as fine as talcum powder ... Some big 4WDs couldn't handle it ! But every Subaru got over under its own power.

After Big Red, it was all down hill. A cruise into Birdsville, all cocky and with feathers fluffed up, and a celebratory session at the famous pub that night. The next day it was onto Charleville for a final camp out and then home a day late on 7 Jul - the desert leg having taken one day more than planned.

Birdsville Hotel ... A Famous Watering Hole

In a nutshell, that was our trek through the Simpson.

The "Deserteers" plan to put out a Special Desert Edition of Suba News in the near future, dedicated to the Central Australia trip. Full details of the journey, lessons learned and hints for trekkers of the future will be contained in that publication.

Participants on the trip were:

Ron, Glenys, Kate & Wade P (Hilux);

Royce J, Kaye & Zoe C (MY83 Turbo Wagon);

David M, Danna, Lee & Rebecca P (L85 Turbo Sedan);

Arnold & Pat S (L87 Wagon);

John McK & Michael C (92 Rodeo - RIP);

John, Jenny, Trent, Ashley, & Frances P (L89 Turbo Wagon);

David & Donalda S (MY84 Wagon);

Ben W & daughter Lavina (to Uluru) (L91 Wagon);

Danny & Beth W (L92 Wagon).

Danny Williams SC412