Queensland, the Northern Territory and South Australia collide at the remote point on the map known as Poeppel Corner. Beyond to the west lies the French Line and wide-open desert. The Simpson Desert. Straight through to Dalhousie Springs from here is one of Australia’s most famous off-road tracks.

French Line, Simpson Desert

The Simpson Desert is filled with long dunes running north to south, they are the world’s longest parallel dunes, and are stacked in like ocean swells frozen in time. Like a big swell day they are relentless too, and our LandCruiser felt like a small boat crossing a large ocean, picking our way up and over one swell at a time.

French Line, Simpson Desert

The French Line is the most direct track across the Simpson Desert. It’s large, steep and wombat holed dunes also make it one of the toughest! The challenge of picking smooth lines made cresting dunes a blast, and put a smile on our faces all day long.

French Line, Simpson Desert
French Line, Simpson Desert

Following heavy traffic earlier in the season, the track was reported to be especially bad and after the bumpy QAA Line, many travellers were diverting to the smoother Rig Road to the south. We decided to stick to our plan and the French Line. We had plenty of time, fuel and water, so if we needed to go a bit slower over the bumps it wouldn’t be an issue.

The rough sections between the dunes did make the travelling slow, but they weren’t anywhere near as bad as we had anticipated, that’s not to say the odd smooth patch of clay pan weren’t welcome.

French Line, Simpson Desert

Stunning sunsets, glowing campfires and enormous night skies – if you haven’t camped in the desert you must. We had amazing campsites each night and it truly felt as if we were the only people in the entire desert.

French Line, Simpson Desert
French Line, Simpson Desert
French Line, Simpson Desert

Beyond the adventure, these types of trips are a short cut to simple living. There is a basic routine that feels entirely healthy. Pack tent. Make coffee. Check Cruiser. Drive. Navigate. Eat. Collect wood. Make fire. Cook. Relax. Sleep. No Wi-Fi and no worries.

French Line, Simpson Desert
French Line, Simpson Desert
French Line, Simpson Desert

As we approached the west of the desert the dunes became smaller and smaller before disappearing altogether.

French Line, Simpson Desert

Just beyond the dunes lies Dalhousie Springs, a truely impressive outback oasis. The tree lined banks are filled with birdlife and the clear waters sit at a magical ~40 degrees. We plunged in. The dust of the desert soaked away, far more picturesque and therapeutic than any shower. It was the perfect end to a big day of driving.

French Line, Simpson Desert

Refreshed we headed a few kilometres up the road to Mount Dare Hotel for a celebratory outback pub meal. What a trip. Simpson Desert – we’ll see you again soon!

French Line, Simpson Desert
    • Kaymar Rear Bar Toyota 76 Series LandCruiser

      Kaymar Rear Bar

      I recently switched to a Kaymar rear bar on my 76 Series LandCruiser, and in this piece, I share why I changed and my thoughts on the new bar. When...

      Kaymar Rear Bar

      I recently switched to a Kaymar rear bar on my 76 Series LandCruiser, and in this piece, I share why I changed and my thoughts on the new bar. When...

    • Madigan Line

      Madigan Line

      The Madigan Line ended up on my bucket list after my first Simpson Desert trip with Gen. We had headed down the Hay River Track to Birdsville and then back...

      Madigan Line

      The Madigan Line ended up on my bucket list after my first Simpson Desert trip with Gen. We had headed down the Hay River Track to Birdsville and then back...

    • Anne Beadell Highway

      Anne Beadell Highway

      On a whim, I decided I needed some desert time. I had my eye on the Madigan Line in the Simpson Desert and settled on the Anne Beadell Highway as...

      Anne Beadell Highway

      On a whim, I decided I needed some desert time. I had my eye on the Madigan Line in the Simpson Desert and settled on the Anne Beadell Highway as...

    1 of 3