WikiCamps Australia

Magnificent 7 Lone Gum Tree Simpson Desert Camp 2

Point of Interest

Contact

Rig Rd, Munga-Thirri National Park, South Australia.

desertparks@sa.gov.au

Description

Warning! Only self-sufficient visitors experienced in desert and remote area travel should explore Munga-Thirri and the Simpson Desert. In the dry heart of Australia, Munga-Thirri National Park contains part of the world's largest and youngest parallel sand dune deserts. The lone gum is a thriving Coolabah that stands alone alongside the Rig Road. The solitary tree, far from the nearest watercourse, generally grows in heavy clay soils. There is no other tree of its kind in the region, how it comes to be here still remains a mystery. Munga-Thirri National Park is closed from 1 December to 15 March due to extreme summer temperatures that can exceed 50 °C. Visitors must be well-equipped to cope with the harsh environment in Australia's driest place. Munga-Thirri National Park is very remote and help can be days away. It is critical that you are self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies. Vehicles are required to have high visibility safety flags attached to the front of the vehicle. A Desert Parks Pass is required to enter and camp in this park. You can camp within 100 metres of the public access tracks in the Munga-Thirri - Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and Conservation Park, but there are no facilities. Please camp with minimum impact and take all rubbish with you when you leave. Munga-Thirri National Park can be reached by high-clearance 4WD only. Sand driving experience is essential. Open fires are prohibited. Fuel stoves are recommended. Pets and generators are not permitted. Mobile phone coverage: none. UHF or HF radios and satellite phones are essential.