In this corner of Queensland, part of the Channel Country, you can find extremes of desert splendour. You will also be seeing the country the way the early European Explores, Burke and Wills and of course the Aboriginals, saw it a long time ago.

Besides having part of the Simpson Desert, there is the the Channel Country, covering more than 1.3 million kilometres. Consisting of ancient flood plains, flat land, when it rains has thousands of river tributaries that end up in Eyre Lake, South Australia. Usually, the water evaporates before that.

When it does rain, as it did recently, the whole region turns from dust to mud, then, as the waters subside, explodes with the flora and fauna of the Australian desert.

Simpson Desert National Park

The Simpson Desert National Park covers some 500,000 hectares. There are huge sand dunes to be found here, with heights of up to 30 metres.

If driving in these regions, you will usually need a 4 wheel drive. Always seek reliable local advice before exploring the remote areas.