Overview
Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert National Park is Australia's largest national park at 3.6 million hectares—larger than Kakadu, Denali, Belgium, Wales, or Massachusetts, and four times bigger than Yellowstone. Established in November 2021, this remote outback park offers access to the Simpson Desert's parallel red sand ridges, gypsum outcrops at Approdinna Attora Knolls, and the unique Poeppel Corner where three states and three time zones meet.
Nature · Transit Hub · Trekking
Before you go
Money
No entry fees, but Desert Parks Pass required (covers 21 nights). All expenses are fuel and self-supplied goods. Nearest fuel and supplies in Oodnadatta or Birdsville.
Packing
Full self-sufficiency required. Bring: water (minimum 10L per person per day), esky with ice, sat phone, first aid kit, recovery boards, spare fuel, full-size spare tire, and all food/supplies for your entire stay.
Safety
Zero mobile coverage—satellite phone required. Bring ample water, esky, and first aid supplies. RFDS planes available for medical emergencies. Inform someone of your plans.
Transport
4WD with high clearance is mandatory. No 2WD access possible. Carry spare tires, fuel, and recovery gear. From Oodnadatta allow 450 km of rough track driving.
Weather
Park closes Dec 1–Mar 15 due to extreme summer heat (50°C+). Visit autumn/spring (March–May, September–November) for comfortable temperatures in the high twenties to low thirties.