Mercedes Mullins
The Simpson Desert is a 400km+ journey through the centre of Australia, which can be completed in 4 days. It is a challenging route, with many sand dunes and rough, corrugated roads. As such, it is important to plan ahead and calculate how much fuel you will need. The amount of fuel required depends on the vehicle and its fuel consumption, the distance travelled, and the conditions. For example, one source suggests that a Mazda BT50 ute with a 70-litre tank can achieve a range of 650-700 km at moderate speeds on gravel roads. Another source states that their Toyota Land Cruiser had a fuel consumption of 20-21 litres per 100 km, and they needed to calculate their range accordingly. Therefore, it is essential to understand your vehicle's fuel economy and the specific route you will be taking to determine the amount of fuel needed for the Simpson Desert crossing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance | 400+ km |
| Time | 4 days |
| Fuel Consumption | 20-22 litres/100 km |
| Fuel Range | 590-764 km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70-130 litres |
| Additional Fuel | 80 litres (in jerry cans) |
| Last Fuel Stop | Mount Dare |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel consumption calculations
When planning a trip to the Simpson Desert, it is important to consider the unique terrain you will encounter, including sand dunes and corrugated roads, which will impact your fuel efficiency. These conditions will generally result in slower driving speeds and higher fuel consumption. Therefore, it is advisable to calculate your fuel needs based on a conservative estimate of your vehicle's fuel efficiency in such conditions.
For example, let's say your vehicle typically consumes 17 litres per 100 kilometres on highways or regular roads. However, due to the challenging terrain of the Simpson Desert, you estimate that your fuel efficiency will decrease to 20 litres per 100 kilometres. Using this estimate, you can calculate your vehicle's range for the trip. If your vehicle has a fuel tank capacity of 130 litres, your range would be approximately 650 kilometres (130 litres / 20 litres per 100 kilometres).
However, it is important to note that the last 5 to 10 litres of fuel in your tank may not be as effective while the vehicle is in motion, so it is generally advisable to subtract this amount from your calculated range to ensure you don't run out of fuel. In this case, your safe range would be closer to 600 kilometres. Additionally, it is always recommended to carry extra fuel in jerry cans to account for unexpected delays or detours.
Some travellers have shared their experiences and calculations for crossing the Simpson Desert. One traveller with a Mazda BT50 ute, which typically offers a range of 650 to 700 kilometres at moderate speeds on gravel roads, planned to bring 80 litres of extra fuel for the crossing. Another traveller with a 1999 petrol V6 Land Cruiser, intending to travel from west to east, had a total fuel capacity of about 275 litres, including a 175-litre long-range tank and 200 litres securely stored on the roof. This traveller was concerned about finding petrol stations in the Outback and wanted to ensure they had sufficient fuel for the journey.
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Where to fill up
When planning a trip to cross the Simpson Desert, it is important to know where to fill up on fuel. The Simpson Desert is a remote area, and fuel stops are limited. The longest section between fuel stops is 500-600 kilometres.
Birdsville is a common place to fill up before crossing the Simpson Desert. It is located at the eastern edge of the desert. Those travelling from west to east can fill up at Oodnadatta, Mt. Dare, or Birdsville. Mt. Dare Hotel is one of the most remote outback pubs on the continent and the last outpost of civilization for those entering the Simpson Desert. For those finishing the crossing on the French and QAA routes, Mt. Dare is a popular place to celebrate.
If you are travelling from west to east, it is recommended to fill up at Kulgera and then again in Birdsville via the Rig Road. The distance between these stops is 979 kilometres.
It is important to note that roof racks and the roof of your vehicle will have a weight limit. Check your manufacturer's recommendations and do not exceed this limit. Every litre of fuel weighs just under a kilogram, so it is important to consider the weight of your fuel when planning your trip. It is recommended to fill up your jerry cans at the last possible opportunity and empty them into your tank as soon as possible to reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle.
In addition to fuel, it is essential to carry other essential fluids such as engine oil, gear oil, brake fluid, and coolant. It is also a good idea to bring extra water in case of breakdown or bad weather.
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How much fuel to carry
The amount of fuel you should carry when crossing the Simpson Desert depends on a variety of factors, including the type of vehicle, the route taken, and the weather conditions. Here is some information to help you determine how much fuel to carry:
First, it is important to understand your vehicle's fuel consumption rate under different conditions. Calculate your vehicle's fuel consumption rate by dividing the total fuel used by the distance travelled. For example, if your vehicle uses 17 litres of fuel to travel 100 kilometres, your consumption rate is 17 litres per 100 kilometres.
Next, consider the distance you plan to cover in the Simpson Desert. The distance can vary depending on the route chosen. The French Line, for instance, is the most direct and popular route, but it can be rough due to high traffic. Other routes include the Madigan Line and the QAA Line. The total distance travelled on these routes can range from around 400 kilometres to 550 kilometres.
Now, you can estimate the amount of fuel required by multiplying your vehicle's fuel consumption rate by the expected distance travelled. For example, if your vehicle consumes 20 litres per 100 kilometres and you plan to travel 500 kilometres, you will need approximately 100 litres of fuel.
It is always recommended to carry extra fuel to account for unexpected situations or changes in conditions. In the Simpson Desert, fuel consumption can vary due to factors such as sand dunes, rough roads, and weather conditions. Carrying extra fuel provides a safety buffer and ensures you don't run out of fuel in remote areas.
Some travellers have shared their experiences and recommendations online. One traveller with a Mazda BT50 ute planned to carry 80 litres of extra fuel in jerry cans for the crossing, in addition to the vehicle's 70-litre tank. Another traveller with a 1999 petrol Land Cruiser planned to have a total of about 475 litres of fuel, including a 175-litre long-range tank and 200 litres of spare fuel.
By considering your vehicle's fuel consumption, the distance to be travelled, and the potential for variable conditions, you can make an informed decision about how much fuel to carry when crossing the Simpson Desert. Remember to always err on the side of caution and ensure you have sufficient fuel for your journey.
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Fuel tank capacity
The amount of fuel required to cross the Simpson Desert depends on several factors, including the vehicle's fuel consumption, the distance travelled, and the terrain conditions. It is recommended to always be on the conservative side and carry extra fuel when embarking on such journeys.
For example, a Mazda BT50 ute with a 70-litre tank typically offers a range of 650-700 kilometres at moderate speeds on gravel roads. For a Simpson Desert crossing, the driver planned to carry an additional 80 litres of fuel in jerry cans.
A 76 Series Toyota Land Cruiser with a 130-litre stock fuel tank and below-average fuel consumption due to its V8 engine was used for another crossing. They calculated their range by dividing their total fuel by their consumption per 100 kilometres and multiplying by 100 (130/17 x 100), resulting in an approximate range of 764 kilometres. However, considering the last 5 to 10 litres of fuel may not be as effective, a more conservative range estimate would be around 700 kilometres.
For a five-day trip in the Simpson Desert, the fuel consumption was calculated to be 20 to 21 litres per 100 kilometres. The total distance travelled was approximately 550 kilometres.
Additionally, a 1999 petrol Land Cruiser with a 175-litre long-range tank and 200 litres of spare fuel was considered sufficient for a west-to-east crossing via the French Line. Mount Dare is mentioned as the last stop for fuel before entering the desert.
It is important to note that factors such as tyre pressure, sand conditions, and bush dodging can impact fuel consumption and should be considered when planning fuel requirements for the Simpson Desert crossing.
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Fuel usage and planning
Understanding Fuel Consumption:
Firstly, it's important to know your vehicle's fuel consumption rate under different conditions. Calculate your vehicle's fuel consumption per 100 kilometres, taking into account factors such as the type of terrain, the weight of your vehicle, and the speed at which you plan to travel. This information will be crucial for estimating your fuel needs accurately.
Determining Your Range:
Once you know your fuel consumption rate, you can calculate your vehicle's range, which is how far it can travel on a full tank of fuel. For example, if your vehicle consumes 17 litres per 100 kilometres and you have a full tank of 130 litres, your range would be approximately 764 kilometres. However, it's important to note that the last 5 to 10 litres of fuel may not be usable while your vehicle is in motion, so it's safer to estimate a range of around 700 kilometres.
Planning for the Simpson Desert:
When planning your trip across the Simpson Desert, consider the unique challenges posed by the terrain. You'll encounter sand dunes, rough roads, and corrugated tracks that will slow down your progress. These conditions can increase your fuel consumption, so it's essential to factor them into your calculations. Estimate your expected fuel consumption specifically for this trip, considering the distance you plan to cover and the type of terrain you'll be navigating.
Calculating Fuel Requirements:
Use your estimated fuel consumption rate for the Simpson Desert conditions to calculate how much fuel you will need for the entire journey. Consider the total distance you plan to cover and whether there are any fuel refill stations along the way. Mount Dare, for instance, is noted as a stop for fuel and water before entering the desert. Additionally, some travellers opt to carry extra fuel in jerry cans to ensure they have sufficient fuel reserves.
Contingency Planning:
Always plan for the unexpected. It's advisable to carry extra fuel to account for potential delays, detours, or unforeseen challenges. Mechanical issues, getting stuck in sand, or encountering rough terrain can all impact your fuel efficiency. Having a generous fuel reserve provides peace of mind and allows you to assist others in need. Remember, it's better to have more fuel than you need than to run out in a remote area.
Crossing the Simpson Desert is an adventure that requires thorough preparation, especially when it comes to fuel planning. By understanding your vehicle's fuel consumption, calculating your range, and considering the unique challenges of the desert, you can ensure you have sufficient fuel for a safe and memorable journey.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel you need depends on your vehicle's fuel consumption, the distance travelled, and the conditions. For example, if your consumption is 17 litres per 100 km and you have 130 litres of fuel, your range is approximately 764 km. However, considering the last 5 to 10 litres of fuel may not be usable, it is safer to estimate a range of 700 km.
The French Line is the most direct and popular route, but it can become rough due to high traffic. The Madigan Line and the QAA Line are also options for crossing the Simpson Desert.
Mount Dare is the last stop for fuel and water before entering the desert. It is also where you can pick up a Desert Parks Pass, which grants access to the Simpson Desert Conservation Area and other national parks in the region.
