Simpson Desert Travel Guide
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Built from 15 years of desert experience

Simpson Desert Packing List

Everything you need to cross one of Australia's most remote landscapes — vehicle setup, recovery gear, comms, camping, clothing, and more.

Simpson Desert Packing List

simpsondesertguide.com.au  ·  Built from 15 years of desert experience

01 4WD Vehicle Setup & Spares

02 Recovery Gear

03 Communication, Navigation & Emergency

04 Permits & Regulations

05 Camping & Sleep System

06 Food, Water & Cooking

07 Clothing — 2-Week Trip

08 Personal Care & Hygiene

simpsondesertguide.com.au  ·  For the full detail behind every item, get the guide.

4WD vehicle setup for the Simpson Desert

4WD Vehicle Setup & Spares

Your vehicle is your lifeline.

It needs high ground clearance, reliable suspension, and as little weight on the roof as possible. Top-heavy vehicles are dangerous on the dunes.

  • Tyres: Quality LT-rated mud-terrain or all-terrain tyres. Don't cut corners here.
  • Air Management: A heavy-duty air compressor and a multi-tyre inflation/deflation system. You'll adjust pressures multiple times a day.
  • Mechanical Spares: Spare fan belts, radiator hoses, fuses, fuel filters, and a comprehensive tyre repair kit with metal handles.
  • Tools: A quality socket set, fencing wire, zip ties, and duct tape.
  • Fluids: Spare engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and WD-40.
Desert recovery gear

Recovery Gear

Getting bogged in the Simpson is a possibility.

Having the right gear within reach saves time and sweat.

  • Traction Boards: At least two, preferably four. Quality boards rated for vehicle recovery — cheap ones break when you need them most.
  • Kinetic Recovery Rope: Safer and more effective in sand than a traditional snatch strap. Get a quality kit rated for your vehicle's weight.
  • Soft Shackles: Safer and lighter than metal D-shackles. Use them everywhere you can.
  • Long-Handled Shovel: Non-negotiable. You'll need it to dig sand away from your axles.
  • Jack: A 3-stage bottle jack with a solid base plate for soft sand.
Desert communication and navigation gear

Communication, Navigation & Emergency

There is zero mobile reception in the desert.

Your comms setup needs to be solid.

  • UHF Radios: A mounted in-car UHF is mandatory for communicating with oncoming vehicles on single-lane dune tracks. Bring a quality handheld UHF for spotting and recoveries.
  • Satellite Communication: Non-negotiable. You need a satellite communicator for two-way messaging, a PLB as a backup, and ideally a satellite internet connection for weather and route planning.
  • Navigation: Run dual systems — a quality 4WD navigation app loaded onto a tablet, backed up with state-specific topographical maps and a dedicated 4WD map book.
  • First Aid Kit: A comprehensive vehicle first aid kit, plus a dedicated snake bite kit.
Desert Parks Pass and permits

Permits & Regulations

You can't simply drive into the Simpson Desert.

Sort your paperwork months before you leave.

  • Desert Parks Pass / Permits: Mandatory for crossing and camping in the national parks.
  • Sand Flag: A highly visible sand flag mounted to the front of your vehicle is a strict legal requirement — it prevents head-on collisions over blind dune crests.
  • Firewood & Rubbish: Collection of firewood in the park is illegal. Bring your own. Carry a rubbish bag on your spare tyre — everything you bring in, you take out.
Desert camp with stretcher

Camping & Sleep System

Desert nights can drop below freezing.

Days can be brutal. Your sleep system needs to handle both extremes.

  • Shelter: Swags or low-profile stretchers are wind-resistant and simple. Rooftop tents are popular but add roof weight — factor that in.
  • Sleeping Bags: Quality down sleeping bags comfort-rated to at least -8°C, paired with silk liners for extra warmth on cold nights.
  • Sleeping Mats: Insulated mats with an R-value of R5 or higher. The cold comes up from the ground faster than you'd expect.
  • Lighting: Quality headlamps and extendable camp lights. Warm-toned LEDs attract fewer insects than cool white.
Fridge and cooking setup for desert travel

Food, Water & Cooking

Self-sufficiency is not optional.

Pack for your planned trip, plus a 3 to 4 day emergency buffer.

  • Water: Carry at least 5 to 7 litres per person per day in durable, split-safe containers. A quality water filter adds a useful backup.
  • Fridge: A reliable, low-draw fridge/freezer paired with a solid 12V dual-battery system. Lithium batteries with a DC-DC charger are the current standard.
  • Cooking: A fast water-boiling system cuts your gas use significantly. One-pan cooking keeps washing up minimal.
  • Food: Lightweight, non-perishable food is king out here. Quality dehydrated meals and vacuum-sealed ready meals save fridge space, weight, and power.
Desert camp clothing

Clothing for a 2-Week Trip

Breathability, durability, and odour resistance matter more than looks.

Merino wool handles campfire sparks far better than synthetic fleece, and goes longer between washes — both useful qualities when water is scarce.

  • Underwear & Socks: 5 pairs of bamboo underwear and 5 pairs of Merino wool or bamboo socks.
  • T-Shirts: 2–3 ultra-fine Merino short-sleeve shirts and 2 cotton t-shirts.
  • Long-Sleeve Shirts: 2 mid-weight Merino long-sleeve shirts.
  • Pants/Shorts: 2 pairs of cotton travel shorts and 1 pair of long trousers.
  • Thermals: 1 pair of Merino long johns for cold desert nights.
  • Warmwear: 1 heavyweight Merino or fleece jumper, plus 1 insulated flannel work shirt.
  • Jackets: 1 Gore-Tex wind/rain jacket and 1 light down jacket. Keep the down jacket well away from campfire sparks.
  • Footwear: Lightweight desert boots for driving and hiking, plus sturdy thongs or sandals for camp.
  • Accessories: A mesh fly net, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and optionally possum/Merino gloves for cold mornings.
Cooking in the desert

Personal Care & Hygiene

Simple, biodegradable, and water-efficient.

  • Wash: A good biodegradable wilderness wash covers body, hair, and dishes in one bottle.
  • Wipes: Biodegradable bamboo wet wipes are excellent for desert showers to conserve water. Burn them in the fire or pack them out — never bury them.
  • Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, SPF lip balm, insect repellent, and personal medications.
  • Toilet: A long-handled shovel and toilet paper. Dig at least 30 cm deep and burn your paper if conditions allow — dingoes will find it otherwise.

The Full Detail Is in the Guide

Every item on this list is covered in depth — what to buy, why it matters, and how to use it in the desert.

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