Ron Moon

With over 15 years of desert travel behind him along with 20 odd
crossings of the Simpson Desert there would be few people more
qualified to write a guidebook on travelling the Simpson Desert
than Stephan Fischer.

Unlike most of today’s social media influencers who all seem to
know everything after they have crossed the desert once, (or so
they say or imply), Stephan Fischer has done the hard yards and
clocked up thousands of kilometres in and around the Simpson
Desert. In that time, he has grown to love the desert, its variety
and its beauty, while garnishing a wealth of experience and
information on how to travel in this arid, often challenging
environment.

Amongst the books 260 odd pages there is a vast amount of detail
that does pertain to desert travel in a much broader sense. What
equipment to take, how to handle first aid and emergency
situations, how to use water sparingly, how to overcome, or at
least make bearable, the very real irritation brought on by the
humble bush fly and a host of other subjects that pertain to
travelling the Simpson … or the Canning Stock Route or other
desert-like sections of country that we are lucky enough to have
in this country. There’s an extensive section on tyres and tyre
pressures (please take note) along with best momentum, throttle
control and gear selection that will make it easier to get over the
dunes – please ensure you use 4WD all the time!

Numerous links to selected and appropriate videos on Stephan’s
YouTube channel appear throughout the guide supporting the
written information and give you a better idea on how to tackle
many issues pertaining to a desert crossing, while adding a clearer
sight into of the conditions you’ll meet on your very own
journey across the desert.

I first crossed the Simpson in 1988 and have been back a number
of times since but on reading this guide I picked up a lot of
interesting info on the routes across the desert and the points of
interest and attractions along the way – you’ll be pleasantly
surprised on the variety you’ll find out in amongst the seemingly
endless dunes.

Finally, there’s a recommended reading list for you to get even
more enjoyment out of your desert sojourn whether it is your
first or thirtieth, while an extensive gear list will set you on the
correct course from the clothes you wear to the best UHF radio to
install in your vehicle and everything else you require for an
enjoyable and safe desert journey.