Description
Simpson Desert Hay River Track 8 Day 4WD Tag-Along Tour 🏜️🚙
If you want a Simpson trip with a twist, this is it. Join the Adrenalin Off-Road crew on an 8 day Hema Maps tag-along adventure that takes you beyond the usual lines on the map, following the Hay River Track through some of Australia’s most remote and breathtaking desert country.
Start with the iconic outback energy of Birdsville (yes, we’ll still tackle Big Red), then slip into a less-travelled route across the Simpson where the scenery keeps changing and the crowds disappear. As we emerge from the desert, the landscape flips again into the rugged beauty of the East MacDonnell Ranges, with hidden gorges, waterholes and big-station country on the run toward a remote finish near Alice Springs.
Camp under ridiculous stars, travel in a safe convoy, and swap stories around the fire with a crew who came for the same reason: proper outback adventure. 🧡
🧭 Quick Tour Facts
- Duration: 8 days | 8 nights
- Location: Central Australia
- Skill level: Beginner / Intermediate
- Style: Self-drive 4WD tag-along convoy
- Accommodation: Remote camping + outback stays
- Trip type: Long range desert touring + remote station country
📅 Upcoming Tour Dates
- 27 May – 4 June 2027
- 19 August – 27 August 2027
Places are strictly limited to keep the group small and the experience personal.
💰 Tour Pricing
- Driver / Vehicle: $1,999 – $2,199
- Passenger (Adult): $549
- Passenger 12 & under: $249
All prices are per person.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Hay River Track Adventure
- A less-travelled Simpson route with incredible scenery changes you won’t get on standard crossings.
- Tick off Big Red and soak up the iconic Birdsville outback atmosphere.
- Travel the remote Hay River Track through truly wild desert country.
- Finish with the rugged beauty of the East MacDonnell Ranges, including gorges and waterholes.
- Fully guided convoy travel with an experienced team, support vehicle and satellite communications.
- Photos & video of your vehicle tackling the tracks included, conditions permitting.
- Campfire set up and classic outback nights under the stars.
⭐ Tour Highlights
- Simpson Desert – Remote dune country and endless horizons.
- Big Red – Tackle the famous dune and chase an outback sunset.
- Poeppel Corner – Stand where QLD, SA & NT meet.
- Birdsville Hotel – One of Australia’s most iconic outback pubs.
- Hay River Track – A rare route through the heart of the desert.
- East MacDonnell Ranges – Rugged ranges, gorges and dramatic cliffs.
- Fossicking – A bit of treasure hunting, outback style.
- Remote camping – New camp spot each night and star-filled skies.
- Like-minded travellers – A great group experience with people who love exploring Australia.
✅ What’s Included
- Accommodation and camp fees
- Dinner on the first and last night of the tour
- Desert Parks Pass & National Park fees
- Qualified 4WD Driver Trainer lead guide with 20+ years remote/outback experience
- Remote First Aid trained guides + extensive first aid kit with AED
- Support vehicle with emergency satellite communication & GPS
- Mechanical support
- Photography and videography package, conditions permitting
- FREE vehicle inspections at our Narellan store, bookings essential
❌ What’s Not Included
- Meals except the first and last night dinner on tour
- Fuel
🧳 What to Bring
- Sand flag (mandatory) – available to purchase from our shop if needed
- Basic recovery gear – snatch strap, rated shackles/soft shackles, shovel, recovery blanket etc.
- UHF radio (80 channel) – in-car or handheld
- Camping gear – swag, tent, stretcher or roof-top tent
- Camp chair + camp comforts
- Cooking gear, food and snacks for the trip
- Plenty of water & drinks for you and your passengers
- Clothing for hot days and cold desert nights
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, toiletries & medications
- Cash – EFTPOS can be unreliable in remote areas
- Packing list provided to booked customers
⛽ Fuel & Range
If you don’t have a long-range or auxiliary fuel tank, we recommend bringing 2 jerry cans of fuel. There are sections where distances are long and refuelling options are limited.
We’ll brief you on fuel planning before departure.
🚗 Vehicle & Driver Requirements
- Front & rear recovery points are required
- All Terrain or Mud tyres in good condition
- Sand flag must be used when crossing the desert
- Drivers must be licensed
- Vehicles must be registered and roadworthy
- Comprehensive vehicle insurance is required
- Camper trailers: strongly discouraged and may only be permitted by application
- Pets: not permitted due to National Parks
🙌 Who This Tour Is Perfect For
- Drivers who want a Simpson experience that’s more remote than the standard crossings.
- Beginner to intermediate 4WDers who want to learn desert techniques with an experienced crew.
- Adventurers chasing big dunes, remote camps and changing landscapes all in one trip.
- Couples, mates and families looking for a safe convoy and a once-in-a-lifetime outback journey.
📝 Bookings, Payments & Group Size
- Bookings: Essential – only booked customers can join the trip
- Group size: Strictly limited to 10 vehicles
- Minimum numbers: Tour runs once minimum numbers are reached (5 vehicles)
- Deposit: $500 non-refundable deposit per vehicle at booking
- Final payment: Due 6 weeks prior to tour departure
Call the shop on 02 4648 2085 to book, or secure your spot online.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior desert driving experience?
No. This tour is rated Beginner / Intermediate. We’ll coach you through tyre pressures, dune techniques and safe convoy procedures. A good attitude beats “expert” bravado every day.
Can I bring kids?
Yes, families are welcome. Children must be supervised at all times, especially around campfires, waterholes and vehicles.
Can I tow a camper trailer?
Camper trailers are strongly discouraged due to dunes and remote conditions. In special cases, trailers may be approved by application only. Contact us before booking if you’d like to apply.
Can I bring pets?
No pets on this tour as we travel through National Parks and sensitive environments.
What insurance do I need?
You must have comprehensive vehicle insurance. We recommend confirming it covers off-road and remote travel with your insurer.
How is safety managed on tour?
Your guides are remote first aid trained and carry an extensive first aid kit with AED. Our support vehicle carries satellite communications & GPS, and we monitor weather, track conditions and fuel range throughout the trip.
What happens if tracks are closed?
Remote tracks can close due to rain, flooding or other conditions. If a section is unsafe, we’ll use backup routes and alternate attractions while keeping safety the priority.
🧡 Ready to Take on the Hay River Track?
If you’re chasing a rare route through the Simpson with an unforgettable finish in the East Macs, this is your trip. Pack the swag, prep the rig, and join the Adrenalin Off-Road crew for a true outback adventure.
Secure your spot via the booking options on this page, or contact our team if you’d like help with vehicle setup and gear.
