27-Jul-2001 -- We travelled west from Birdsville (population 150), Queensland, Australia into the Simpson Desert and over about 39 sand dunes (of 1140 across the desert). We did not intend to go all away to Poepells Corner on this occassion as that confluence has been done and we were seduced by a beautiful waterhole along the way. We made camp at Goonamillera waterhole, a beautiful and large waterhole with many waterbirds due to the recent rains in central Australian area.

Once base camp was established, we enjoyed three days in the area. On the second day we met Sam and the Outback Camel company who were walking in the area after leaving Birdsville five days earlier. We also enjoyed the company of a dingo that seemed to like scaring girls as they went to they bathroom.

To reach the confluence Laurence and I returned, after a not quite early enough start, back along the track towards Birdsville estimating at which sand dune we should stop and begin our 13 km journey to the confluence. We encountered two wild camels on the trip but few reptiles. We hoped to select the correct swale between sand dunes to save clambering over too many dunes as we had little time available. As it turned out we had to climb only one dune to reach this confluence. The sand dunes in the district curve slightly making our estimate a slightly more difficult one.

We struck out with water, compass, GPS map and other essentials for the confluence. In such a remote place the feeling of isolation and exposure to the vagaries of the desert is increased. We were about 50km from our buddies (Cheryl, Tegan, Jack, Peter, Aggie, and Helly) at base camp and the radios were well out of range.

After a long and arduous journey we reached the confluence late in the day. It was in the middle of a large gibber plain. The only feature in the vicinity was a large rock which may be seen in one of the photographs. We wondered if it was placed there by some much earlier visitor to the confluence. After a quick photo session we struck off for the return journey and did not return to camp until well after sundown where a celebratory red wine was enjoyed.

The demarcation line with Queensland is passing about 360 m north of the Confluence.