The Simpson Desert is Australia's fourth largest desert and the largest sand dune desert in the world, containing the world's longest parallel sand dunes. On the western side of the desert, these dunes are as high as 3 metres, and on the eastern side as much as about 30 metres.
The desert has no maintained roads, but there are tracks which were made in the 60's and 70's when surveys were done in the search for oil and gas. The tracks are navigable by four wheel drive, but without any services, extra fuel and water are necessary.
It's very hot with summer temperatures reaching up to 50 Celsius. It doesn't rain often and sand storms happen regularly. The desert dunes are a cornucopia of colour, with oranges, pinks, reds and whites on brilliant display.
The first non-indigenous person to cross the desert did so on camels in 1936 and there have since been several crossings made on foot. It's inviting and terrifying all at the same time, and is compelling to adventurous motorcyclists, some who have made it across the desert successfully and some who haven't been so lucky and have needed rescue.
Stuart Ball is the founder of The Great Australian Ride, raising money for a charity called Red Nose. He recently completed two crossings of the Simpson Desert in one week.
Sarah Taylor is a motorcyclist and paramedic, and a team medic for The Great Australian Ride. Sarah also recently rode through the Simpson Desert.
The Great Australian Ride: http://www.thegreataustralianride.com/
Red Nose: https://rednose.com.au/
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