Stage One of the 2005 itinerary NOW RELEASED

View the 2005 Trek Schedule

View the 2005 Expedition Schedule

2005 Trek Schedule | 2005 Expedition Schedule | Simpson Desert Expedition | Our Camels | Questions  Photogallery | Links | Contact Us

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The Outback Camel Company has been exploring the vast deserts of inland Australia since 1976 after successfully completing the first commercial camel expedition across the Simpson Desert. We continue to offer a range of unique and educational treks & expeditions travelling through some of Australia's most remote areas.

All our desert journeys are walking treks. Using a string of packcamels to carry all our supplies and equipment, we honour the tradition of the pioneering Afghan cameleers who played such a crucial role in the exploration, development and sustenance of inland Australia. The camel string is totally self-sufficient – there are neither back-up vehicles nor wagons – enabling us to travel almost anywhere, offering an authentic total bush experience. All our treks and expeditions embrace this essence of desert travel and exploration.

Active participation is essential. You will be asked to contribute to the operation of your trek or expedition and assist your crew with the day-to-day chores. The enriching experience of working with the camels  includes shepherding the hobbled camels in the mornings & evenings whilst they feed and, under the supervision of the crew, helping to saddle the camels and load the equipment. Your Outback Camel Company crew cook all the meals on the campfire but help from aspiring chefs is always welcome!

Our short treks range from 13 to 14 days, exploring the Great Victoria Desert in South Australia, the Gibson and Great Sandy Desert's in Western Australia and the Simpson Desert & Finke River in the Northern Territory. In western Queensland and the northeast of South Australia we operate treks that combine the dunes of the desert with the extensive waterholes of the Diamantina River and Eyre Creek. We vary our operating area and schedule from year to year depending on the seasonal conditions in each desert.

The ultimate Australian desert experience would have to be our Simpson Desert Expedition – a complete crossing of the Simpson Desert. This epic journey, the world’s longest and most challenging commercial camel expedition, takes 28 days to cross the over 1000 sand ridges from Old Andado Station in the Northern Territory to Birdsville in western Queensland.You do not have to be super fit - just well prepared for your journey. You will discover that the pace of nomadic life will re-awaken your senses as they become attuned to the life, beauty, diversity and moods of the surrounding desert. You will not forget the camaraderie, the seemingly endless vistas, the brilliant evening glow of the stars, the captivating serenity of the day and pure silence of the night, and of course the remarkable attributes of the camels.

The parallel dunes of the Simpson Desert

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'Tanami' - On Foot Across Australia's Desert Heart

Kieran Kelly's account of the Central Australian Expedition 2002 when he and Outback Camel Company owner Andrew Harper walked 750km across the southern Tanami with the objective of connecting the routes of 19th century explorers John McDouall Stuart and Augustus Gregory. Available now at Dymocks Online and a great read for anyone with an interest in Central Australia or if you are thinking about joining us for a camel trek/expedition.

Our renowned Simpson Desert Expedition, is rated by

as one of the ‘25 Greatest Adventures In The World’

Image courtesy of Ozkoz Australia

Our satellite communications are proudly sponsored by Telstra MiniSat

This site was last updated on August 29th 2004.

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2005 Trek Schedule | 2005 Expedition Schedule | Simpson Desert Expedition | Our Camels | Questions | Photogallery | Links | Contact Us