How Much of Australia is Covered in Desert?
Australia, the world’s sixth-largest country, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, and a substantial portion of its vast expanse is indeed covered in deserts. Australia is home to a total of eight major desert regions. These deserts collectively account for about 18% of the Australian continent. Each desert is distinct, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, challenging terrain, and opportunities for exploration.
Let’s explore the various deserts that adorn the Australian terrain, and provide insights into whether you can visit them by road, what to do once you’re there, and whether you need a 2WD or 4WD vehicle for your desert adventure. Here are the main five deserts:
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The Great Victoria Desert
Spanning Western Australia and South Australia, the Great Victoria Desert is the largest desert in Australia and the fifth-largest in the world, covering approximately 424,400 square kilometres. Its vast sand dunes and stark beauty are a testament to the continent’s untamed wilderness.
Can you access the Great Victoria Desert by road?? – You can reach parts of the Great Victoria Desert by road, primarily via the Trans-Australian Railway or the Anne Beadell Highway. However, it’s important to note that some routes within the desert require a high-clearance 4WD vehicle due to rugged terrain and remoteness.
Things to do in the Great Victoria Desert
Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the Great Victoria Desert offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world. The clear desert skies provide a canvas for celestial wonders.
Bird-Watching: This desert is home to a variety of unique bird species. Bird enthusiasts can spot emus, wedge-tailed eagles, and other desert-adapted species.
Hiking and Camping: For adventurous souls, hiking and camping in this remote wilderness are truly rewarding experiences. Just make sure to be well-prepared for the harsh desert environment.
The Simpson Desert
Located in the heart of Australia, the Simpson Desert is renowned for its striking red sand dunes and remote allure. Covering an area of approximately 176,500 square kilometres, this desert offers a unique desert experience.
Can you access the Simpson Desert by road? – Yes, the Simpson Desert can be accessed by road, with the Simpson Desert Crossing being a popular route for 4WD adventurers. The desert’s accessibility by road makes it a favourite destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in its natural beauty. Pick up an Adelaide campervan hire or a camper rental Alice Springs (4WD of course), and then enjoy this wild trip of a lifetime.
Things to do in the Simpson Desert
4WD Adventures: Explore challenging desert tracks and the iconic sand dunes that characterize the Simpson Desert. The desert’s renowned “Big Red” dune is a favourite among 4WD enthusiasts.
Dalhousie Springs: Relax and unwind in the natural hot baths at Dalhousie Springs. These thermal pools provide a unique contrast to the desert’s dry, arid environment.
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Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls the Simpson Desert home, including red kangaroos, dingoes, and flocks of colourful birds.
The Tanami Desert
Stretching across the Northern Territory and Western Australia, the Tanami Desert is known for its rugged beauty and isolation, covering around 184,500 square kilometres.
Can you access the Tanami Desert by road? – To venture into the Tanami Desert, you’ll need to traverse the Tanami Track, a legendary 4WD route that cuts through its heart. This track, stretching over 1,000 kilometres, can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. Travelers should be well-prepared, as it’s remote and services are scarce. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is essential to negotiate the rough terrain and sandy stretches.
Things to do in the Tanami Desert
Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater: Visit the remote Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater, one of the world’s largest meteorite impact structures, and marvel at the forces of nature.
Nature Exploration: Encounter unique desert flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for the elusive thorny devil and other adapted species that thrive in this harsh environment.
Solitude and Vistas: Enjoy the solitude and breathtaking vistas that the Tanami Desert offers. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in the vastness of the outback.
The Gibson Desert
Covering parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, the Gibson Desert features sweeping sand plains and unique desert flora, extending over approximately 156,000 square kilometres.
Can you access the Gibson Desert by road? – While road access is limited within the Gibson Desert, you can explore the edges of this intriguing desert with a 4WD vehicle. This allows you to experience the desert’s unique landscapes without delving deep into its remote heart.
Things to do in Gibson Desert
4WD Exploration: While road access is limited, you can explore the desert’s edges with a 4WD vehicle. This allows you to experience the unique landscapes and dunes without venturing too deep into the remote interior.
Desert Flora: Marvel at the unique desert flora, including spinifex grasses and desert wildflowers, which can burst into a colourful display after rain.
The Strzelecki Desert
Found mainly in South Australia and southwestern Queensland, the Strzelecki Desert offers a mix of sand dunes, gibber plains, and unique wildlife, covering an area of around 80,250 square kilometres.
Can you access the Strzelecki Desert by road? – Yes, you can visit the Strzelecki Desert by road, with the Strzelecki Track being a notable route. This track provides relatively easier access compared to some of Australia’s more remote deserts.
Things to do in the Strzelecki Desert
Sand Dunes: Explore the desert’s sand dunes, which present opportunities for sandboarding and capturing stunning photographs of this ever-changing landscape.
Gibber Plains: Encounter gibber plains, characterized by vast stretches of polished desert stones. These unique landscapes are a sight to behold.
Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for the desert’s unique wildlife, including the endangered greater bilby and various reptile species.
Each of these deserts in Australia offers its own distinctive charm and challenges, making them prime destinations for adventurous travellers seeking to explore the raw and untouched beauty of the outback. Whether you’re drawn to the vast dunes of the Simpson Desert or the rugged isolation of the Tanami Desert, these regions promise unforgettable experiences for those willing to embark on the journey.
