Walking with purpose - A walk on the Wild Side with Camels

Walking through the desert with pack camels offers a truly unique and transformative experience. The journey is slow and mindful, where you walk quietly across the desert, with the camels following behind, offering a steady, calming rhythm throughout the day.

Our treks honour the deep history of camel transport in Outback Australia, tracing back to the Afghan cameleers and early explorers who ventured into the deserts over a century ago.

2026 marks a milestone year for the Outback Camel Company - 50 years since Australia’s original desert camel-trekking enterprise first set out into the Simpson Desert. In 2000, Andrew Harper purchased legendary pioneering outback tour operator Rex Ellis’s camel trekking business, continuing the opportunity for adventurous travellers the chance to explore the vast Australian Deserts. In 2024, Andrew introduced a new, all-encompassing brand: Great Desert Walks. This initiative is designed to inspire bushwalking enthusiasts and let them know that whether they join us on a camel trek or participate in an ADE Walking with Purpose survey, they can explore Australia’s remote deserts on journeys led by professional guides, offering a completely unique adventure. In conjunction with the Royal Geographical Society South Australia, Andrew is offering a special seven-day camel trek in the Simpson Desert from September 10 -17 ex Birdsville. 

In conjunction with the Royal Geographical Society South Australia, Andrew is offering a special seven-day camel trek in the Simpson Desert from September 10 -17 ex Birdsville. 

Expedition Details at a Glance. 

Maximum number of trekkers: 11 

Location: Clifton Hills Station & the Simpson Desert Munga-Thirri National Park 

Trek members: Up to 11 trekkers, 5 cameleers, 1 trek medic, 1 field ecologist, 1 historian/Aboriginal expert, 17 pack camels, 1 kelpie 

Itinerary:

• September 11 – 4WD Birdsville to Clifton Hills
• September 12 – start walking
• September 13, 14, 15 – walking
• September 16 – finish walking in afternoon (5 days walking with camels)
• September 17 – 4WD return to Birdsville 

Getting There Options: 

These are extra costs to join the Camel Field Camp ex Birdsville

From Brisbane: 

Fly Brisbane to Birdsville on September 10 with Rex. You also need to organise accommodation in Birdsville on September 10. Then on September 11 we drive in OCC 4WD’s from Birdsville to the camel camp on Clifton Hills. September 17 OCC 4WD’s to Birdsville accommodate overnight. Fly Birdsville – Brisbane Rex September 18.

From Adelaide: 

1. Fly Adelaide Roxby Alliance then Charter Wrights Air to Birdsville Sept 10 accommodate Birdsville Then on September 11 drive in OCC 4WD’s from Birdsville to the camel camp on Clifton Hills. September 17 OCC 4WD’s to Birdsville accommodate overnight Charter Wrights Air Roxby – Roxby Adelaide Alliance, Or
2. Vehicle: 4x4 Drive from Adelaide to Camel Camp 2 days one way 2 days return. 

More logistic details to be worked out with the group 

COST: Camel Trek 7 Days 5 Walking Days - Special Price $5,890 Paid by February 28 

To Register your interest and secure your booking pay $100 Deposit using the form below with final payment due February 28th 

Click here for a  map of the trek area

Contact: Joc Schmiechen Royal Geographical Society South Australia M 0409200450 jocs48@outlook.com