Check out this trailer to our latest DVD production, crossing the Simpson Desert along the Madigan Line. Madigan is known as Australia’s last classic explorer, because of his 1939 crossing of the Simpson Desert by camel. We’re following his crossing, all the way from Old Andado to Birdsville, in 4X4.
Click here to watch the full-length feature video
This DVD Documentary is available with Issue 018 of Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures magazine, which is available through subscription at our [x_button shape=”square” size=”mini” float=”none” href=”https://www.mr4x4.com.au/product-category/subscription-offers/” target=”blank” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”]ONLINE STORE[/x_button], or through quality newsagents. We recommend you subscribe, to avoid disappointment!
2 comments
Hi Pat,
I am thinking of doing the Colson Track from the French Line to Madigan Line Camp 5, with two other cars, in July this year. We intend to travel west, across to Old Andado, via Mac Clark’s. How difficult are the dunes going this way, compared to the French Line going to Birdsville? We will not be towing and are driving Toyota Lancruiser V8 Cab Chassis. We have applied to the Central Land Council for permits. Hope you are able to provide us with some information. Many thanks, Bob.
G’day Bob,
The dunes at the western edge of the Madigan Line are a bit more challenging than the French Line in a couple of respects: The sand when we went through was a little softer, and there are sometimes bends and ruts to contend with that means you can’t (and shouldn’t) rely on momentum to get up them. Tyre pressures are king! If you aren’t towing but are fairly loaded, I’d take your LandCruiser pressures down to 15psi. Avoid sharp cornering, and you’ll be able to float over the sand a bit better. Use the low-rev torque you have, rather than the outright power. If you get in trouble, take a few more psi out and be gentler with your throttle and steering inputs. You’ll be fine!
Sam