View full trip gallery here

A claypan holds a film of water after rain. Photo: David Nelson

As we got out of the air-conditioned vehicles for a break on the drive through the channel country, we exchanged nervous glances as we felt just how incredibly hot the wind blowing into our faces felt. To either the first time volunteers or seasoned desert veterans, the heat was a shock. A record-breaking heat wave was punishing western Queensland at the time, with 11 straight days above 40°. What sort of trip had we committed ourselves to? Continue reading →

As winter 2013 approaches, another team of Desert Ecology Research Group (DERG) staff and volunteers has returned from the Simpson to wash the red dust, diesel and olive oil stains from their clothing and pluck stubborn spinifex spines from their skin. It was a bumper trip, both in terms of the number of vehicles and attendees present and the work completed, though it’s definitely a ‘bust’ season out there.

Group induction at Main Camp. Photo: David Nelson

Five vehicles (four DERG Hiluxes and Tom’s Landcruiser ute) carrying 22 passengers made their way through the gate onto Ethabuka on the 5^th April, after an uneventful drive from Sydney. The amount of gear was considerable, including several large rolls of wire netting, wire and star pickets of various lengths, on top of the usual equipment. Continue reading →

Wedge-tailed Eagle. Photo: David Nelson

See the full trip gallery

On the local radio in western Queensland of late, tales of farmers doing it tough in the ‘drought’ are a familiar refrain. Rainfall in the region has been patchy at best, with some areas experiencing relief in the form of rain, while others endure the dry. Conditions around our study area in the Simpson Desert reflect this same scenario. On most of Ethabuka, where our Main Camp is located, little rain has fallen. Other parts of the study area have fared better this year, resulting in much more favourable conditions for flora and fauna. Continue reading →