Watti Watti/WhiteLakes Paleo Survey
Watti Watti/White Lakes Paleo Survey
Departure date:11 Day Survey - August 21 > August 31 2026, 1 day 4WD/9 days trekking/1 day 4WD
Departs from and concludes in: Birdsville, Queensland
Survey price: $8250 DesertSaver price if paid in full by December 23 $7838
Survey grade:
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Enroute to the Kallakoopah
In 2014, while walking on a separate follow-up survey to the Kallakoopah Creek, our palaeontologists eagerly investigated the edges of the small salt lakes we passed. Their efforts uncovered a plethora of fossils and bones, including remains of Genyornis, Diprotodon, sthenurine kangaroos, bettongs, fish, turtles, crocodiles, rodents, Crescent Nail-tail Wallabies, yabbies, mussel shells, and thousands of snail shells.
For this 2026 survey, our proposed route takes us along several small salt lakes, and we will use this opportunity to search for additional fossil evidence along the lake fringes, much like we did in 2014 (see photos below). However, it is important to note that we are unlikely to revisit any existing fossil sites - the purpose is to use our 2026 transect to identify new fossil locations if opportunities arise. For further details, you can read Dr. Aaron Camens’ field report on the 2014 paleo survey here.
On a secondary level, the ecological objective of this survey is to expand the search area of the previous survey (Watti Watti/Koomarinna) and, in particular, to look for evidence of the lesser and greater bilby as well as the plains mouse.
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​The 2014 survey confirmed just how much remains to be discovered in this remarkable area, and we look forward to returning next August. And it will b a long time coming: we had ambitious plans to revisit the area in 2020, 2021, and 2022, but COVID-19 travel restrictions forced us to postpone. Further attempts in 2023, 2024, and 2025 were thwarted by major flooding in the Warburton River.
Paleo 2014: The camel team traversing typical country, and trekkers search for more fossils. Photos - A Harper
Paleo 2014: Lunchtime camp. Photo - A Harper
On this survey, you will walk alongside our team of pack camels, accompanied by four cameleers who will serve as your crew for the duration of the journey. While technically not “tour guides,” our cameleers are, first and foremost, seasoned stockmen and women. They are experts in handling and working with camels, with a wealth of experience navigating the desert and deep knowledge of its flora and fauna. They also hold profound respect for the First Nations people who call this remarkable landscape home.
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Over the course of a 5 to 6 hour walking day (including breaks) you will cover approximately 8 to 10 kilometres. Our pace is set by the camels, as they navigate the dunes and other natural features of the landscape. The camels carry all your personal gear, leaving you with just your daypack and a healthy attitude. Everything else is best left behind!
This is a truly authentic Australian desert experience. Camels are the perfect cross-country vehicle, allowing us to travel far from roads and tracks, with no vehicle back-up. Campsites are selected based on the availability of camel feed, and we never camp in the same place twice.
As Australia’s only trekking company specialising in remote desert travel, you won’t encounter other trekking groups. Unlike the 4WD tracks that can become virtual highways of vehicles in winter, we journey into a silent desert landscape, far removed from the crowds.
All of our trips are active participation experiences. The cameleers will gladly involve you in loading and unloading the camels as much as you’d like to participate, with the level of involvement decided on a day-to-day basis.
Your assistance is also warmly welcomed with various camp chores at the end of the day, such as collecting firewood or helping to shepherd the camels as they graze. These tasks are part of the unique experience and foster a deeper connection to the rhythm of desert life.
What's included
4WD transfers to/from Birdsville to the Simpson Desert
All camping equipment - swags, stools, tents. You bring your own sleeping bag and eating utensils
All meals, though we do not provide snacks
LOTS of space...
RFDS Medical Chest and emergency communications equipment
Crew of 4 to 5 cameleers plus a trek medic and field ecologists from Flinders University
Desert Silence!
Trekking with an environmentally aware responsible business
(A detailed Survey Information Guide is sent to you when you book)
What's not included
Pre and post trek airfares and accommodation. You are responsible for arranging your travel to/from Birdsville and any accommodation. We can help organise this for you
Please look at this page How To Get To Birdsville
What else is recommended?
Travel Insurance. You have the option to arrange your own travel insurance, or you can contact us for a quote.
Where are we trekking?
The survey will be in the shaded area of the Simpson Desert, South Australia.
