Mount Dare

Mount Dare is a remote outpost on the edge of the Simpson Desert, famous for the historic Mount Dare Hotel and as the gateway to the legendary Birdsville Track. This is the real Australia—where red dirt roads stretch to the horizon, and the night sky blazes with stars. It’s a place for self-sufficient travellers who crave wilderness, outback hospitality, and a genuine sense of adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Dare Hotel: An iconic outback pub and roadhouse serving cold beer, hearty meals, and offering basic accommodation. It’s a social hub for travellers and a great spot to swap stories.
• Simpson Desert Conservation Park: The starting point for crossing the Simpson Desert via the French Line or Rig Road. Explore towering red sand dunes, gibber plains, and dry salt lakes.
• Witjira National Park: Home to the famous Dalhousie Springs—a series of natural thermal springs with crystal-clear water, perfect for a soak after dusty days.
• Birdsville Track: The historic 517-km route from Marree to Birdsville, with Mount Dare as a key stop. Drive sections to experience remote station life and stark desert landscapes.
• Outback Wildlife: Look for red kangaroos, emus, wedge-tailed eagles, and, if you’re lucky, dingoes at dawn or dusk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend one night at Mount Dare to refuel and rest before tackling the Simpson Desert or the Birdsville Track. If you want to explore the area properly—including a soak at Dalhousie Springs and a short desert drive—allow two nights. Plan your visit between April and September to avoid extreme summer heat.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dalhousie Springs: A 90-minute drive north, these thermal pools are a must for a relaxing dip in the desert.
• Birdsville: The end of the Birdsville Track, famous for the Birdsville Hotel and the annual Birdsville Races.
• Coober Pedy: An opal-mining town with underground homes and quirky attractions, about 400 km southwest.
• Oodnadatta Track: A historic route linking Marree to Oodnadatta, passing the ruins of the Old Ghan railway.

Please check official sources for current details.