Belgian adventurer Louis-Philippe Loncke’s attempt to complete a double crossing of the Simpson Desert ended after 21 days. His journey began on July 31 from Andado, southeast of Alice Springs, with a 170kg cart carrying 90 liters of water and 22kg of food.
In the early days, Loncke faced equipment issues and the tough task of pushing his cart through soft sand and dense vegetation. By day 13, he decided to abandon his 1,060km double-crossing due to slow progress and safety concerns. Loncke turned back before reaching Birdsville, his original turnaround point on the eastern side of the desert. Instead, he opted for a self-extraction route toward Alice Springs.
His new route northeast offered easier navigation through lower dunes and onto a rough four-wheel drive track.
On Day 21, Loncke arrived at a cattle station, where he briefly lifted his spirits by enjoying his first beer since March. He was then driven back to Alice Springs.
A truck hauled Loncke and his cart back to Alice Springs. Photo: Louis-Philippe Loncke
Loncke reflects that while his initial goal had failed, it was in his eyes “simply humanly impossible.”
