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176,000 square kilometres of red sand and dust that straddles the intersection of three states , it is regarded as the planets largest parallel sand dune desert with an estimate 1,300 dunes that must be traversed if making a complete crossing . Some of the dunes are 200 kilometres long and reach a height of 30 metres .
The Great Artesian Basin underlays the entire Simpson Desert , a vast underground lake fed by rivers in the north of the country , the waters of which provide various oases with heated waters , a welcome attraction for any traveller . Yet these waters were to close the Eastern side of the desert and the best laid plans were put into action .
What is now a tradition , riders convened on the small outback town of Marree . Thirty-five riders and a dozen or so support crew saw the town ’ s population swell
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