SIMPSON DESERT and LAKE EYRE: From the colours of opals to the hues of ochre landscapes, this outback desert odyssey uncovers some sparkling diamonds in the rough. Coober Pedy and its moonscape surroundings, the painted desert with its colours laid bare by eons of erosion is contrasted by the oasis that is Dalhousie Hot Springs; a waterhole to punctuate Witjira National Park. The Simpson Desert is 10,000 square km of stony flats, wind blown sand dunes, claypans & saltpans - arid desert beauty and endless sunset skies. From Birdsville we head south along "the track" toward the northern Flinders Ranges which offer more travelling treasures along the path to Adelaide.