A New South Wales family of four has been rescued after being stranded in Munga-Thirri National Park, formerly the Simpson Desert, since last week.
Michael Thompson from Newcastle, his wife and two young children were one week into a school holiday trip when their four-wheel drive broke down near Poeppel Corner, where the South Australian-Queensland-Northern Territory borders meet.
The group, that was travelling with friends, notified police using a satellite phone, who tried to initially assist over the phone.
"It was a fair way out in the desert," Birdsville Police Senior Constable Stephan Pursell said.
"We tried to get [them] moving as best as we could and get them down to the Birdsville Track … but the vehicle got worse."
Senior Constable Pursell said the car's frame had bent at the chassis while towing a caravan and likely occurred while driving through rough terrain.
Poor weather due to Cyclone Ilsa in WA and rising floodwaters meant the rescue mission was delayed for several days.
Birdsville police and park rangers were finally able to travel 270 kilometres west of the town by road to evacuate the family on Tuesday.
Mr Thompson told the ABC the ordeal was a "good experience" and forced the family to enjoy the beauty of the outback.
"Just out there at night time, it was amazing watching shooting stars and satellites come over," he said.
The family, who are avid campers, said they were well prepared for the desert and could have survived another week if required.
"We had plenty of supplies including food and cold beers," Mr Thompson said.
"The kids were great, we played games, feeding the ants and having sand ball challenges to pass the time."
Senior Constable Pursell said the family were in high spirits and very grateful for the help.
"[They] had a coffee machine and an air fryer, so they were more than prepared — the kids were even playing games on the iPads," he said.
"He said he could have lasted quite a few more days but I think his wife was a little different — she wanted to get out."
The family's camper trailer was towed by friends to a nearby outstation, but the family's car had to be abandoned.
"[The car] will probably be there for another three or four months," Senior Constable Pursell said.
"All the water from north [Queensland] is going to be travelling through Eyre Creek in a few weeks' time."
If you're going bush, be prepared
The rescue operation is the second of its kind so far this year for Birdsville police.
In January, a man was rescued from the same location after his car became bogged.
The Outback Queensland tourism season kicked off earlier this month, and thousands more tourists are expected to descend on the desert this year.
Senior Constable Pursell is urging travellers to be prepared and weigh their vehicles before departing.
"A satellite phone is probably your best friend out here because we can talk to you directly," he said.
"[Rescue operations] are an issue because it costs insurance, our time, and the safety of people.
"Weighing your vehicle could be the difference between getting stuck or not."
Mr Thompson said the experience was "extremely unique".
"The people we've met here in Birdsville has imprinted on our life and something we'll remember for a very long time."
