Australia hardly needs any help when compiling a list of intimidating wildlife and its vast desert interior is no exception. The Simpson Desert covers around 68,000 square miles across the country’s arid heart. contains some of the longest parallel sand dunes in the world.
Summer temperatures can be brutal. In 2008, tourists were banned from a vast area after sand temperatures reportedly reached a blistering 95°C, hot enough to burn through shoes. Parts are now routinely closed during the hottest summer months.
- 8 deadliest deserts on the planet and some of the dangerous wildlife you’ll find lurking there
- What's the most dangerous, deadliest animal in Australia?
- It contains some of the world’s deadliest animals, from snakes to crocodiles – so why does Australia have so much dangerous wildlife?
Dangerous wildlife includes the mulga snake, one of Australia's largest venomous snakes, which can deliver large quantities of highly toxic venom. Urodacus scorpions spend the scorching days underground before emerging from their burrows to hunt at night.
The desert is also home to dingoes and Australia's largest monitor lizard, the perentie, which can grow to more than two metres long - the largest after the Komodo dragon. Despite its size, it generally avoids people and poses little threat unless cornered.
