Big Red, or Nappanerica, is the famous red dune west of Birdsville and the symbolic start of the Simpson Desert crossing. It rises about 40 metres above the surrounding country, with tracks up the face for high-clearance 4WDs and broad views across the long parallel dunes beyond.
Come late in the day if you can. The sand deepens in colour as the sun drops, and even if you are not driving the desert track, the top of the dune gives you the scale of the country in one clear look. The road out is sealed most of the way, but conditions change quickly after rain.