Simpson Desert closure

Australia’s Simpson Desert parks in Queensland and South Australia will be closed until March 15, 2009, due to projected temperatures in excess of 122°F. Such temperatures can cause fuel vaporization, tire blowouts and battery failure. There have been deaths in the region.

Violators will be fined US$657, and rescue costs will not be covered by the Australian parks service.

Contact Tourism Australia (GPO Box 2721, Sydney, NSW 1006, Australia; phone +61 2 9360 1111, fax +61 2 9331 6469, www.tourism.australia.com).