Simpsons Gap
Western MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0872
One of the most striking features of the West MacDonnell National Park, Simpsons Gap is a cliff-lined red-rock gorge where tropical birds flicker in the gum trees and black-footed rock wallabies leap and play at dawn and dusk. It’s the starting point for a range of hikes and an important spiritual site for the aboriginal Arrernte people.
The basics
Visiting Simpsons Gap is free, and most people visit independently to take pictures or enjoy the many well-signposted hikes. The Ghost Gum Walk takes just 15 minutes and focuses on native plants; Cassia Hill lasts an hour and explores geology and plants; the Woodland Trail is a full-day, 11-mile (17-kilometer) hike to and from Bond Gap, another dramatic cleft. If you have no transport, look for West MacDonnell Ranges tours departing from Alice Springs.
Things to know before you go
- Temperatures in the Northern Territory can be scorching between October and April, reaching over 104°F (40°C). Check forecasts before planning a hike.
- At every time of year, be sure to bring water, a shady hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent, and wear shoes you can walk in.
- Some of the track is wheelchair accessible: enough to get a view of the gorge.
- The site has bathrooms, water access, picnic tables, and gas barbecues. But you’ll need to bring your own food and non-water drinks.
How to get there
Simpsons Gap is about a 15-mile (25-kilometer) drive west of Alice Springs or a 5-mile (8-kilometer) detour off Larapinta Drive down a paved road: a 4WD is not required. There’s no public transit, so most travelers drive themselves, although most tours generally visit here.
When to get there
Simpsons Gap is open year-round from early morning until late evening. Visit at dawn or dusk for the best chance of seeing wallabies in action. If planning a long hike, it’s worth visiting during the dry season (roughly May–September), when temperatures and humidity are lower.
Hiking the Larapinta Trail
Simpsons Gap forms the trailhead for section 2 of the Larapinta Trail. Perhaps Australia’s top long-distance Outback hike, the trail covers 138 miles (223 kilometers) of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Simpsons Gap is a relatively easy place to get a taste of long-distance bushwalking, not only because it’s close to Alice Springs. You can split the 15-mile (25-kilometer) hike to Jay Creek with a night at Mulga Camp, but note that fees apply, and campsites must be booked in advance.
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