Simpsons Gap

Simpsons Gap is one of the most accessible and photogenic gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges, just a short drive from Alice Springs. A perennial waterhole, ghost gums, and red cliffs create a quintessential outback scene that captures the spirit of Central Australia. It’s a favourite spot for a morning or afternoon walk, with the chance to see black-footed rock wallabies sheltering in the cool shade of the gorge.

Highlights & What to See

• Gap Walk – An easy 1 km return walk along a sealed path to the waterhole, perfect for all fitness levels. The cliffs glow especially vivid in the late afternoon light.
• Ghost Gum Lookout – A short side track leads to a viewpoint with a classic white ghost gum clinging to the cliff – a photographer’s dream.
• Woodland Walk – A longer 3 km circuit through mulga and spinifex, offering a deeper sense of the desert landscape and its hardy flora.
• Wildlife spotting – Look for rock wallabies in the morning or late afternoon, especially near the waterhole. Birdlife is abundant, including zebra finches and honeyeaters.
• Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path – A sealed 17 km path from Alice Springs to the gap, popular with cyclists and walkers. It’s a great way to experience the range up close.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 30 minutes to 1 hour walking the Gap Walk and enjoying the waterhole. If you do the Woodland Walk or cycle in, allow 2–3 hours. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photography and cooler temperatures. The gap is a quick stop on a day trip from Alice Springs, but it’s also a lovely spot for a picnic lunch.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – The gateway town is 18 km east, with galleries, the Royal Flying Doctor Service museum, and the Alice Springs Desert Park.
• Standley Chasm – A dramatic narrow chasm 10 km west, best visited at midday when sunlight illuminates the red walls.
• Ochre Pits – An ancient Aboriginal ochre quarry 30 km west, with colourful rock layers and cultural significance.
• Ormiston Gorge & Pound – A spectacular gorge with a permanent waterhole and excellent walks, about 50 km west.
• Glen Helen Gorge – A deep gorge with a waterhole at the base of Mount Sonder, 60 km west, ideal for swimming in warmer months.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole – A large permanent waterhole surrounded by high red cliffs, perfect for a swim and picnic, 40 km west.

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