Simpsons Gap

Simpsons Gap, a dramatic cleft in the West MacDonnell Ranges, is one of the Northern Territory's most accessible and photogenic natural landmarks. Just 18 kilometres west of Alice Springs, this sandstone gorge offers a quintessential outback experience with towering red cliffs, a permanent waterhole, and a surprising diversity of wildlife. It's a must-stop on any self-drive itinerary through the Red Centre, perfect for a short walk or a longer hike into the surrounding bushland.

Highlights & What to See

• Walk the 1.5-kilometre return track from the car park to the gap, where sheer quartzite walls frame a permanent waterhole that attracts birdlife and black-footed rock-wallabies.
• Spot rare black-footed rock-wallabies at dawn or dusk; the viewing platform near the waterhole offers the best chance to see these shy marsupials.
• Explore the Ghost Gum Walk, a short loop that weaves through a dry riverbed lined with ancient ghost gums and offers expansive views of the surrounding ranges.
• Pack a picnic and enjoy the serenity at the shaded tables near the car park, listening to the calls of zebra finches and honeyeaters.
• Extend your walk along the Larapinta Trail, which passes through Simpsons Gap; even a short section gives you a taste of this iconic long-distance trail.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend one to two hours at Simpsons Gap, enough to complete the main walk, watch for rock-wallabies, and soak up the scenery. If you're keen to hike a longer section of the Larapinta Trail or want to photograph the gap in the golden light of late afternoon, budget half a day. Combine it with a morning visit to Alice Springs or a stop at nearby Standley Chasm for a full day of outback exploration.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – the regional hub, with the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum and the School of the Air.
• Standley Chasm – another dramatic gorge with a short walk, about 30 minutes west of Simpsons Gap.
• Ochre Pits – a cultural site where Aboriginal people sourced ochre for ceremonial use, easily visited en route.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole – a popular swimming spot with a large waterhole and picnic area.
• Ormiston Gorge and Pound – a spectacular walking destination with a permanent waterhole and a 7.5-kilometre loop trail.
• Glen Helen Gorge – the western gateway to the West MacDonnell Ranges, with a historic homestead and a scenic gorge.

Please check official sources for current details.