Simpson Gap Campground

Simpson Gap Campground is a serene bush camp tucked into the iconic red-rock gorge of the West MacDonnell Ranges, offering an immersive outback experience just 20 minutes from Alice Springs. This basic, no-frills site is perfect for self-sufficient travellers seeking starry skies, dramatic escarpments, and access to the famous Larapinta Trail.

Highlights & What to See

• Simpson Gap Walk – a short, easy stroll through a narrow chasm to a permanent waterhole, often home to black-footed rock-wallabies at dawn or dusk.
• Ghost Gum Lookout – a scenic trail leading to panoramic views over the gap and surrounding ranges, especially magical at sunset.
• Larapinta Trail Access – the campground is a key trailhead for day walks or multi-day treks along this iconic desert path.
• Stargazing – with minimal light pollution, the night sky here is a dazzling spectacle of the Milky Way and Southern Cross.
• Aboriginal Culture – the area is part of the Western Arrernte people’s country; look for interpretive signs explaining traditional uses of the landscape.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors stay one or two nights to fully appreciate the gap's tranquillity and nearby walks. Arrive mid-afternoon to set up camp and do the short Simpson Gap Walk before sunset, then enjoy a campfire dinner under the stars. Next morning, tackle the Ghost Gum Lookout or a longer Larapinta section before moving on. If you’re short on time, a single overnight stop still rewards with a memorable outback night.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Finke Gorge National Park – explore the ancient palm-filled Palm Valley, about 130 km southwest, best done as a day trip from Alice Springs.
• Ormiston Gorge & Pound – a stunning amphitheatre of red quartzite with swimming holes and a 7.5 km loop walk, 30 minutes west of Simpson Gap.
• Standley Chasm – a narrow, vertical-walled gorge that glows at midday, just 10 minutes drive east.
• Alice Springs Desert Park – an excellent introduction to Central Australian ecology and wildlife, 20 minutes east.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole – a popular swimming spot with a large permanent waterhole, 15 minutes west of the campground.

Please check official sources for current details.