Simpsons Gap

Simpsons Gap is one of the West MacDonnell Ranges' most accessible and photogenic gaps, a dramatic cleft in the rust-red quartzite cliffs that frames a permanent waterhole fringed with ghost gums. Just 18 km west of Alice Springs, this is where the outback feels both ancient and alive—listen for the call of the black-footed rock-wallaby at dawn, and watch the gap glow fiery orange as the sun sets. It’s a must-stop on any Red Centre road trip, offering a quick but profound taste of the region's raw beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Simpsons Gap Waterhole – A year-round waterhole at the base of the gap; it’s the best spot for reflection photography and a cool dip on a hot day.
• Ghost Gum Walk – An easy 1 km loop trail that weaves among iconic white-barked ghost gums and offers superb views of the gap.
• Rock-wallabies – Look for black-footed rock-wallabies sunning themselves on the cliffs, especially early morning or late afternoon.
• Woodland Walk – A short 500 m stroll through mulga and ironwood woodland, great for birdwatching (listen for zebra finches and honeyeaters).
• Sunset Viewing – The gap is perfectly oriented for sunset; the cliffs catch the last light in a spectacular display of reds and purples.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours here, which is enough to do the Ghost Gum Walk, enjoy the waterhole, and watch for wildlife. If you’re a keen photographer or hiker, allow half a day to also explore the longer Larapinta Trail section that passes through the gap (the trailhead is nearby). Simpsons Gap works beautifully as a short morning or late-afternoon stop en route to or from Alice Springs.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Alice Springs – The nearest town, with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the School of the Air, and the Alice Springs Desert Park.
• Standley Chasm – A narrow, sheer-walled chasm 10 km west; best visited around noon when light floods the floor.
• Ochre Pits – Ancient Aboriginal ochre mining site with colourful rock layers, 35 km west.
• Ormiston Gorge & Pound – A stunning gorge with a permanent waterhole and challenging hikes, 60 km west.
• Glen Helen Gorge – Another dramatic gap at the western end of the West MacDonnells, 80 km west, with a lodge and camping.

Please check official sources for current details.