Address & Contact
West Macdonnell National Park
Northern Territory 0872
Phone: +618 8951 8250
Email: N/A
Web: https://northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds/see-and-do/simpsons-gap
Located just 18 kilometres from
Alice Springs, it features the towering cliffs of Simpsons Range, a
permanent waterhole and opportunities to spot resident wildlife.
At dawn and dusk you might see Black-footed
Rock-wallabies along the walking track into
the gap. Vegetation typical of the MacDonnell Ranges is found in the area, including large stands of Mulga and over 40 rare and relict plants.
There are several short walks that pass the native plants including ancient Ghost Gums and/or with
views of the range.
Simpsons Gap is also located on the Larapinta Trail, a 231 kilometre walking track through the
West MacDonnell Ranges. From
Simpsons Gap you can walk Sections 1 or 2 of the trail.
Known as Rungutjirpa to the Arrernte Aboriginal people,
Simpsons Gap was the mythological
home of a group of giant goanna ancestors. Several dreaming trails and stories cross at this important spiritual site.
The turn off to
Simpsons Gap is along the Larapinta Drive.
The Gap can also be reached by cycling 17 kilometres one-way along the
Simpsons Gap Bike Path. Camping is permitted at
Simpsons Gap for Larapinta Trail walkers only. (See
Carpark for Simpsons Gap).