Picturesque cliffs and a waterhole surrounded by bush mark the entrance to the West MacDonnell Ranges. Enjoy views back over Alice Springs and across the ranges.
As you drive from Alice Springs to the West MacDonnell Ranges you’ll encounter the majestic red cliffs and waterhole of Simpsons Gap. Located 18 kilometres (11 miles) from Alice Springs, it’s an easy day trip to the gap to enjoy short walks or the first few sections of the Larapinta Trail.
Hire a bike and ride the 17-kilometre (10.5-mile) bicycle track from Alice Springs. The relatively flat trail starts at the grave of John Flynn, who was renowned for starting the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Continue through low scrub with fantastic views of the ranges right up to the gap. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the path, especially if it’s been a cold night. Reptiles like to sun themselves on roads and tracks to warm up in the mornings. Black-footed rock-wallabies can be seen in the early mornings and evenings.
Cool off in the shade by the waterhole at Simpsons Gap. Swimming is prohibited, as the site is sacred to the Arrernte people. The Gap features prominently in several Dreamtime stories.
Listen for the chatter of crickets and the calls of honeyeaters. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the tranquillity.
Go to the Visitor Centre near the Gap for information on walks and wildlife. Learn about the spiritual importance of this area to the Arrernte people, who called it Rungutjirpa.
Take the 15-minute ghost gum walk from the Visitor Centre to Roe Creek. Learn about the ancient ghost gum and native plants by reading the interpretive signs along the track. For views over the gap and ranges, take the 1-hour Cassia Hill Walk. In winter the hillside is lit up with bright yellow Cassia flowers. Spend a full day exploring the Mulga woods on the 17-kilometre (10.5-mile) Woodland Walk to Bond Gap and back. From the cliff-tops you have great views of the MacDonnell Ranges and back to Alice Springs.
Drive to Simpsons Gap from Alice Springs. The turn off to the Gap is 18 kilometres (11.18 miles) outside town along Larapinta Drive. Camping at Simpsons Gap is only available for hikers on the Larapinta Trail.
