Simpsons Gap: Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park
Simpsons Gap is one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
At dawn or dusk you may spot a black-footed rock wallaby along the walking track or near the permanent waterhole. You cannot swim in the waterhole.
Vegetation typical of the MacDonnell Ranges is found in the area, including large stands of mulga and over 40 rare and relict plants.
Several dreaming trails and stories cross at this important spiritual site.
There are many short walks that pass the native plants of the area, including ancient ghost gums, and to views of the range.
Simpsons Gap is also located on the Larapinta Trail and from here you can walk sections one or two.
Camping is allowed at Simpsons Gap for Larapinta Trail walkers only, at the designated camping area.
Get the Simpsons Gap fact sheet and map (1.1 mb).
Ormiston Gorge Ranger Station phone: 08 8956 7799
Simpsons Gap Ranger Station phone: 08 8955 0310
| Park sites | Access | Comments | Forecast opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park | Open | Substantial bushfire damage in the area. Follow all local warning signs, or direction from a ranger. Do not walk in areas recently burnt unless wearing sturdy footwear, in case of still smouldering embers. Do not camp near fire damaged trees. | |
| Birthday Waterhole | Open | Follow all local advisory signs. | NA |
| Ellery Creek Big Hole | Open | Follow all local advisory signs. | |
| Dolomite Walk | Open | Follow all local advisory signs. | NA |
| Glen Helen Gorge | Open | NA | |
| Hugh Gorge | Open | Follow all local advisory signs. | NA |
| Ochre Pits | Open | Follow all local advisory signs. | NA |
| Aranda Walk | Open | Follow all local advisory signs. | NA |
| Ormiston Gorge | Open | Follow all local advisory signs. | NA |
| Ghost Gum Lookout | Open | Follow all local advisory signs. | NA |
| Ormiston Pound Walk: Ormiston Gorge | Open | Follow all local advisory signs. | NA |
| Ghost Gum Loop Walk | Closed | Closed for burn offs in the area. | |
| Redbank Gorge | Open | NA | |
| Simpsons Gap | Open | NA | |
| Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path | Open | NA | |
| Serpentine Gorge | Open | Follow all local advisory signs. | NA |
| Serpentine Chalet | Open | Follow all local advisory signs. | NA |
| Larapinta Trail | |||
| Larapinta Trail | Open | All 12 sections of the Larapinta Trail are now open. Please note that a majority of the Trail has been effected by bushfire in January 2019. Please follow all temporary track markers. Please read our information on how to beat the heat in the NT and review the Current Conditions on the trail. | |
| Section 1 - Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap | Open | NA | |
| Section 2 - Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek | Open | NA | |
| Section 3 - Jay Creek to Standley Chasm | Open | Follow all temporary track markers | NA |
| Section 4 - Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole | Open | Follow all temporary track markers | NA |
| Section 5 - Birthday Waterhole to Hugh Gorge | Open | Follow all temporary track markers | NA |
| Section 6 - Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek | Open | Follow all temporary track markers | NA |
| Section 7 - Ellery Creek to Serpentine Gorge | Open | Follow all temporary track markers | NA |
| Section 8 - Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet | Open | Follow all temporary track markers | NA |
| Section 9 - Serpentine Chalet to Ormiston Gorge | Open | Follow all temporary track markers | NA |
| Section 10 - Ormiston Gorge to Finke River | Open | Follow all temporary track markers | NA |
| Section 11 - Finke River to Redbank Gorge | Open | Follow all temporary track markers | NA |
| Section 12 - Redbank Gorge to Mt Sonder return | Open | Follow all temporary track markers | NA |
All year round, but it is best to visit in the cooler months from April to September.
The turnoff to Simpsons Gap is along Larapinta Drive, 18km west of Alice Springs.
The Gap can also be reached by cycling 17kms one way along the sealed Simpsons Gap Bike Path.
You can do all of the following activities in the park:
- bushwalking
- wildlife spotting
- cycling
- ranger-guided activities.
Get the Simpsons Gap bicycle path (1.2 mb) map.
Camping is not permitted unless you are walking the Larapinta Trail.
Simpsons Gap has all of the following facilities:
- information signs
- ranger station - for emergency contact only
- picnic area
- public toilets
- drinking water - must be treated before drinking
- gas barbecues
- disabled access
- parking.
When visiting the park remember all of the following:
- stay on designated roads and tracks
- all historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected
- fires are not permitted - use the barbecues provided
- pets are not permitted in the park
- swimming is not permitted in Simpsons Gap.
You can have a safe and comfortable trip to Simpsons Gap by doing all of the following:
- observe park safety signs
- carry and drink plenty of water
- wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, suitable clothing and footwear
- avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day
- think about your health and fitness when choosing a walk.
Phone: 08 8951 8250
Last updated: 07 March 2019