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.

Check if this park is open

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		-
Birthday Waterhole	Open		-
Ellery Creek Big Hole	Open		-
Dolomite Walk	Open		-
Glen Helen Gorge	Closed	Glen Helen Gorge is closed.
Glen Helen Gorge Walk	Closed	Glen Helen Gorge Walk is closed.
Finke River Two Mile	Open		-
Hugh Gorge	Open		-
Ochre Pits	Open		-
Aranda Walk	Open		-
Ormiston Gorge	Open		-
Ormiston Gorge campground	Open		-
Ormiston Gorge Kiosk	Closed	The kiosk is currently closed.
Ormiston Pound Walk: Ormiston Gorge	Open		-
Ghost Gum Lookout	Open		-
Ghost Gum Loop Walk	Open		-
Redbank Gorge	Open		-
Redbank Gorge Walk	Open		-
Simpsons Gap	Open		-
Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path	Open		-
Serpentine Gorge	Open		-
Serpentine Chalet C	Open		-
Larapinta Trail
Larapinta Trail	Open	Some parts of the Larapinta Trail were impacted by fires in 2019. Take care to stay on the track and follow temporary track markers.	-
Section 1 - Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap	Open		-
Section 2 - Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek	Open		-
Section 3 - Jay Creek to Standley Chasm	Open		-
Section 4 - Standley Chasm to Birthday Waterhole	Open		-
Section 5 - Birthday Waterhole to Hugh Gorge	Open		-
Section 6 - Hugh Gorge to Ellery Creek	Open		-
Section 7 - Ellery Creek to Serpentine Gorge	Open		-
Section 8 - Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet	Open		-
Section 9 - Serpentine Chalet to Ormiston Gorge	Open		-
Section 10 - Ormiston Gorge to Finke River	Open		-
Section 11 - Finke River to Redbank Gorge	Open		-
Section 12 - Redbank Gorge to Mt Sonder return	Open		-

Camping is not permitted unless you are walking the Larapinta Trail.

Simpsons Gap has all of the following facilities:

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
a permit is required for drone use – conditions apply and it must be obtained prior to your arrival in the park.

You can have a safe and comfortable trip to Simpsons Gap by doing all of the following:

Phone: 08 8951 8250

Last updated: 19 November 2019

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