Simpsons Gap
West MacDonnell National Park
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A number of scenic gaps pierce the West MacDonnell Ranges, one of which is Simpsons Gap; site of one of the most prominent waterholes in the region. The area is an important spiritual site to the Aranda Aboriginal people, where several dreaming trails and stories cross. At dawn or dusk Simpsons Gap is renowned as a place to see Black-footed Rock-wallabies along the gap's short walking track. Good examples of many of the vegetation communities of the MacDonnell Ranges are found in the Simpsons Gap area, including large stands of Mulga, and the area around the gap is a major stronghold for some of the rare and relic plants of the region.
Getting there:
From Alice Springs, head west out of town on Larapinta Drive (Red Centre Way) for 18km before turning right (signposted) and travelling 7km to the car park.
Maps:
Route/Trail notes:
A straightforward short walk in from the car park along the creek bed to the waterhole and back.
Permits/Costs:
None.
Other References/Comments:
This is just one of a dozen or more walks that are accessible along the 130km stretch of Larapinta/Namatjira Drive from Alice Springs to Glen Helen. Recommendation is to spend two/three days completing all the walks by taking an overnighter at the Glen Helen pub.
249 Simpsons Gap (GPX)
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