Northern Territory · Attraction
Simpsons Gap
Ghost gums and ancient quartzite
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Simpsons Gap, Rungutjirpa in Arrernte, is one of the most accessible and visually striking entries in the West MacDonnell Ranges, located just 18 kilometres west of Alice Springs along Larapinta Drive. A narrow cleft through vivid red quartzite walls opens onto a permanent waterhole shaded by ancient ghost gums, where black-footed rock wallabies can often be spotted on the surrounding boulders.
The gap is reached via a short, flat walk of about 700 metres from the car park, making it suitable for visitors of all fitness levels. The early morning light turns the rock faces deep orange and is the most rewarding time for photography, while the wallabies are most active around dawn and dusk.
Simpsons Gap forms part of Tjoritja - West MacDonnell National Park and is also the eastern starting point of the 223-kilometre Larapinta Trail, one of Australia's great long-distance walks. A visitor information shelter at the car park provides trail maps and notes on the cultural significance of the site to Arrernte people, for whom the waterhole holds dreaming importance.
Entry to Tjoritja - West MacDonnell National Park requires a valid NT Parks Visitor Pass for visitors from outside the Northern Territory. The sealed access road and ample parking make Simpsons Gap a natural first stop on a day trip through the West MacDonnells.
Scenic views
