[2025 Ciccone ] Travel Guide for Simpsons Gap (Updated Apr)

#australiatrip Exploring Simpsons Gap, located just 18 kilometers west of Alice Springs in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, is a captivating experience that immerses you in the rugged beauty of Australia’s outback. This stunning natural gap, framed by towering red cliffs, is home to a permanent waterhole and a variety of unique wildlife, including the elusive black-footed rock wallaby. As you walk along the trails, you’ll encounter ancient ghost gums and over 40 rare plant species, each adding to the area’s rich biodiversity. The site holds significant cultural importance for the Arrernte people, with several dreaming trails and stories intersecting here. Whether you’re hiking the Larapinta Trail, cycling along the scenic bike path, or simply enjoying a peaceful picnic, Simpsons Gap offers a serene escape into nature’s splendor, providing breathtaking views and a deep connection to the land’s ancient heritage

✈️ We flew to Alice Springs, which usually requires a transfer in a big city like Sydney or Melbourne. Before you go, make sure you have your driver's license (a must for road trips), sun-protective clothing, high SPF sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle, as the UV rays there are very strong. 📍[Amazing Attractions] 👉 Alice Springs Desert Park: This is a treasure trove in the desert, open from 7:30 am to 6 pm. Here, you can learn about the desert ecosystem, see cute sand kangaroos hopping on the sand, and see all kinds of exotic desert plants. Walking through it is like entering a mysterious desert kingdom. 🎩 Adult tickets are about AUD 39, and there are discounts for children. 👉 Anzac Hill: This is a great place to overlook the panoramic view of Alice Springs. Standing on the top of the hill, you can see the whole city and the vast land around it, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the golden sunlight shines on the red land, a view you will never forget. 🌅 And it's free! 👉 Simpsons Gap: This is a gem of the West MacDonnell Ranges, with spectacular red rock walls and clear waterholes in the gorge. When the sun shines into the canyon, the light and shadow intertwine like a natural oil painting. Walking along the trail, you can also find some Aboriginal rock paintings, full of history and culture. 🕳️ 🍔[Alice Springs Cuisine] 🥩 Red Land BBQ: The BBQ here is great, with grilled kangaroo meat, which is firm and chewy, with a unique flavor. Don't miss the grilled crocodile meat, which is tender and juicy. 🥧 Aussie Meat Pie: You can buy it at a street shop, with a crispy crust and juicy filling, available in beef, chicken, and other flavors, a great choice for an energy boost. 🧃 There are also local specialty juices made from fresh tropical fruits, sweet and sour, and super refreshing. 🚗[Road Trip Itinerary] Day 1: Arrive and rest at the hotel, then go to Anzac Hill in the evening to watch the sunset and enjoy the city night view. Day 2: Go to Alice Springs Desert Park in the morning, spend the whole day there, and get up close and personal with desert creatures. Day 3: Drive to Simpsons Gap, hike and explore the canyon, and experience the wonders of nature. Alice Springs is a great place for a road trip, and its unique scenery will make you linger. Recommended travel time is 3–4 days. 💕

welcome to Alice Springs