Simpsons Gap National Park

30,950ha.

Simpsons Gap was discovered in 1871 by a surveyor called Gilbert McMinn. The origin of the name (spelt Simsons Gap earlier in 20th C.) is unclear: it has no connection with the Simpson Desert. Until the establishment of the national park in 1970 the area was a huge cattle station which had suffered from overgrazing. The balance of nature has now been stabilized.

A visit to Simpsons Gap National Park is a good introduction to the topography of the western MacDonnell Ranges. Deep gorges, carved by prehistoric watercourses through the sandstone of the ancient hills, with permanent waterholes and remains of earlier vegetation, form a striking contrast to the wide desert-like plains and dunes. Areas of white sand, huge river eucalyptuses and white-barked ghost gums lead to a permanent waterhole in the shelter of rugged cliffs, which are particularly impressive in the slanting sun of late afternoon. To the Aranda tribes who live here the gorge is the home of their giant goanna ancestors. Immediately beyond the access road, on Larapinta Drive, are two huge ghost gums - a favorite theme of the Aboriginal painter Albert Namatjira.

The visitor center at the near end of the access road has interesting displays and informative material. There are rest areas (gas barbecues), toilets and drinking water.

Situated so near Alice Springs, the park attracts many visitors and is sometimes overcrowded.