Waterhole winding between towering red-orange rock walls at Simpsons Gap, or Rungutjirpa, in the West MacDonnell Ranges.

    Red rock gorge and waterhole at Simpsons Gap, or Rungutjirpa, Northern Territory, Australia.

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    Simpsons Gap

    Landmark

    Simpsons Gap is a narrow gorge in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, about 20km west of Alice Springs, where the MacDonnell Ranges are cut by a creek channel. The gap has high red rock walls, an intermittent watercourse, ancient ghost gums and a permanent waterhole, with several short walks providing different views of the gorge and surrounding ranges. These features provide opportunities for wide landscape compositions, rock-detail photography, reflections, and images incorporating trees, water, and human scale.

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    Gallery

    River red gums grow along the sandy creek bed beneath the red rock walls of Simpsons Gap.

    River red gums at Simpsons Gap, Northern Territory, Australia.

    A calm waterhole reflecting the blue sky as it cuts through dramatic, layered red-orange rock cliffs at Simpsons Gap or Rungutjirpa.

    Towering red rock walls framing a permanent waterhole at Simpsons Gap, or Rungut…

    Striated orange-red rock formations reflecting perfectly across the still surface of a scenic outback pool at Simpsons Gap, or Rungutjirpa.

    Deep red cliffs mirrored in the calm water of the gorge at Simpsons Gap, or Rung…

    Waterhole and eucalyptus trees framed by red-orange rock walls at Simpsons Gap, or or Rungutjirpa, in the West MacDonnell Ranges.

    Simpsons Gap, or Rungutjirpa, in the West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory,…

    Large, spiky green MacDonnell Ranges cycads border a reddish dirt walking path shaded by gum trees under a bright blue sky at Simpsons Gap or Rungutjirpa.

    Ancient MacDonnell Ranges cycads lining the dusty walking trail at Simpsons Gap,…

    A lone hiker with a backpack is dwarfed by immense, rugged red rock walls rising high on either side at Simpsons Gap, or Rungutjirpa.

    Towering ochre cliffs dwarfing a lone hiker walking towards the waterhole at Sim…

    A weathered tree trunk on dry sand, lies between massive orange-red cliffs under a cloudy sky at Simpsons Gap, or Rungutjirpa, Northern Territory, Australia.

    An arid summer landscape showcasing a dry, sandy riverbed flanked by massive red…

    River red gums grow along the sandy creek bed beneath the red rock walls of Simpsons Gap.

    River red gums at Simpsons Gap, Northern Territory, Australia.

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Short Walk

    15–45 min

    Elevation Gain

    5 m

    Best Light

    Morning
    Golden Hour

    Low-angle light reveals relief and texture on the gorge walls, while longer shadows add depth around the creek, trees, and rock formations.

    Why This Light

    Low-Angle Relief

    Season

    Seasonally Distinct

    Summer brings intense heat, occasional rainfall ,and greener vegetation around the creek and waterhole. Winter brings drier vegetation, clearer skies, and stronger colour, together with shadow definition across the red rock walls and surrounding ranges.

    Crowds

    Busy Sunrise/Sunset

    Restrictions

    Fee Common
    Drone Often Restricted

    The park requires an NT Parks Visitor Pass. Note: Parks can close at short notice due to conditions such as bushfires or flooding, and current information specifically notes possible temporary closures associated with prescribed burning. Simpsons Gap is reached via a sealed access road from Larapinta Drive, with parking near the walking tracks and a short marked walk to the gap. Swimming is not permitted, and drone use requires a permit and is subject to conditions. Additional walks include the Ghost Gum Walk, Cassia Hill Walk, and Woodland Trail. Check current park status and temporary closures before travel.

    Photography Notes

    The main gap provides a natural composition of red rock walls, pale creek bed, ghost gums, and water. Use a wide-angle lens from the creek approach to show the relationship between the narrow gorge and surrounding ranges, while a standard or short telephoto lens can isolate rock textures, tree forms, and the waterhole. Include people where appropriate to establish scale. Cassia Hill provides an elevated view across the range and Simpsons Gap area. At dawn or dusk, the area can also provide opportunities to photograph black-footed rock-wallabies along the walking track or near the waterhole.
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