Simpsons Gap is the first stop in the West MacDonnell Ranges and a great place to start your day exploring this beautiful region. It’s only a short drive from Alice Springs and makes for the perfect place to stop in for a walk and take in the stunning scenery.

From the carpark, it’s a super easy and flat walk to the main gap, which only takes around 10 minutes. The walk leads you along the sand of the dry riverbed, surrounded by towering red rock walls. Once you reach the end, you’ll be rewarded with a dramatic view of the cliffs on either side of the narrow gorge. There’s a waterhole here too, which adds to the beauty, though swimming isn’t allowed.

The colours of the rock face are especially magical in the late afternoon when the sun hits just right and the whole area glows in shades of red and orange. It’s also a really peaceful spot in the early morning before the crowds arrive. Keep an eye out for rock wallabies around the rocks near sunset as they’re often spotted here if you’re lucky.

It’s a great spot to take a break if you’re doing a day trip through the West Macs. You don’t need much time here, but it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Park entry fees apply, so you’ll need to purchase a Parks Pass online. A day pass is $10 per person, or you can grab a two-week pass for $30. The same pass gives you access to most Northern Territory parks.