Simpson Desert Travel Guide
Land of Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories
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Located in Australia's Northern Territory the Simpson Desert stretches south from Alice Springs towards the South Australia border. Many attractions are located on the fringes of the park making an easy day trip from Alice Springs. A visit will deliver a taste of the Simpson Desert's fascinating natural, cultural and historical wonders.
The Tanami Track extends for over 1000 km to the north-west and into Western Australia. Hidden in all that remoteness are some of nature's most fascinating treasures. Spend some time exploring this extraordinary landscape and you'll see why the desert is anything but barren.
The desert is imprinted with spiritual significance for local Aboriginal people, the Arrernte, whose Dreamtime stories give meaning to its striking landforms.
Attractions in Simpson Desert
Rainbow Valley, nestled in the James Ranges, is a spectacular sandstone bluff with rainbow like bands, best seen in the late afternoon sun or after heavy rainfall.
Pioneers used Chambers Pillar, a 50 metre red and yellow sandstone column, as a navigational landmark through the desert. When you walk up the hill to the Pillar's base you will see markings made by the 19th century explorers in the soft sandstone.
An easy stop off on the way to Chambers Pillar is the Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve where rock carvings and petroglyphs provide a fascinating record of many important beliefs of the local Arrernte people.
Activities in Simpson Desert
It is possible to organise tours from Alice Springs into remote Simpson Desert Aboriginal communities like Santa Theresa and Titjikala where you will have the chance to hear first hand accounts of desert life and invest in local arts and crafts.
Truly intrepid types can investigate bush walking and camel trekking trips across the Simpson Desert, which also hosts some of the best four-wheel-driving in Australia. An endless horizon, rolling sand dunes and challenging desert four-wheel-drive tracks all contribute to an ultimate frontier experience. Travelling through this desert region means exploring territory very few people have seen.
Relaxing
For a break from the desert scenery visit Santa Teresa, a small Aboriginal community comprised of about 500 people or Titjikala, a desert community also known as Tapatjatjaka and Maryvale.
Getting Around
The desert can be visited on a day trip from Alice Springs, the best mode of transport within the desert is by 4WD and be prepared for a rough ride.
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