The Simpson Desert

The word desert usually conjures up images of drifting sand dunes, not much vegetation or wildlife, the occasional oasis and camel safaris with cameleers in flowing robes. Well that might be true of the Sahara Desert in Africa, but when it comes to the Simpson Desert in Central Australia, you are in for a big surprise. The sand dunes are where vegetation thrives and includes a mix of spinifex grass, iron wood and bloodwood trees and after rain, a widespread carpet of wildflowers.

Interspersed among the dunes are striking rocky landmarks like Chambers Pillar and Rainbow Valley. Also living peacefully in this region, an area far larger than most European countries, is a range of well adapted animals including wild camels, inquisitive emus and dingos. Safaris do venture into the Simpson but they are most likely to be in a modern, air-conditioned, 4WD vehicles with holidaymakers sharing an unforgettable adventure with a specialist tour leader.

Various Aboriginal communities dot the landscape at Santa Teresa, Titjikala and Apatula. Aborigines are maintaining the integrity of their cultures, while keeping a firm eye on the future through regional council self-determination. Access to Aboriginal communities is limited, so check with the Central Lands Council, in Alice Springs, if you are planning to pass through a community to see if access is possible.

Kulgera Pioneer Museum and Animal Park

Historical homestead collection set on 4.5 hectares, 19km from the NT/South Australian border. Walk through restored and refurbished, early original Kulgera cattle station homestead plus a range of collections - early implements, vintage motors and many miscellaneous curios of Territory heritage. Easy access for photos and videos of emus and kangaroos. Souvenirs and crafts for sale. Easy parking. Developed and owned by Territorians. French, German and Japanese translated information sheets are available. It is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Entry fee applies.

Simpson Desert Tours

Spend half a day to eight days in the Simpson with Aboriginal guides and tour through their land. Discover rock art and engraving, find fossils, enjoy sunset at Rainbow Valley and hear the Dreamtime stories. Other tours can show you the most popular features of the Simpson Desert in a day.

Self-touring

If you are self-driving, the Simpson Desert loop is an excellent way to experience the region. It takes you from Alice Springs through Old Andado, Mount Dare Station, Bundooma Siding and then back to Alice Springs. Along the way you can stop off at Chambers Pillar and Rainbow Valley. The loop’s road surface is dirt but not difficult, although a 4WD vehicle is required. All roads in the Simpson Desert are dirt and most are categorised ‘minor’, and thus little annual maintenance is carried out by the Dep artment of Transport and Works - caution is advised. Make sure when you head into this region you are well equipped with supplies and safety equipment, and please register your journey with the Police before you depart.