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Easily accessed, the Simpsons Gap area includes large areas of Mulga, as well
as a stronghold for over 40 rare and relict plants. It is also an area that has
important spiritual meaning for the Arrernte Aboriginal people, being where
several dreaming trails and stories cross. Due to the resident
Black-footed Rock Wallabies, Simpsons Gap is a popular spot with visitors,
especially at dawn and dust, although visitors have also been lucky to see a
number of wallabies in the mid morning period during the cooler winter-spring
season. Simpsons Gap is also a unique gorge that is home to a number of
species of arid land frogs. During
the right conditions, as seen during the first couple of months in 2010, locals
and visitors were thrilled to witness thousands of frogs ranging from the
Desert Tree Frog,
Spencer’s
Burrowing Frog,
Main’s Frog (also known
as the Sheep Frog) and the
Centralian Green
Frog. During such unique wildlife activity, the
Parks and Wildlife Service of the NT put on special walks and night time
tours to take in these events.
Access
Take the Larapinta Drive west from Alice Springs. About 18 km, take the turn-off
Larapinta Drive, and about 2 km further down the road is the Visitor Information
Centre and Rangers Office. The Gap itself is a further 6 km drive. The Gap can
also be reached by cycling along the Simpsons Gap Bike Path from Alice Springs.
Walks
There are a number of walks within the area. Visit the
Northern Territory
Parks and Wildlife Service for information.
- Ghost Gum Walk • 15 minutes return
This walk starts at the Simpson Gap Visitor Centre and illustrates the
native plants of the area, including an ancient Ghost Gum.
- Cassia Hill Walk • 1 hour return
This walk
leads to sweeping views of the Larapinta Valley.
Source:
Parks and Wildlife
Service, Northern Territory At certain times of the year, the
Parks and Wildlife Service of the NT put
on special talks, slideshows, walks and even night time spot lighting. Check
their website for details. For more information drop into the local
information centre, the main visitor centre in Alice Springs or contact the
Parks and Wildlife. |
