Simpson Desert Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Tourism NT
Photo provided by Tourism NT
Photo provided by Tourism NT
Photo provided by Tourism NT
Photo provided by Tourism NT
Discover the red desert to see huge sand dunes topped with wildflowers, salt-crusted lakes and many different types of reptiles.

Drive around the sand dunes of the Simpson Desert in a four-wheel drive. Australia’s driest desert has the world’s longest parallel sand dunes and cracked, white salt lakes. Drive to Dalhousie Springs in South Australia where water from the Great Artesian Basin flows to the surface. If you’re lucky enough to be in the desert after heavy rain, don’t miss the explosion of wildlife and colour that occurs further south around Lake Eyre.

Stretching across the borders of Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory, the Simpson Desert is the largest sand dune desert in the world. Discover the great beauty of Australia’s harshest and driest environment. Pink and orange sand dunes come alive with flowering desert plants after rain and the dark of the desert at night makes even the faintest stars visible. Sleep beneath the stars and then wake to a desert dawn. Camping out is one of the highlights of a visit to the Simpson Desert.

Go to the South Australian region of the desert, where you can cool off in the clear waters of Dalhousie Springs. See the ruins of the old homestead and workers huts around the springs. The drive from Alice Springs across the desert to Dalhousie Springs is challenging. It takes several days to cross the desert and there are no facilities along the way. Experts recommend visitors bring at least 7 litres (1.85 gallons) of water per person per day. Organise food and petrol supplies in advance and inform a relative or friend when you’ll be back. Don’t forget to pack warm clothes for the chilly desert evenings.

All parks within the Simpson Desert are closed in summer from December to March to stop unprepared travellers from driving through the dangerous heat. Vehicles making the trip into the desert require a tall safety flag and a Desert Park Pass. There are several routes to take, so make sure you ask at the Alice Springs Visitor Centre about the best option. If you don’t want to tackle the desert on your own, organise a guided tour from Alice Springs. Many tour operators offer packages from day trips to week-long adventures.

Hilton Adelaide
Hilton Adelaide
5 out of 5
233 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$127 per night from 9 May to 10 May
AU$127
includes taxes & fees
9 May - 10 May
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Well located and convenient"

Reviewed on 17 Apr. 2025

Hilton Adelaide
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
5 out of 5
150 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$170 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
AU$170
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Overall an enjoyable stay away"

Reviewed on 15 Apr. 2025

Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG
4 out of 5
30 Blyth Street, Adelaide, SA
Fully refundable
The price is AU$134 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$134
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Breakfast was great. Convenient location at a great price. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on 15 Apr. 2025

Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Miller Apartments Adelaide
Miller Apartments Adelaide
4.5 out of 5
16 Hindley St, Adelaide, SA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,926 reviews)
"Nothing to add, everything was good."

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025

Miller Apartments Adelaide
Quest on Franklin
Quest on Franklin
4.5 out of 5
74 Franklin Street, Adelaide, SA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (642 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on 15 Apr. 2025

Quest on Franklin
Majestic Old Lion Apartments
Majestic Old Lion Apartments
4 out of 5
9 Jerningham Street, North Adelaide, SA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,632 reviews)
"Very clean. Comfortable bed. Terrible wifi"

Reviewed on 17 Apr. 2025

Majestic Old Lion Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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