Simpson Desert

Travel 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 €96 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€96
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,001 reviews)
Excellent hotel / breakfast package
"Perfect location, close to central market and Rundle mall.L Always great service and lovely staff. I recommend booking the breakfast package. Great buffet."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Hilton Adelaide
Mayfair Hotel

Mayfair Hotel

5 out of 5
45 King William Street, Adelaide, SA
The price is €117 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
€117
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
"Did not realize I should have received a perk…. Still enjoyed the room!"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Mayfair Hotel
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
The price is €62 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€62
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Cheap and central"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 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.
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! (1,701 reviews)
"Comfortable accommodation for the family"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Majestic Old Lion Apartments
Majestic M Suites

Majestic M Suites

4.5 out of 5
202 Tynte Street, North Adelaide, SA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Adelaide. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (573 reviews)
"Had a lovely stay! Will definitely be back when I travel to the city. Great set up, great location and parking options! Thank you"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Majestic M Suites
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! (1,993 reviews)
"Very convenient location near Rundle mall."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Miller Apartments Adelaide
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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