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.

Atura Adelaide Airport

Atura Adelaide Airport

3.5 out of 5
1 Atura Circuit, Adelaide Airport, SA
Fully refundable
The price is AU$227 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
AU$227
12 Nov - 13 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"after 40hrs of flights and travel it was a much needed rest. the room was clean and tidy, bed was nice and comfortable. check in was easy and staff friendly and helpful. however being charged extra for services due to being a Sunday is ridiculous, considering in today's market where a 5 day week ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Atura Adelaide Airport
Stamford Plaza Adelaide

Stamford Plaza Adelaide

5 out of 5
150 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$206 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$206
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,029 reviews)
"Very clean, quiet and friendly. Only thing was tv is outdated. Would like to see some smart tvs with Netflix ect. Other than that 10/10 would recommend"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Mayfair Hotel

Mayfair Hotel

5 out of 5
45 King William Street, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$201 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$201
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"No on-site parking."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Mayfair Hotel
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.
Oaks Adelaide Embassy Suites

Oaks Adelaide Embassy Suites

4.5 out of 5
96 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,902 reviews)
"Great property, convenient location"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Oaks Adelaide Embassy 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! (2,033 reviews)
"Perfect location as our end of season football show was on the same street. Couldn't fault the room, very clean and great to have two bathrooms as we were sharing with another couple. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (676 reviews)
"Nice and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Quest on Franklin
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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