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
The price is ₹11,289 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
₹11,289
₹12,418 total
22 Nov - 23 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,016 reviews)
"Nice clean hotel"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Atura Adelaide Airport
Stamford Plaza Adelaide

Stamford Plaza Adelaide

5 out of 5
150 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
The price is ₹10,228 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
₹10,228
₹11,251 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,039 reviews)
"Great stay everything easy"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Stamford Plaza Adelaide
The Playford Adelaide MGallery

The Playford Adelaide MGallery

5 out of 5
120 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
The price is ₹12,813 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
₹12,813
₹14,094 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,010 reviews)
"We stayed in the New York style room chairs uncomfortable"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

The Playford Adelaide MGallery
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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
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 Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (676 reviews)
"Nice and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Quest on Franklin
Franklin Apartments

Franklin Apartments

4 out of 5
36 Franklin Street, Adelaide, SA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,314 reviews)
"Unit was clean and spacious and comfortable. Only issue was no fan or air conditioner in the bed room. Washer and dryer in the unit is a big plus for me. Walking distances to the chinatown, casino and Randall Mall, between 12 to 15 minutes. Limited parking lots."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Franklin 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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