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.

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 ฿2,276 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿2,276
฿2,504 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Great location, clean & the breakfast is a added bonus"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG
Stamford Plaza Adelaide

Stamford Plaza Adelaide

5 out of 5
150 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
The price is ฿3,254 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
฿3,254
฿3,579 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,019 reviews)
"Stepping into Stamford Plaza Adelaide on North Terrace, I was greeted with warm smiles and a personal touch, with staff addressing me by name from check-in to check-out. The hotel’s prime location, just 600m from Adelaide Oval, is perfect for sports fans. Rundle Mall (200m), the Art Gallery of South ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Mayfair Hotel

Mayfair Hotel

5 out of 5
45 King William Street, Adelaide, SA
The price is ฿3,979 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
฿3,979
฿4,377 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Did not realize I should have received a perk…. Still enjoyed the room!"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 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.
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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,702 reviews)
"The place was clean, spacious and close to everything."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 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 centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (574 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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,997 reviews)
"Despite being in central Adelaide this was very quiet most of the time. Staff on reception very helpful and friendly. Suited and met our needs."

Reviewed on 30 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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