Simpsons Gap Explained

Simpsons Gap
Map:Australia Northern Territory
Location:Burt Plain, Northern Territory
Range:MacDonnell Ranges
Coordinates:-23.6757°N 133.7186°W[1]

Simpsons Gap (Arrernte: Rungutjirpa) is one of the gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges in Australia's Northern Territory. It is located 18 kilometres west from Alice Springs, on the Larapinta Trail.[2]

The gap is home to various plants and wildlife, including the black-footed rock-wallaby. It is the site of a permanent waterhole.

History

Rungutjirpa is an important spiritual place for the Arrernte people, who have inhabited the Arrernte area since before European discovery. It was later visited by surveyor Gilbert Rotherdale McMinn in 1871 while he was searching for a better route for the Overland Telegraph Line.[3]

Tourism

Section 1 of the Larapinta Trail begins at Alice Springs Telegraph Station and ends at the waterhole at Rungutjirpa.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Place Names Register Extract for "Simpsons Gap" . NT Place Names Register . Northern Territory Government . 5 April 2020.
  2. Web site: About Simpsons Gap Alice Springs Where is Simpsons Gap from Alice Springs. www.macdonnellranges.com. www.macdonnellranges.com. 2016-08-02.
  3. News: The Overland Telegraph . 1871-04-20 . South Australian Register . 31 July 2017. 5.
  4. Web site: Larapinta Trail walking itineraries and area information. www.macdonnellranges.com. www.macdonnellranges.com. 2016-08-02.