Natural wonders in the Simpson Desert

The Simpson Desert spans the intersection of the Northern Territory, South Australia, and Queensland, featuring the world’s longest parallel sand dunes. This arid landscape is defined by its vibrant red sand and a complex system of ephemeral lakes and wetlands. These water bodies, such as Lake Griselda and Andado Swamp, remain dry for years, filling only during rare, significant rainfall events to create temporary habitats for migratory birds and local wildlife amidst the expansive dunefields.

Natural Wonders — Map

(WT-shared) Tensaibuta at wts wikivoyage / CC BY-SA 1.0

A

Simpson Desert

The Simpson Desert is a large area of dry, red sandy plain and dunes in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland in central…

B

Andado Swamp

An ephemeral wetland on the western edge of the Simpson Desert that supports birdlife and vegetation after rare heavy rainfall.

C

Poolowanna Lake

A large ephemeral salt lake within the desert's dunefields, typically appearing as a dry salt crust until filled by significant flood events.

D

Peera Peera Poolanna Lake

An extensive ephemeral salt lake and playa system in the South Australian region of the desert, capturing seasonal runoff.

E

Lake Griselda

Remote ephemeral salt lake in the southern Simpson Desert, characterized by its dry saline bed and rare periods of inundation.

Other Lists

Simpson Desert Essentials Simpson Desert Essentials