A central Australian desert of long, parallel red dunes — the longest such dunes anywhere on Earth.
Area
176,500 km²
Continent
Oceania
Location
Central Australia
Temperature
Up to 45°C
Rainfall
Under 150 mm a year
Climate
Hot desert
About the Simpson Desert
The Simpson Desert in the heart of Australia is famous for its endless rows of parallel red sand dunes — the longest on the planet, some running straight for 200 kilometres. After rare heavy rains the desert can briefly bloom with wildflowers and fill ephemeral lakes, drawing birds from far away.
Did you know?
Its dune “Big Red” and ridges run dead straight for up to 200 kilometres.
Highlights
- The longest parallel dunes on Earth
- The towering “Big Red” dune
- Blooms with wildflowers after rare rain
Photo gallery
Life in the Simpson Desert
Animals, birds and plants that have adapted to survive this landscape.
Animals
Red kangaroo
The largest marsupial, roaming the arid Australian outback in mobs.
Dingo
Australia’s wild dog, a top predator across the outback deserts.
Thorny devil
A spiky Australian lizard that channels dew along its skin to its mouth.
Birds
Emu
Australia’s tall flightless bird, wandering the outback for food and water.
Trees & plants
Spinifex grass
Spiky hummock grass that covers vast stretches of the Australian outback.
Acacia (thorn tree)
Flat-topped thorn trees that survive on scarce desert groundwater.
Day & night in the Simpson Desert
Deserts are famous for their extreme temperature swings. Flip between day and night to feel the difference — these are typical figures for a subtropical desert.
Midday sun
+45°C
typical daytime high
Blistering daytime heat gives way to surprisingly cool nights — clear skies let the day’s warmth escape, and the temperature can tumble by 30°C or more after dark.
Recorded range for the Simpson Desert: Up to 45°C