Honeymoon Gap: A Pleasant Visit

The rain earlier in the year transformed the sandy sweep of Honeymoon Gap into a popular waterhole. Found 20 kilometres west of Alice Springs in the West MacDonnell Ranges, Honeymoon Gap lies beside a sealed road, with red walls rising to the blue sky. When it rains in summer, a network of cars forms along the edge of the road, as people visit to wash away the heat of Central Australia.

Located on Roe Creek, Honeymoon Gap can be reached by driving through Ilparpa, an outlying area of Alice Springs. Here, properties are well-spaced and the long road also hosts caravan parks for tourists. Honeymoon Gap is close to Simpson’s Gap, which boasts another waterhole of comparable beauty. Due to the close proximity of both gaps to Alice, they can be visited on an afternoon or morning trip.

Honeymoon Gap, Central Australia, after rain

The rain in Alice has been inconsistent. Whilst several heavy falls were recorded at the beginning of the year, this has not continued. The temperature is cooler than it is in the heart of summer but still retains its bight. Perhaps the landscape will long be thirsty before the next downpour. Like the rest of the landscape, Honeymoon Gap awaits the storms that locals hope will occur throughout the rest of the year. 

When it is dry, Honeymoon Gap offers a snapshot of the red ranges. The gum trees add life to the rocks, and the clear skies give an impression of endless space. The sand is white, like the trunks of the gums, and burns hot in the sun. Honeymoon Gap is a picturesque spot to walk or swim. 

At the right time, the waterhole can be busy with people taking advantage of its cool depths. There is a kiosk and accommodation nearby at White Gums. Honeymoon Gap's easiness to find and accessibility make it an enjoyable entry point to the majestic West MacDonnell Ranges.  The walks that wind through the ranges around Honeymoon Gap mean that even when the season is dry, there are still activities that can be enjoyed. All year-round, this place is worth a visit.