It is a terrestrial orchid with two or three egg-shaped leaves and between three and fifteen deep reddish purple flowers with a green column.

The petals are also a similar length but only about 1 mm (0.04 in) wide.

[2][3][4] Liparis simmondsii was first formally described in 1891 by Frederick Manson Bailey and the description was published in the Department of Agriculture Queensland, Botany Bulletin.

[5] The specific epithet (simmondsii) honours John Howard Simmonds.

There is a doubtful record from the upper Brunswick River in northern New South Wales.