Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve

The pillar

The NT Parks fact sheet describes the reserve's main feature as a sandstone pillar towering 50 m above the surrounding plain, in a reserve of about 340 hectares.

• The sandstone was laid down about 350 million years ago.
• Since then, wind and rain have eroded the softer material, leaving this solitary column.
• At sunrise and sunset, the fact sheet says the pillar glows like a burning ember as the sun strikes its walls.
• Nearby Castle Rock, about 500 m to the north-east, is another prominent formation.

A viewing platform at the base protects the fragile sandstone from erosion.

Itirkawara: a site of Aboriginal significance

NT Parks says local Aboriginal people believe the pillar is the gecko ancestor Itirkawara. The fact sheet retells the story. Itirkawara left the Finke River and travelled north-east, growing into a huge, powerful man with a violent temper. He then broke the strict marriage code by taking a wife from the wrong skin group. His relatives banished the couple, who retreated into the desert. Among the dunes they turned into rock: Itirkawara became the pillar, and the girl became Castle Rock, still turning her face away in shame.

Treat the reserve as a cultural site. Stay on tracks, and leave everything as you find it.

A landmark for explorers

The fact sheet says John McDouall Stuart first recorded the pillar in April 1860, while travelling north on his first attempt to cross Australia. He named it after James Chambers, one of his South Australian sponsors.

Until the railway arrived in the 1920s, the pillar was a desert landmark on the long overland journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs. Many early travellers carved their names into the soft sandstone, including John Ross and Alfred Giles in 1870. The fact sheet notes that more recent visitors have added names and graffiti. This is illegal and lessens the reserve's historic value. Don't add to it.

Getting there

• NT Parks says the reserve is about 160 km south of Alice Springs on the Old South Road.
• Access is by 4WD only.
• The fact sheet says the route turns off to the west of Maryvale Station. After the Maryvale turnoff, a 4WD is required for the deep sand drifts and steep jump-ups.
• There's a steep jump-up on the road into the reserve.
• The road is unsealed and may be closed after rain.

Driving over single-lane sand dunes

NT Parks warns you to be very careful on single-lane sand dunes. To avoid head-on meetings at the crest, you can:

• Have a passenger walk ahead to check for oncoming traffic
• Flash your lights
• Fly a sand flag on your vehicle

Lower your tyre pressures for sand, carry recovery gear, and travel with another vehicle if you can. See 4WD driving and 4WD recovery. Check the NT Road Report before you go.

Camping

Camping is available at Chambers Pillar.

• You must book online and pay a fee before you go. You can't pay at the site.
• The fact sheet describes designated campgrounds with wood fire pits and pit toilets. One has free gas barbecues.
• Firewood collection isn't permitted in the reserve. Bring your own.
• Fires are only allowed in the designated fire pits.

Facilities listed by NT Parks include information signs, fire pits, public toilets, a picnic area, walking tracks and a viewing platform.

Things to do

• Short walks around the pillar and to lookouts. The fact sheet map marks a sunset viewing area.
• Photography at sunrise and sunset. See outback photography.
• Wildlife spotting.
• Looking at the historic inscriptions, without touching or adding to them.
• Stargazing from camp. See stargazing and dark skies.

Park rules

NT Parks asks visitors to remember:

• Visitors to the NT need an NT Parks Visitor Pass.
• Stay on designated roads and tracks.
• Historic and cultural items, and wildlife, are protected.
• No firewood collection. Fires only in designated fire pits.
• No bins. Take your rubbish with you.
• No pets, generators or drones.

Safety

• Carry and drink plenty of water.
• Wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and suitable clothing and footwear.
• Avoid strenuous activity in the heat of the day.
• Think about your health and fitness when choosing a walk.
• Carry a satellite communication device or PLB, because mobile coverage is very limited.

For park information, contact Parks and Wildlife on 08 8951 8250. See remote-area travel safety.

Combine with

• Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve
• Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve
• Alice Springs
• The Red Centre