Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve

Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve in Australia is widely recognized by its 50 metres tall sandstone pillar rising in the middle of plain land - the most prominent feature of this 340-hectare Reserve. The Sandstone deposits found in this area were laid down here over 350 millions years ago. Since then, the erosive agents of nature - wind and rain have had their way over these deposits, eroding away the softer material and leaving behind this solitary column of pebbly sandstone.

The pillar was so named by John MacDouall Stuart, who first recorded the pillar in April 1860, when he was heading north on his earliest attempt to cross Australia, and christened it after James Chambers, one of his South Australian sponsors

Getting to Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve
To reach Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve from Alice Springs, you have to drive 160km south from here and move along the Old South Road on a turnoff to the west of Maryvale Station. As the road is unsealed, it is often closed after rain. After passing the the Maryvale turnoff, a 4WD is required to negotiate the deep sand drifts and steep jump ups.

Best time to visit Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve
The cooler months from April to September are the best time to visit Chambers Pillar. However, do check with the local authorities for weather conditions and the condition of the road.