Chambers Pillar

Sandstone formation in the Northern Territory of Australia

Chambers Pillar (Aboriginal name Idracowra or Etikaura) is a sandstone formation some south of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Erosion by wind and rain has left an isolated pillar of 350 million year old sandstone, rising above the surrounding plain. The rock formation and the surrounding area of 340 hectares, or , are officially named the Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve.

John McDouall Stuart was the first European to see Chambers Pillar, reaching the site in April 1860, and naming it after James Chambers, one of his South Australian sponsors. The rock formations was once an important landmark for pioneers travelling from Adelaide to Alice Springs Subsequently numerous other visitors have illegally added graffiti by carving names in the soft sandstone at the base of the pillar.

Chambers Pillar is reached via the unsealed Old South Road from Alice Springs to Maryvale Station. A 4WD vehicle is required after the Maryvale turnoff to Chambers Pillar. Drivers will encounter deep sand drifts and steep jump ups, as well as rolling sandy hills with limited sight lines and the deeply corrugated surfaces typical of Australian outback roads. Camping is permitted at a campground between Chambers Pillar and Castle Rock with amenities including barbeques, carpark, picnic area and public toilets. The road to Chambers Pillar is adventurous. Near the village Titjikana the road becomes worse. The sand road is deep.