Rainbow Valley Chambers Pillar Tours

Depart Alice Springs approximately 7am and travel by 4WD by the Old Ghan Railway track and the Overland Telegraph line toward the Simpson Desert. Enroute we visit the Ewaninga Aboriginal rock art carvings - an ancient Aboriginal ceremonial ground and rainmaking site.

Our route takes us via deserted Old Ghan Railway sidings & towns to Maryvale Cattle Station for morning tea.  This route is where the Afghan camel trains travelled to supply Alice Springs from Adelaide until 1929, when the "Old Ghan" railway was completed. The "Old Ghan" was replaced by a more western new Ghan line in 1980. At Maryvale community store, Aboriginal artworks from the neighbouring “Titjikala” community are available to purchase.

Heading west we cross the Hugh River and arrive at a lookout on Charlotte Range where we can see the Simpson Desert and Chambers Pillar standing high in the distance - a great photo opportunity.

Over the sand hills we go, and as we approach Chambers Pillar it is like entering wonderland, as we are surrounded by ancient castle like structures that dominiate the landscape. A beautiful shaded camp area is at Chambers Pillar nature reserve where we stop for lunch. Here you can walk around the pillar for those best photo angles, and climb the base of the pillar, as did the earliest explorers to this area. The harder sandstones of Chambers Pillar were formed when this region was under the ocean, and has enabled this outstanding form to survive in this harsh environment. The pillars first white visitor was explorer John McDouall Stuart in 1860, funded by James Chambers of Adelaide. Stuart inscribed his mark, and the pillar was an importnat landmark used by later explorers.

Time now for Rainbow Valley via 4WD tracks, we cross the Hugh River again before Rainbow Valley for the late afternoon. Great photo shots here too, and easy walks and Aboriginal history.

Return to Alice Springs approx 5-6pm via the Stuart Highway, through rugged mountain landscapes, or to Uluru if part of extended tour.

Chambers Pillar Tour	Aboriginal Rock Art	Chambers Pillar  Tour Walk

Rates:

Cost per person is: AUD $260 - includes lunch, morning & afternoon teas, CBD hotel pickup, small group

Departs daily March - December

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