Not just a camp area, this historical reserve is 160 km south of Alice Springs and is dominated by a 50m high sandstone pillar. At sunrise and sunset, the red and orange in the rock are impressive over the Simpson Desert plain. There are short walks so you can explore, take photos and local wildlife. Castle Rock, Northern Territory The local Aboriginal people believe that the pillar is the gecko ancestor Itirkawara. He and his wife were banished – turning into rock, his wife is Castle Rock, 500 metres north east. Also check out historical markers – John MacDouall Stuart