During the colonial period, a pastoral industry was established, providing wool and cattle products, and continues to the present. Agriculture was attempted but failed due to lack of reliable water. Copper and other deposits were mined for some time, but also failed. The ruins of much of this colonial history is still evident to travellers today. The area has very hot summers, and nights are very cold in winter.
Spring is the best camping season, but be well prepared for cold nights.
In this arid climate vegetation is reduced in both amount and density, so that dramatic rocky outcrops and imposing walls of sandstone emerge starkly from the generally flat background. This rugged scenery exhibits constant changes of colour and perspective. For the cyclist in particular, the region offers an opportunity to travel long distances through beautiful semi-wilderness over quiet unmade roads, the experience of solitude in a vast open area, and glimpses of unusual native animals in a number of places. There are spectacular wildflower displays in spring. Bike travels in a large luggage hold.