Located 600 kilometres north of Adelaide and 130 kilometres east of Leigh Creek, and situated in the more rugged and spectacular northern Flinders Ranges, this 610 square kilometre multi award-wining Wilderness Sanctuary is operated by the Sprigg family. The Sanctuary contains one of Australia's most spectacular mountain views and numerous Advanced Ecotourism accredited guided tours.
Arkaroola features rugged mountains; towering granite peaks, magnificent gorges and mysterious waterholes, and is home to over 160 species of birds and the shy and endangered Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby and many indigenous plants including the Sturt desert pea.
This is a mecca for bushwalkers and four-wheel drivers. The spectacular four-wheel drive Ridgetop Tour is world famous. Journey to the depths of ancient seabeds and across razor-back ridges and peaks of the Flinders Ranges most rugged mountains to the magnificent climax at Sillers Lookout. You can fly over the sanctuary on a scenic flights, but perhaps the best way to appreciate the beauty of the towering granite peaks and deep gorges is by four-wheel-drive.
If you're keen to do some of your own four-wheel-driving, head out to the west on the self-drive Yudnamutana track (30 kilometres) to an old copper mine. Or head east along the Echo Camp Backtrack, with the trail rising and falling with the ranges. You'll get a great look at Lake Frome and finally come to the marvellous Paralana Hot Springs, a geothermal pond.
Reg and Griselda Sprigg established the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in 1968. Reg studied under legendary geologist Sir Douglas Mawson and played a major part in the discovery of the Santos gas field. And in 1962 Griselda became the first white woman to cross the Simpson Desert. Their children Doug and Margie now run the property: much of their childhood was spent in the Outback and both are experts on the region.
Contact Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary on 1800 676 042 (from outside Australia it's + 61 8 8648 4848) or visit www.arkaroola.com.au
Disabled Access:
Access ramp into reception, restaurant and shop. Also mobile ramp
Email: res@arkaroola.com.au
Phone: 08 8648 4848
Website: www.arkaroola.com.au
Address:
Arkaroola
Arkaroola, South Australia, 5732
Guest Facilities:
Access Without Assistance for the Disabled, BBQ Facilities, Car park, Catering, Child Activities/Child Minding, Coach Parking, Conference/Convention Facilities, First aid equipment, Guide, Interactive Centre, Photographic service, Picnic Area, Public Telephone, Public Toilet, Restaurant - BYO, Restaurant - Licensed, Shaded Area, Sheltered Area, Viewing Platform
Experiences you can enjoy at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary:
Adventure, Caravan and Camping, Educational Tourism, Flora/Fauna, Nature based, Outback, Wildlife
