Arkaroola
Town
Arkaroola is set in an incredible landscape of ranges laced with precious minerals, waterholes nestled inside tall gorges and places with songful names like Nooldoonooldoona and Bararranna. What's more, the Flinders Ranges are still alive, rumbling with up to 200 small earthquakes a year. It was a place that geologist Reg Sprigg found fascinating, and worth conserving. He purchased the Arkaroola property in 1968 and created a wildlife sanctuary for endangered species. Today a weather station, seismograph station and observatory (tours available) add to its significance and the spectacular four-wheel-drive tracks entice many visitors. The village has excellent facilities for such a remote outpost.
Visitor Information
Arkaroola Village reception; (08) 8648 4848 or 1800 676 042
Nearby national parks
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Vulkathunha Gammon Ranges National Park
At the northernmost end of the Flinders, the weathered Vulkathunha–Gammon Ranges are the last cluster of ancient mountains before the...more -
Flinders Ranges National Park
Flinders Ranges National Park covers a vast ancient landscape of rippled outback terrain and exposed ridges, culminating in the striking...more -
Lake Torrens National Park
The 250-kilometre-long ephemeral Lake Torrens is timeless, wild and starkly photogenic. Protected within Lake Torrens National Park, this is...more
Nearby towns
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Leigh Creek
Located in the Flinders Ranges, Leigh Creek is a modern coalmining town that services a huge open-cut mine to the north. The original...more -
Blinman
During the 19th century numerous mining townships dotted the northern Flinders Ranges. Blinman is the sole surviving town surveyed at the...more -
Marree
Marree is the perfect image of a tiny outback town. It is frequented by four-wheel-drive enthusiasts taking on the legendary Birdsville...more
Nearby
Ridgetop Tour This, the signature attraction of the northern Flinders Ranges, is a 4WD tour along an insanely steep track. The original track, built for mining exploration, wound through the creek beds, but run-off from the ridges washed the road away in just a few years. The idea was formed to create a track along the ridges themselves. A few bulldozers later, the track was complete. This is a guided tour, but Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary also has 100 km of self-guide 4WD tracks, including the popular Echo Camp Backtrack.Vulkathunha–Gammon Ranges National Park This park is directly south of Arkaroola, taking in much of the distinctive scenery of the northern Flinders Ranges. The Adnyamathanha people believe that the Dreamtime serpent, Arakaroo, drank adjacent Lake Frome dry and carved out Arkaroola Gorge as he dragged his body back to his resting spot, inside Mainwater Pound. His restlessness is the cause of the earthquakes. Features include the surprisingly lush Weetootla Gorge, fed by a permanent spring, and Italowie Gorge, the unlikely spot where an impoverished R. M. Williams began making shoes. Park Headquarters at Balcanoona; (08) 8648 0048; 32 km S.Waterholes: many picturesque waterholes along Arkaroola Creek and tributaries west and north-east of the village. Bolla Bollana Smelter ruins: where the ore from surrounding mines was once treated. It includes a Cornish beehive-shaped kiln; 7 km NW. Paralana Hot Springs: the only active geyser in Australia, where water heated by radioactive minerals bubbles through the rocks. Swimming or extended exposure is not recommended; 27 km NE. Big Moro Gorge: rockpools surrounded by limestone outcrops. The gorge is on Nantawarrina Aboriginal Land; obtain permit from Nepabunna Community Council, (08) 8648 3764; 59 km S. Astronomical Tours: boasts some of the best star-watching conditions in the Southern Hemisphere at 3 magnificent observatories; (08) 8648 4848. Scenic flights: over the ranges or further afield; details from village reception.
Eco-friendly activities around town
Heysen Trail 152 km
Some 1200 kilometres long, this renowned walking track stretches from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula all the way to Parachilna Gorge in the northern Flinders. It covers a vast range of scenery from coastal cliffs... Find out moreArid Recovery Reserve 236 km
Initially a public relations exercise for BHP Billiton’s massive Olympic Dam mine, the Arid Recovery Reserve at Roxby Downs is now an excellent example of how industry, government and the community can work... Find out moreCampsites around town
Arkaroola Campground 1 km
Magnificent arid highlands in the far north of the Flinders Ranges are home to a much-loved wilderness sanctuary, famous for its striking peaks and gorges. A geological marvel, Arkaroola is ideal for bushwalking,... Find out moreMainwater Well camping area 13 km
Secluded self-sufficient camping in the park’s northern fringe is a good kick-off point for exploring Mainwater Pound. Signposted access is 18.5 km along Idninna Rd from the Mt Serle–Yankaninna Rd.... Find out moreGrindells Hut camping area 21 km
A good base for exploring Weetootla Gorge and the various branches of Italowie Creek, this 4WD route via the Wortupa Loop Rd is 26 km north-west of park HQ. The road is suitable for off-road camper trailers, but check... Find out moreWeetootla Gorge camping area 22 km
Close to Balcanoona, this site for self-sufficient campers (permit required) gives easy access to the popular Weetootla Gorge hike. It’s signposted along Weetootla Track, 7 km north-west of the park headquarters.... Find out moreLoch Ness Well camping area 22 km
The closest vehicle-based camping to the plateau’s major gorges and peaks is reached from Wortupa Loop Rd, 31 km north-west of the park HQ. Access is 4WD only. Check road conditions and bring a permit plus... Find out moreItalowie Gorge camping area 31 km
Two easily accessible sites – one a sheltered nook on the south-western side of the gap, the other to the north-east at the head of the Italowie Gorge Hike – are signposted off Copley–Balcanoona Rd, 82... Find out moreArcoona Creek camping area 38 km
Camp among the pines and red gums close to this major creek system draining the north-western corner of the park, which acts as a staging post for wilderness walks to the plateau and Gammon Hill. Signposted access is 23... Find out moreMoro Gorge camping area (bush camping) 43 km
Access via Balcanoona–Wertaloona Road, 14 km south of Balcanoona opposite Wertaloona access track. Access depends on road conditions. Permit required. Bring own water and firewood. Gas/fuel stove preferred.... Find out moreChambers Gorge camping area (bush camping) 71 km
This northern Flinders Ranges outlier is flanked by craggy summits and steep gorge walls. It’s a handy stopover for travels further north, with good walks and significant Aboriginal rock-art sites. Access is... Find out moreWarraweena camping areas 75 km
Take your pick from designated camping areas within the property, some with bush huts nearby; come with wood and water. The main homestead is 30 km east of Beltana Roadhouse, off the Leigh Creek Rd. Signposted access is... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
This outpost in the far-flung northern reaches of the Flinders Ranges is an outback legend. Pioneered by the Sprigg family, the resort has evolved into a self-styled village. The accommodation is eclectic – from... Find out moreFor intrepid spirits, this castaway retreat in the wild confines of Vulkathunha–Gammon Ranges National Park, just south of Arkaroola, is an unforgettable experience. Only accessible by four-wheel drive, the hut is... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Willow Springs Station, near Wilpena Pound 137 km
Another working sheep station, Willow Springs on the edge of the national park is home to the legendary six-hour 4WD route Skytrek, passing through Bunkers Conservation Reserve and culminating at the 921-metre-high... Find out moreRawnsley Park Station 164 km
Eight modern strawbale eco-villas with grand views perch on this sheep station, on the southern slopes of Wilpena Pound. Tourism is now the main industry on the property, and the one- and two-bedroom eco-villas are the... Find out more
