Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Arkaroola is a 610 square km private conservation reserve located in the spectacular northern Flinders Ranges offering 4WD tours, including the renown Ridgetop Tour, astronomy tours, flights, accommodation, restaurant, walks and caravan park. Its unique geological, scenic and ecological significance is recognised through the Arkaroola Protection Act (2012) of SA Parliament. Arkaroola is an accredited International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Experiences
Sustainability Commitment
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary acknowledges the Adnyamathanha Peoples as the Traditional Custodians for Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. We would also like to recognise the Adnyamuthanha people who contributed to the establishment of Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and those who continue to this day. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is considered to be an area of great natural importance since the 1920s, at Arkaroola, science, education and conservation have always been at the forefront of Arkaroola's mission. Geologist and antarctic pioneer Professor Sir Douglas Mawson considered the area of great natural importance and referred to it as ”one great outdoor museum”. In the following decades Dr. Reg Sprigg, continued to champion the region eventually purchasing the 'Arkaroola Pastoral Lease' in 1967. Reg's vision for tourism to support conservation and scientific research continues to this day. The Foundation was established in 2015 to protect Arkaroola for future generations.
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Arkaroola Scenic Flight
This 35-minute Arkaroola Sanctuary Flight will take you from the ancient sedimentary seabed layers of southern Arkaroola to the unruly granite and quartzite outcrops of Mt Gee, the Mawson Plateau and the Freeling Heights.
Lake Frome Scenic Flight
A 40-minute Lake Frome Flight that takes you east across the flood plains to the whitest salt lake in Australia. Shade your eyes from the flat crystalline expanse of kilometres of salt glinting in the sun, flanked by 20,000 year old sand dunes trapped forever in the Lake’s crusty grasp, a relic of the time when central Australia was once an inland sea.
Echo Camp Backtrack Guided or Self Guided 4WD Tour
A half or full day extreme guided or self-drive 4WD tour of the Echo Camp Backtrack – this tour is also available for visitors and guests who have their own 4WD, enabling them to experience remote and rugged four-wheel-driving with the knowledge that, should and emergency arise, help is available (a ‘search and rescue watch’ is placed on all vehicles). Visit tranquil waterholes, the spectacular 250m deep Bararranna Gorge, and the breathtaking views from the top of the Flinders Ranges. Magnificent mountainous and desert scenery and a variety of wildlife. A printed guide-booklet is provided for all vehicles taking this tour. A must-do for all 4WD vehicle owners, with sections of the track classified as ‘Extreme 4WD’. 4WD with low-range and high clearance is necessary for this track. Extend the half day tour by continuing on to Paralana Hot Springs visiting points of interest along the way such as East Painter Gorge, Back Springs and Yudnamutana Gorge.
Ridgetop Tour
Travelling in a specially constructed open-top 4WD vehicle, Ridgetop passengers are taken on a guided tour of some of the most spectacularly rugged country on earth. Trained tour guides share their knowledge of Arkaroola’s 1600-million year geological history as they navigate the steep slopes and hair raising ascents of the famous Ridgetop Track.
Astronomical Tours
Visitors have a rare opportunity to tour the universe by one of Australia′s largest privately owned eye-to-telescope observatories or state of the art imaging observatory. Three professionally equipped observatories are available for tours – ‘BYO′ equipment is encouraged. Arkaroola boasts some of the best astronomical seeing conditions in the Southern Hemisphere – our night skies are clear, free of atmospheric and light pollution.
Arkaroola and Lake Frome Scenic Flight
A remarkable 75-minute flight above an Australian landscape filled with rugged contrasts.
Written in the Rocks
Why use your vehicle? Come with us on a half or full day guided drive/walk out to magnificent Bararranna Gorge on the Paralana Hot Springs road. Stop at the Ochre Wall, Lively’s Gold Find, the Welcome Mine and the Jasper Twins, as we explore the complex geology of Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Wander over glacial rocks at Stubbs Waterhole and ponder the vastness of geological time in Bararranna Gorge where ancient sea-bed now forms spectacular near-vertical cliffs. You may also be rewarded with sightings of Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies and Peregrine Falcons, both of which are threatened species in Australia.
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SA - Flinders Ranges and Outback Region