About Arkaroola
Arkaroola says its sanctuary covers 610 km² in the northern Flinders Ranges, about 600 km north of Adelaide. It was founded by the Sprigg family in 1968, and it's still run with a strong emphasis on science, education and conservation.
- Geology: the landscape has a geological history reaching back almost 2 billion years, with unique geological monuments, rugged mountains, towering granite peaks, gorges and waterholes.
- Human history: Arkaroola says the area has featured in the creation stories of Indigenous peoples for tens of thousands of years. It was later brought to the world's attention by the geologist Sir Douglas Mawson.
- Wildlife: the sanctuary is home to many birds, reptiles and mammals, including the shy, endangered yellow-footed rock-wallaby. Arkaroola says it's perhaps the best place anywhere in the species' range to see them in their natural habitat.
- Recognition: Arkaroola says it was the first Flinders Ranges tourism venue to gain Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation. After its third successive SA Tourism Award for ecotourism, in 2007, it was inducted into the awards' Hall of Fame.
The sanctuary adjoins Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park. See also Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.
Signature experiences
Ridgetop Tour
Arkaroola calls its 4WD Ridgetop Tour its premier attraction. It has run since 1969. The tour crosses razor-back ridges and peaks of the Flinders Ranges' most rugged mountains, ending at Sillers Lookout. A Ridgetop Sleepout Tour adds a night sleeping under the stars on the ridges.
International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Arkaroola is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, with skies free of light pollution. You can stargaze from the village, or join an astronomy tour for a guided look at the Milky Way, planets and distant galaxies. See stargazing and dark skies.
Self-guided adventures
Arkaroola welcomes artists, aviators, astronomers, adventure bikers, birdwatchers, bushwalkers, four-wheel drivers and geologists. Ask at reception about self-drive tracks, walks and current conditions. Some tracks are rough and need a sturdy, high-clearance 4WD.
Getting there
Arkaroola gives two main routes from the south.
Via Leigh Creek and Copley (recommended for most)
- Head up to Copley, just north of Leigh Creek.
- From Copley, it's about 130 km to Arkaroola via Nepabunna. Arkaroola says the road is unsealed but generally maintained.
- Allow about 2 hours from Leigh Creek.
Via Blinman
- The Blinman to Arkaroola road is 152 km of dirt.
- Allow about 2.5 hours from Blinman, or 3 hours from Wilpena.
Both routes cross floodways, and they can be closed or damaged by rain. Before you go:
- Check the Outback Road Report from the SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport.
- Check your hire-car terms. Arkaroola warns that unsealed roads are a common exclusion with rental companies, and breaching it can be costly.
- Carry a good spare tyre (ideally two), water and recovery gear.
There's also a coach service to Copley, 130 km from Arkaroola, and some coach tours include Arkaroola. See 4WD driving and fuel, permits and road conditions.
Facilities
Arkaroola Village has:
- The licensed Native Pine restaurant
- The Pick and Shovel Bar
- A shop with basic snacks and drinks, including ice creams
- Accommodation and camping. Check options and book through Arkaroola.
When to visit
The cooler months, roughly April to October, are the most comfortable for walking and touring. Summer in the northern Flinders can be extremely hot, and storms can close roads. Clear winter nights are superb for stargazing but cold. Pack warm layers. See outback weather by month.
Responsible visiting
- Stay on designated tracks, and leave rocks, plants and artefacts as you find them.
- Give wildlife space, especially rock-wallabies on cliffs.
- Take your rubbish with you.
- Follow sanctuary rules on fires, drones and closed tracks.
Combine with
- Leigh Creek
- Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
- The Flinders Ranges itinerary
- The outback South Australia road trip
- Outback station stays
Nearby park guide: Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arkaroola worth it?
For many outback travellers, yes. Arkaroola has the Ridgetop Tour across razor-back ridges to Sillers Lookout, an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, rugged gorges and waterholes, and what the sanctuary calls perhaps the best place to see yellow-footed rock-wallabies in the wild. Allow at least two or three nights.
Do you need a 4WD to get to Arkaroola?
Not necessarily. Arkaroola says the 130 km road from Copley is unsealed but generally maintained. The Blinman route is 152 km of dirt. Both cross floodways and can close after rain. A high-clearance vehicle is safer, and a 4WD gives more options inside the sanctuary. Check the SA Outback Road Report and your hire-car terms first.
How far is it from Wilpena Pound to Arkaroola?
Arkaroola says the drive via Blinman takes about 3 hours from Wilpena, including 152 km of dirt road from Blinman, which takes about 2.5 hours on its own.
What is there to do in Arkaroola?
Arkaroola lists the 4WD Ridgetop Tour, a Ridgetop Sleepout Tour, astronomy tours in its International Dark Sky Sanctuary, bushwalking, birdwatching, four-wheel driving, geology and wildlife watching. There's also a restaurant, a bar and a shop.
Do you need a national parks pass for Arkaroola?
No. Arkaroola says National Parks permits aren't required for Arkaroola or for travelling there. It's a private wilderness sanctuary, next to Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park.
Where is Arkaroola?
Arkaroola is in the northern Flinders Ranges of South Australia, about 600 km north of Adelaide and about 130 km by unsealed road from Copley, near Leigh Creek.
Can you get to Arkaroola without a car?
Arkaroola says a coach service runs to Copley, 130 km from Arkaroola, and some organised coach tours visit the sanctuary. Ask Arkaroola about current transfer options before you book.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary — Arkaroola
- Getting to Arkaroola Village — Arkaroola
- Outback road warnings map — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA)
