Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary Experiences

Adventure and Outdoors Tours

Welcome to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, the ultimate destination for an unforgettable Australian adventure, located in the heart of the spectacular Northern Flinders Ranges. The experiences available will take you on a journey through the rugged landscape, where you’ll have the chance to see some of the country’s most amazing wildlife in their natural habitat. From four-wheel driving and star gazing to hiking through unparalleled scenery, Arkaroola offers something for everyone who wants to soak up Australia’s beauty. So come and explore this unique destination today and discover why Arkaroola is truly one of a kind!

Services

$235

The Lake Frome flight takes you over one of the whitest salt lakes in the Southern Hemisphere – you’ll have to shade your eyes from the flat crystalline expanse of salt glinting in the sun! Flanked by 20,000-year-old sand dunes trapped forever in the crusty grasp of the Lake, these are a relic of the time when central Australia was once an inland sea. It’s hard to imagine! 45 minutes east from Arkaroola, this is a short flight with a big payday.

Disabled Access

Family Friendly Non Smoking

From $54 to $80

There is nothing like an evening under a stunning tapestry of stars, taking in the amazing sight of the night sky in the deep dark of the Flinders Ranges.

Experience an educational evening under the vast expanse of Arkaroola’s starlit International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Gaze upwards, and find yourself mesmerized by the pristine clarity of the moon, stars, Milky Way, and other celestial wonders. All of these can be viewed in intimate detail using our state-of-the-art astronomy binoculars while reclining in a comfortable camp chair.

Choose to upgrade your experience, by opting for our custom-designed robotic stargazing chairs. Not only will you recline in comfort, but these advanced chairs will also seamlessly move to align you with whatever celestial marvel the astronomy guide is showcasing, ensuring you don’t miss a thing!

The unparalleled vantage point of Arkaroola, coupled with its high elevation and arid environment offers a stargazing experience like no other. The skies here remain largely untouched by clouds, and with the nearest town over 100km away, light pollution is virtually non-existent.

Whether you’re an astronomy novice or a seasoned star-seeker, our setup ensures everyone can revel in the night’s beauty.

Disabled Access

Carpark Family Friendly Non Smoking

From $850 to $1025

Enjoy a half day tour from Arkaroola to Lake Eyre taking in the wild red granites, gorges and watercourses of the Ridge Top and Mawson Plateau. The flight will then take you up to the eastern side of the Lake where there is a unique opportunity to see the orange red dunes of the Strzesleki and Tirari Deserts from the air, before tracking over Lake Eyre North’s Madigan Gulf Hunt Peninsula to Belt Bay, the lowest part in Australia. To return, you’ll go down Jack Boot Bay to Lake Eyre South, then the Oodnadatta Track and the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges.

Disabled Access

Family Friendly Non Smoking

$175

Take a trip back in time with the Written in the Rocks guided tour, driving and walking the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.

The ancient geological history of this region has been exposed at the surface, revealing hundreds of millions of years of sedimentary and glacial activity. This land is ancient, and it shows.

Stop at the Ochre Wall, Lively’s Gold Find, the Welcome Mine and the Jasper Twins as you explore the complex geology of Arkaroola, wandering over ancient glacial rocks from past ice ages at Stubbs Waterhole to the ancient fossil sea-beds now forming near-vertical cliffs in Bararranna Gorge. You may even be rewarded with sightings of the shy Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, wedge-tailed eagles and brown falcons (among others).

This tour is tailored to suit each group, and it includes numerous walks of which the difficulty and length will be at the discretion of the tour participants. And don’t worry, it does include a morning/afternoon tea stop with light refreshments, including the famous Arkaroola Lamingtons! These stops also give you an opportunity wander quietly, taking in the atmosphere and grandeur of this amazing wilderness.

Disabled Access

Family Friendly Non Smoking

$195

The Sanctuary Flight will take you from the ancient sedimentary seabed layers of southern Arkaroola to the unruly granite and quartz outcrops of Mt Gee, the Mawson Plateau and the Freeling Heights, all in a stunning 35 minutes. Pilot Doug Sprigg’s commentary will teach you about Arkaroola’s geology and mining history as you take in the beautiful views down below.

Disabled Access

Family Friendly Non Smoking

$195

Travel along creeks overshadowed by long-lived gum trees, explore wide-open plains and historic locations of Copper Mines.

This tour takes its name from the historic and picturesque Echo Camp, originally noted in 1898 by the prospector W.B Greenwood when he discovered this route into the rugged mountains to the north. It was used on many occasions by Sir Douglas Mawson in later years, and the location was even utilised as a base camp for the Manhattan Project in 1944.

The tour makes for a fascinating journey, with informative and lively commentary from your guide as you travel along the wide expanses of Arkaroola creek with its majestic River Red Gums (majestic is the best word to describe them!).

Disabled Access

Family Friendly Non Smoking

$60

See the stars and planets from a whole new perspective, up-close and personal and on the big screen!

The latest addition to Arkaroola’s impressive collection of astronomical venues, the Ningana Imaging Observatory allows visitors to experience a real-time, state of the art Digital Astro Experience.

Be seated indoors, in a relaxing space to view the wonders of our solar system and beyond into deep space – all without having to go too far. The Observatory is just 100m from the main reception, bar and restaurant area, perfect for the end of a long day exploring Arkaroola.

Disabled Access

Family Friendly Non Smoking

$130

Witness Arkaroola and the Northern Flinders Ranges awash in ever-changing hues of light at one of the best sunset locations in South Australia. The magnificence of an Arkaroola sunset is difficult to put into words, which is why you need to see it for yourself.

Travel through ancient parts of the wild and rugged Flinders Ranges by 4WD before arriving at a spectacular lookout point, where your very own comfortable lounge chair is set up.

Enjoy South Australian wine, beer and canapés along with commentary from your expert local guides, while watching one of nature’s greatest light shows.

Disabled Access

Non Smoking

$315

Take a trip back in time with the Written in the Rocks guided tour, driving and walking the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.

Visit the Ochre Wall, Lively’s Gold Find, the Welcome Mine and the Jasper Twins and explore the complex geology of Arkaroola, wandering over ancient glacial rocks from past ice ages at Stubbs Waterhole to the ancient fossil sea-beds now forming near-vertical cliffs in Bararranna Gorge. You may even be rewarded with sightings of the shy Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, wedge-tailed eagles and brown falcons (among others).

This tour is tailored to suit each group, and it includes numerous walks of which the difficulty and length will be at the discretion of the tour participants. And don’t worry, it does include a morning/afternoon tea stop with light refreshments, including the famous Arkaroola Lamingtons, and lunch. These stops also give you an opportunity wander quietly, taking in the atmosphere and grandeur of this amazing wilderness.

Continue along Mt Jacob Backtrack to Tillite Gorge, with its Sturtian Ice Age glacial tillites. Walk up Kingsmill Creek to see the more than 600 million year old Arkaroola Reef and onto Station Backtrack and Lake Frome Lookout.

Disabled Access

Family Friendly Non Smoking

$345

Travel along creeks overshadowed by long-lived gum trees, explore wide-open plains and historic locations of Copper Mines.

This tour takes its name from the historic and picturesque Echo Camp, originally noted in 1898 by the prospector W.B Greenwood when he discovered this route into the rugged mountains to the north. It was used on many occasions by Sir Douglas Mawson in later years, and the location was even utilised as a base camp for the Manhattan Project in 1944.

The tour makes for a fascinating journey, with informative and lively commentary from your guide as you travel along the wide expanses of Arkaroola creek with its majestic River Red Gums (majestic is the best word to describe them!).

This full day experience also explores the eastern side of Arkaroola and includes a visit to the unique Paralana Hot Springs with its radiogenically heated water and site of a 1920’s health spa, East Painter Gorge and Yudnamutana Gorges along the way.

Disabled Access

Family Friendly Non Smoking

$1970

The perfect adventure awaits you in the heart of the beautiful Flinders Ranges!
Spend your first night at Arkaroola in one of our comfortable accommodation options before embarking on a 4WD journey to the remote Streitberg Ridge campsite. This relaxed tour along the Ridgetop Track allows time to explore, to discuss the sciences and take in the scenery at its best.
Upon arrival at Streitberg Ridge, your campsite will be ready for you to unwind and soak up the breath-taking views of the outback landscape. As the sun sets, your host will prepare delicious canapes for you to enjoy, accompanied by local wine, as you watch the Ranges light up before your eyes.
Savour an unforgettable dinner prepared by your guide as you share stories around the campfire with fellow travellers or gaze at the stars above.
After a day filled with adventure, retire to the comfort of a swag on one of only four elevated sleepout decks. Drift off to sleep under the canopy of stars, and wake up to the soft morning light. You may choose to view sunrise from the renowned Siller’s Lookout, before enjoying a cooked breakfast and your return trip to Arkaroola Village.

Disabled Access

Non Smoking Public Toilet

$2520

The 3 Night Arkaroola Ridgetop Sleepout package provides the perfect combination of adventure and comfort.
Your journey begins with a night’s stay at Arkaroola, where you’ll indulge in a 2-course dinner paired with wine at the Native Pine restaurant.
The following morning, you’ll have time at leisure before embarking on a 4WD journey to the remote Streitberg Ridge campsite. This relaxed tour along the Ridgetop Track allows time to explore and take in the scenery at its best.
Your campsite will be ready for your arrival and as the sun sets, your host will prepare delicious canapes for you to enjoy, accompanied by local wine, as you watch the Ranges light up before your eyes.
Savour an unforgettable dinner prepared by your guide as you share stories around the campfire or gaze at the stars.
Retire to the comfort of a swag on one of only four elevated sleepout decks and drift off to sleep under the canopy of stars. Choose to view sunrise from the renowned Siller’s Lookout, before enjoying a cooked breakfast and your return trip to Arkaroola Village.
Relax with a final night’s stay at Arkaroola before checking out the following morning.

Disabled Access

Non Smoking Public Toilet

$195

The Ridgetop Tour is an unforgettable experience, showcasing timeless terrain and the natural beauty of Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.

Travelling in a specially constructed open-top 4WD, passengers are taken on a guided tour of some of the most spectacular rugged country on earth. Experienced 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.

Travelling through the oldest parts of the Flinders Ranges, home to plants found nowhere else, you will explore the ancient granite mountains and hillsides covered in native bush. Several lookouts along the way offer breath-taking vistas of the vast and humbling expanse of the ranges. Take a tea break while drinking in the magnificent ring of saw-toothed Freeling Heights fringing the Mawson Plateau. See the jaw-dropping 1000m deep Yudnamutana Gorge, the plains and Lake Frome salt lake.

And don’t worry- the descent back to the village is just as much of an adventure as the way up!

Disabled Access

Family Friendly Non Smoking

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Arkaroola Ridgetop Sleepout

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Arkaroola night sky

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