5 Arkaroola Attractions And Activities You Can’t Miss + How To Plan Your Visit

This unique place is in the remote Flinders Ranges of South Australia, and everyone who visits it owes the Spriggs a BIG thank you!

They turned this rugged landscape into an eco-tourism haven, and we can reap the rewards! We spent 4 days there and left wanting more – and we couldn’t fit everything on this list!

It’s an unforgettable experience, but it’s definitely off the beaten track. You’ll need to plan ahead – it’s remote, the roads are unsealed, and don’t expect a ton of amenities. But that’s all part of the adventure!

You’ll be bouncing around in a 4WD, hiking through rugged terrain, and stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the world!

This guide covers all the must-dos, tips, and insider info to make the most of your trip. Let’s dive into the best Arkaroola attractions!

5 Things to do in Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Adnyamathanha people.

1) Ridgetop Tour

This is Arkaroola’s MOST iconic experience!

You’ll be in a 4WD, bouncing around the most rugged terrain towards the incredible Sillers Lookout, over the Freeling Heights.

The ride is intense (which is half the fun) and you’ll see the most epic views of the astounding rock formations, rugged mountains and sheer drop-offs of the area.

But book this one as soon as possible, though – it fills up fast.

2) 4WD driving tracks

In Arkaroola, a short drive in any direction will take you somewhere adventurous and with the most insane vistas. It’s amazing how far we got with just a Subaru Outback AWD and a bit of clearance!

Here are the most popular 4WD tracks in the area (for experienced drivers only, they are intense!):

• Echo Camp Backtrack – takes you deep into the sanctuary, where you’ll see rugged landscapes, gorges, and waterholes. It’s a proper off-road adventure with stunning scenery at every turn.

• Paralana Hot Springs – The world’s only naturally radioactive spring is a 30+ km drive from the village! This means no swimming, but the geology of the area is fascinating, and the surrounding landscapes are worth the trip.

• Yudnamutana Drive. Explore the abandoned Yudnamutana copper mines, in the Northern Flinders Ranges. Discover ruins and relics from the area’s mining past, all while taking in the dramatic landscapes. Don’t miss the Nooldoonooldoona Waterhole!

3) Astronomy & Stargazing

The night sky here will have you pinching yourself.

Arkaroola is recognised as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary – the zero pollution makes it one of the BEST spots in Australia for stargazing.

You can join one of their astronomy tours or head to the observatory. If you’ve never done stargazing properly, this is your chance to tick it off your bucket list.

The best views are when there’s no moon, so it’s worth trying to plan your visit during the darker phases.

4) Go on one of the many hikes

If you’d rather explore the most impressive and remote landscapes without the intense bouncing of four-wheel driving, you’re in luck – Arkaroola has the most epic hikes! Here are some of the best ones:

• Acacia Ridge Walk – A 9km return hike that gives you unbeatable views of the surrounding ranges. It’s moderately difficult with a steep climb on the last half, but the panoramic views make it all worth it.

• Barraranna Gorge Trail – Anen a bette 8.4 km trail that passes through the old mining area and geological features of interest (with interpretive signs). The gorge’s rock formations are stunning, as well as the dramatic rocky walls surrounding Bararanna Waterhole.

• Mawson-Spriggina Walk – This 8km loop is the perfect way to explore the local geology and take in the diverse landscapes of The Pinnacles, Mawson Valley, and Spriggina Ridge. It’s a fairly easy walk, with only a few moderate climbs.

• Griselda Hill – A short (1.6km) but challenging hike, the goal is to climb this hill that dominates the Arkaroola landscape. You’ll get sweeping views over the village and the ranges! The top involves some rock scrambling.

• Oppaminda Nudlamutana Walk – A 15km walk (one-way) for serious hikers looking to experience the most remote parts of the sanctuary. You’ll summit Mt Warren-Hastings, which gives you some of the best views in the area.

5) Book a scenic flight

If you’ve ever wanted to see the outback from above, the scenic flights from Arkaroola are unbeatable! They offer a variety of scenic flights:

• Arkaroola village

• Lake Frome, the whitest salt lake in the country

• Lake Eyre, the largest inland lake in Australia

These experiences are expensive, yes. But you won’t regret it – we did a scenic flight over Lake Eyre once and it was life-changing!

When is the best time to visit Arkaroola?

The best time to hit up Arkaroola is between March and October, during the cooler months. You’ll get nice, mild days for exploring and clear nights for stargazing.

An even better time would be visiting during a new moon – the darkest moon phase means the star gazing will be the very best it can be.

Nights can get pretty chilly though, so bring some layers, especially if you’re camping. If you’re keen on hiking or doing any 4WD tours, this is when the weather is perfect for it.

Plus, there’s less chance of rain messing with the unsealed roads!

How to get to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

Getting there is half the adventure!

The nearest town is Copley, which is a 1½ -2 hour drive to Arkaroola. You’ll drive on an all-weather gravel road.

You’ll drive through pastoral properties, the Nepabunna Aboriginal Land, and Indigenous communities. Then you’ll see the magnificent ranges and gorges of the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park, well worth a visit in its own right!

The final 30 km scenic stretch from the National Park’s edge, through the Muntalinna Valley and into the sanctuary and Arkaroola Village is a foretaste of the geological fantasy that awaits.

How many days to stay in Arkaroola?

Two nights in Arkaroola is the bare minimum, the place is very remote so any less than that might not be worth it. We’d recommend at least 3-4 days though. We stayed 4 days and we wanted to stay for longer, there’s SO much to do!

Top Tips

Arkaroola accommodation includes cabins, rooms, and powered caravan sites, to suit all kinds of visitors! Check the availability and latest prices here.

Some people manage in a high-clearance 2WD (if the weather is good) but honestly it’s best to visit with a 4WD.

Water is another biggie. Don’t expect to fill up your water tanks here! Stock up at Copley or Leigh Creek before heading there, and bring extra if you’re camping. There’s rainwater in the village, but it’s precious, and they’ll ask you not to waste it.

Also fuel up before you arrive! There’s fuel in the village, but it’s limited and more expensive. And while there’s a general store, don’t rely on it for groceries. Bring all the food and essentials you’ll need, because there’s not much to buy once you’re out here.

Did you know?

The Arkaroola sanctuary exists today thanks to Reg Sprigg, one of Australia’s top geologists. He bought the land in 1968 after realising it needed protection from uranium mining and overgrazing.

Along with his wife, Griselda, they turned it into a sanctuary. They booted out feral animals, restored native plants, and started an eco-tourism venture long before the term even existed! Their vision laid the groundwork for what’s now one of Australia’s top eco-destinations.

After years of public outcry and lobbying, the South Australian government finally protected the area in 2012 with the Arkaroola Protection Act. It was a massive win for conservation and meant the sanctuary’s future was safe from mining, preserving its landscapes for generations.

But way before this arrived, the Adnyamathanha people have called this place home for thousands of years, with their Dreamtime stories weaving through the landscape.

One story talks about the spirit ancestor Arkaroo, who drank Lake Frome dry, leaving behind the waterholes that dot the area.

FAQs

The bottom line

The Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is the perfect place to experience the wild outback in all its glory.

Take on the rugged Ridge Top Tour, gaze at the stars in one of the best stargazing spots in the country, or tackle one of the many hikes that get you up close to this incredible landscape. There’s no shortage of adventure, whether you’re exploring by 4WD, foot, or even from the air with a scenic flight.

Make the most of your time here – it’s remote, rugged, and completely unforgettable!