THE ARKAROOLA WILDERNESS SANCTUARY
Located 600km north of Adelaide in the ruggedly spectacular northern Flinders Ranges, this 610sq km multi award-winning Wilderness Sanctuary was founded by the Sprigg family in 1968 and continues to operate to this day with a strong emphasis on science, education and conservation to enable us, as custodians, to preserve this priceless and unique wilderness and its inhabitants into the future.
With a Geological History reaching back almost 2 billion years, this ancient landscape also has an extraordinary human history. Frequented and featuring in creation stories by Indigenous Peoples for tens of thousands of years the area was later brought to the attention of the modern world by the late Professor Sir Douglas Mawson.
WHAT IS THERE TO SEE AND DO?
Arkaroola is an inspiring destination for artists, aviators, astronomers, adventure bikers, birdwatchers, bushwalkers , four wheel drive adventurers, geologists and just about anybody with a sense of adventure and a quest for knowledge.
Arkaroola features many unique geological monuments, rugged mountains, towering granite peaks, magnificent gorges and mysterious waterholes, the home to a huge range of species of birds, reptiles and mammals including the shy and endangered Yellow-Footed Rock-Wallaby. In fact, Arkaroola is perhaps the best place to see these rare marsupials in their natural habitat anywhere within their range.
ARKAROOLA
Explore the Flinders Ranges
Discover some of our iconic experiences below
ARKAROOLA ICONIC EXPERIENCES
RIDGETOP TOUR
The Ridgetop Tour is an unforgettable experience, showcasing timeless terrain and natural beauty of the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. The spectacular and thrilling tour has been our premier attraction since 1969 and continues to enthral folk of all ages from all parts of the globe.
Journey through a landscape as old as the continent itself, across razor-back ridges and peaks of the Flinders Ranges most rugged mountains to the magnificent climax at Sillers Lookout.
Click here to learn more about our signature 4WD Ridgetop Tour.
RIDGETOP SLEEPOUT TOUR
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Arkaroola 4WD Ridgetop Sleepout Tour, a journey designed to immerse you in the breathtaking landscapes of the rugged Australian outback. Guided by experts, you'll traverse ancient terrains in a 4WD to the most spectacular viewpoints the region has to offer. As night falls, sleep under the stars of the Arkaroola International Dark Sky Sanctuary in an extraordinary outdoor experience. Ideal for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, this tour offers a unique blend of thrill and serenity.
Click here to explore the full details of this unique experience and to start planning your Arkaroola adventure today!
INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY SANCTUARY
Explore the Arkaroola International Dark Sky Sanctuary, a haven of celestial beauty in the Australian outback, untouched by light pollution. Experience unparalleled stargazing and the splendour of the Milky Way, planets, and distant galaxies in crystal-clear skies. Perfect for both astronomers and dreamers, we invite you to a unique night-sky adventure. Stay with us for an immediate encounter with the dark sky, or join one of our Astronomy Tours for a deeper exploration.
Click here to journey into the depths of the cosmos and learn more about our dark sky certification and how you can experience the Arkaroola International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
HOW GOOD IS ARKAROOLA?
The Sprigg family are true pioneers of tourism in the region, becoming the first Flinders Ranges tourism venue to achieve the coveted Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation and now offers a wide and varied range of experiences for you to enjoy, Arkaroola is truly unique.
Our third successive S.A. Tourism Award win for Ecotourism (November 2007), saw Arkaroola awarded the coveted Hall of Fame, and is undoubtedly one of South Australia’s premier ecotourism destinations.
OUR FACILITIES
Restaurant and Bar
After a day of adventure out in the sanctuary relax in the Pick and Shovel Bar before dining in the Native Pine fully licensed restaurant.
Shop
Basic snack food and drinks (including ice creams) are available from the shop.
Fuel Supplies
Diesel, unleaded and premium fuel supplies and mechanical repair workshop, including tyre repairs and 100 LL avgas is available by arrangement.
Swimming Pool
Our swimming pool is open all year round.
