48 Hours in Arkaroola

Kate Muller • Sep 15, 2022

If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, then Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is the perfect place to visit. With its stunning natural landscapes and array of outdoor activities, you'll be spoilt for choice on what to do during your stay. From hiking and four-wheel driving to bird watching and star gazing, Arkaroola has something for everyone. Only have time for a quick visit? Let us show you how you to make the most out of 48 hours at Arkaroola.


Flinders Food Co, Flinders Ranges

Take Time to Enjoy the Journey


Arkaroola is an 8-hour drive from Adelaide, which means you may want to stop along the way to stretch your legs from time to time. There’s plenty to see and do en route in addition to enjoying the ever-changing landscape for your car window. One of the most picturesque routes to the Flinders Ranges will take you through the Clare Valley, home to numerous wineries and local food producers which makes for a very tasty rest stop or overnight stop-over.


Hawker is considered the ‘hub’ of the Flinders, being located at the turn-off towards Wilpena Pound and the Northern Flinders Ranges. Hawker is a great stop for any last-minute supplies with a supermarket and fuel available, while Flinders Food Co. is the perfect coffee or lunch spot, with an exceptional menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.


Arrive at Arkaroola in time for your 2pm check-in and settle into your chosen accommodation before enjoying a 2-course dinner with South Australian wines in our restaurant.


Start with Stargazing


After dinner, we jump straight into exploring…the cosmos! Ningana Imaging Observatory is the latest addition to Arkaroola’s already impressive collection of astronomical venues and provides some of the most accessible stargazing in the Flinders Ranges. It allows visitors to experience a real-time, state of the art Digital Astro Experience without having to go too far from the main reception, bar and restaurant area. Seated indoors in a relaxing space, you'll be able to view the wonders of our solar system and beyond into deep space. The Observatory is just 100m from the main reception, making it the perfect end to a long day of travel and the perfect beginning to your Arkaroola visit.


Wake up Early for a Walk


Arkaroola has a number of self-guided walks and hikes on offer. Griselda Hill is a great walk for visitors short on time. The 2.5km walk takes around an hour and thirty minutes from Arkaroola Village and provides rewarding views over the surrounding ranges. For those looking to head a little further afield, the Kingsmill Falls area is a 2km walk that affords a good opportunity of Yellow-Footed Rock Wallaby and Euro sightings. Continue on the Kingsmill Creek walk, ranging from 2km to 8.6km, to see the World Heritage nominated Sturtian Tillites (~700MYO) and Arkaroola Reef (~650MYO).


Spend the Afternoon on a High


In the afternoon join our iconic Ridgetop Tour for a 4.5 hour open-top 4WD experience that will take you through the oldest parts of the Flinders Ranges as you ascend the Ridgetop Track. An exhilarating experience, you will have the opportunity to enjoy several lookouts and afternoon tea along the way taking in the spectacular views including the 1000m deep Yudnamutana Gorge, Lake Frome salt lake and the surrounding ancient granite mountains that make up Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Your guide will also share geological insights on the Flinders and Gammon Ranges along the way. The trip back down is as just as much of an adventure as the ascent so you’ll be well and truly ready for a relaxing swim in the pool or refreshing beverage at the bar before another delicious dinner in our restaurant.


We highly recommend some more personal stargazing from your accommodation before you turn in for the night, and enjoying a hearty breakfast at our restaurant before getting back on the road to return home or continue on your Flinders Ranges exploration the next morning. If you’re not in a rush to head off, take another stroll to see if you can find one more wallaby or spot some of our amazing birdlife.


Looking to Book your 48 hours at Arkaroola?


Arkaroola is the perfect place to escape for a weekend and enjoy some peace and quiet. If you’re looking for an adventure, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, or if you’d rather relax, soak up the stunning views from your accommodation. No matter what you choose to do, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with this hidden gem in South Australia’s northern Flinders Ranges.


Our Experience Arkaroola package has been designed for those looking to book all they need for a short stay at Arkaroola in one place and includes all the Arkaroola activities we mention here along with your choice of accommodation, dinners each night and breakfast each morning.


Share by: