The Arkaroola Education and Research Foundation has been established with a view to continue to foster an interest in natural science and create a path for young students to pursue careers in the various scientific disciplines.
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary acknowledges the Adnyamathanha Peoples as the Traditional Custodians for Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and the surrounding land and waters. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, recognising their continued spiritual relationship and responsibilities for Country. We would also like to recognise the Adnyamathanha people who contributed to the establishment of Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and those who continue to this day.
Considered to be an area of great natural importance since the 1920s, at Arkaroola, science, education and conservation have always been at the forefront of Arkaroola's mission. Geologist and antarctic pioneer Professor Sir Douglas Mawson considered the area of great natural importance and referred to it as ”one great outdoor museum”. In the following decades Dr. Reg Sprigg, continued to champion the region eventually purchasing the 'Arkaroola Pastoral Lease' in 1967.
Reg's vision for tourism to support conservation and scientific research continues to this day. The Foundation was established in 2015 to protect Arkaroola for future generations, to help fund this work, $5 from every person per tour is donated to the Foundation.
Key Deliverables
The foundation provides assistance for researchers from various sciences to conduct field work here at the sanctuary. Research projects in botany, geology and paleontology are conducted at Arkaroola with local and international university groups having undertaken and continue to conduct field research with the assistance of the foundation. The Arkaroola Education and Research Foundation welcomes expressions of interest from Educational Organizations, Scientific Bodies and individuals alike. Please contact Arkaroola for more information.
- Research in botany geology and palaeontology
- Research into invasive species and the conservation of native species
- The eradication of feral animals and invasive plant species
- Facilitate continuing education with schools and tertiary institutions in the natural sciences including astronomy, geology and biology
Feral Cats
Jumping Cholla
Jumping Cholla
Dingo or Feral Dog?
Our Chief Geoscientist
In 2025, the Arkaroola Education & Research Foundation, in partnership with Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary Management, established the voluntary role of Chief Geoscientist – Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary to support research leadership, scientific communication, and the continued protection of Arkaroola’s globally significant geological landscape.
We are proud to announce Stephen (Steve) Hore as the inaugural Chief Geoscientist for Arkaroola.
Steve is a Senior Geologist with the Geological Survey of South Australia and has worked extensively across the Northern Flinders Ranges and associated desert plains throughout his career. His research has contributed to a deeper understanding of the region’s ancient rock formations, mineral systems, and the unique geological processes that define Arkaroola as a natural treasure of international scientific importance.
The Role Supports:
- Guidance and coordination of scientific research and education across the Sanctuary
- Collaboration with universities, research bodies, and field study groups
- Development of geoscience education for visitors and students
- Advocacy for the ongoing protection and conservation of the landscape
- Interpretation and storytelling to help visitors connect with “deep time” heritage
- Arkaroola Management as first point of contact for potential World Heritage and GeoRegion/GeoPArk scientific representatives
Why Steve?
Steve brings not only a lifetime of geological expertise in the Arkaroola region but a respected history of working with researchers, scientists, students and field educators. Steve has an unwavering passion for helping people see and understand the ancient stories written in the landscape.
His appointment strengthens the Foundation’s commitment to research excellence, educational impact, and long-term environmental stewardship.
Steve strongly believes that Arkaroola is one of the most remarkable geological windows into Earth’s past — and sharing that story responsibly is part of protecting it.
Case Studies
- SA ARID Lands Landscape Board Opuntoid cacti biocontrol - Paul Hodges
- Short-tailed Grasswren Survey -
Ashwin Rudder and Sam Gordon
Ecologists Ashwin Rudder and Sam Gordon visited Arkaroola in June 2022 to survey Short-tailed Grasswrens (Amytornis merrotsyi merrotsyi). This species of grasswren live in spinifex covered hillsides and protected gullies of the Flinders Ranges and the Gawler Ranges. The DEW survey of the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park and Arkaroola was to identify critical habitat and monitor the health of the grasswren population.
Ashwin and Sam were pleased with the results on Arkaroola, finding them in 5 of the 8 areas searched, and despite very windy conditions on the first day. They concluded that the extensive Spinifex provided great habitat for these Vulnerable birds and that they appear to be doing well despite the recent severe drought. This is great news to us, particularly as our Ridgetop drivers reported very few sightings during and since the drought. - Arkaroola has supported Garry Trethewey in researching Slender Bellfruit trees (Codonocarpus pyramidalis). These enigmatic and unusual looking trees were thought to be going extinct only a few years ago, but for unknown reasons have unexpectedly rebounded in large numbers at various times and places.
Learn more about the Bellfruit tree here
