Arkaroola, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Dec 13th, 2004
Nestled among the razorback mountains of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia lies Arkaroola - a private wildlife sanctuary and outback haven for almost 30 years. It lies 600km north of Adelaide in a remote and scenically spectacular part of the Flinders Ranges.
The Arkaroola Wildlife Sanctuary and Resort is a privately operated wildlife sanctuary, which includes a self contained tourist village. It was once a sheep station and was purchased in 1967 by geologist Reg Sprigg and his family with the interest of conserving and preserving the wildlife and unique flora. Some of Reg's family still lives there, continuing his dedication to the place.
The sanctuary is now one of the largest and most comprehensive resorts of its kind in Australia, specifically developed to foster responsible tourism in harmony with conservation of the environment.
Scientists have pinpointed Arkaroola as the best spot in the southern hemisphere to see the stars. The best place to see these amazing stars is at the observatory, located on a hillcrest on the perimeter of Arkaroola Village. The two computer-aided telescopes have put Arkaroola amongst the leaders of amateur astronomic observation in Australia.
A waterhole tour takes you to two waterholes; the Bolla Bollana and Nooldoonooldoona waterholes. At both waterholes, you also have the chance to see the rare and very shy Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby.
Another premier attraction for any visitor to Arkaroola is the Ridgetop Tour, which winds through some of Australia's most spectacular country. It is the best way to see the most breathtaking scenery of the Northern Flinders Ranges.
The tour has thrilled thousands of visitors over the years, who without Arkaroola's fleet of four wheel drive vehicles wouldn't have access to this unsurpassed country and its unique wildlife and flora.
After traversing to the heart of the ridge top tour, you can enjoy it from the air on a scenic flight. The flight takes 35 to 40 minutes and passes over the wilderness which makes up Arkaroola, includes the Freeling Heights and the Mawson Plateau with its series of beautiful waterholes and giant granite boulders.
Try a Bush Banquet, a celebration of all the great outdoors has to offer. Visitors get to enjoy a scrumptious three course meal in the magnificent banks of the Whywyana creek. Banquets are for 10 to 30 people and the menu is uniquely Australian.
The facts
Arkaroola camp sites cost from $15 and cabins from $40.
Mawson Lodge suites cost from $145.
A Ridge Top Tour starts from $85 for adults and $55 for children.
The Waterhole Tour starts from $80 for adults and $50 for children.
The Nightly Observatory Tour costs from $30.00 per person.
Scenic flights start from $88 per person.
Arkaroola
Tel: 08 8648 4848
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 13/12/04
