Arkaroola

 2 - 4 November 2021

We decided that we would head for Arkaroola despite the forecast storms - we had to take the chance as we might not get another. We set off from Copley to drive the 130 km along unsealed roads. The road was in fairly good condition and we made good time. Along the way we stopped to have a look at a couple of national park camping spots.

There are two spots in the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park that we want to have a look at. The first was Italowie Campground. This was just off the main road and easy to access with wide open spaces, marked camp spots, fire pits and toilets. There was a stunning view of the gorge wall, but not much shade.

The other spot we looked at was Weetootla Campground. This one was about 5km off the main road along a rough track. The campground is in open ground, with fire pits, toilets and a picnic table. We decided to have lunch here and found some shade - unfortunately the picnic table was not in shade.

From there we continued on to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. We were greeted by a very friendly and efficient receptionist who explained everything we needed to know, and suggested some activities. Because it was late in the tourist season, there weren't many people camping so we were able to choose our own spot in the caravan park. We were able to snag one close to the amenities, with a killer view of the ranges. We had plenty of room to spread out, but this would not have been the case if the place were full. Sites are quite small and packed in tight. We, along with the other 2 camper trailers, and 1 caravan, took up two spots each. There are powered and unpowered sites in the caravan park, as well as unpowered camping along the creek. There is limited water, and none available to fill water tanks - no problem for us as we arrived with a full tank.

Each evening, at around 6:00pm, staff feed the Yellow-footed rock wallabies. It was explained that this is only a supplementary feed, and was started after a major drought in 2017. These wallabies are only found in the Flinders Ranges.

During the afternoon there had been some major wind gusts so Mick had put in extra ropes and pegs to secure the camper trailer. The forecast storm didn't eventute but there was some significant wind gusts throughout the night.

In the morning we set off on one of a number of drives within the sanctuary. Our destination was Stubbs Waterhole. This 11.5km drive takes in some magnificent scenery as well as a number of points of interest along the way. The road varies from very good, to 4WD required. We found the parking area but couldn't see the waterhole. After some scrambling over rocks and along the dry creek bed, we finally found the waterhole - well worth the effort. Mick even spotted a Yellow-footed rock wallaby.

On the way back home, we stopped to have a look at Ochre Wall. The variety of colours, although in the shade at this time of day, was stunning. There were rocks nearby that were almost purple too.

Later in the afternoon we went back down to the rock wallaby feeding area to see if any birds were attracted to the water there. I left MIck there for an hour or so, and went back to pick him up just in time to grab a beer from the bar, before joining others for the feeding,

Although there was still some wind, our second night was nothing like the first. In the morning we took our time to pack up and decided not to go and stay in the National Park campsites due to the lack of birdlife. Instead we would head for Wilpena Pound.