Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

Name: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Address: Arkaroola Road, Arkaroola, au

Location: Arkaroola Road, Arkaroola, au

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Resorts

About this Property

Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit in the Heart of Flinders Ranges

Unique Activities for Unforgettable Experiences
From scenic flights to stargazing in observatories, our sanctuary offers a range of activities. Explore the ancient granites on a Ridge Top Tour or spot native animals in their natural habitat. The options are endless for your wilderness adventure.

Diverse Accommodation Options
Choose from motel rooms, self-contained cottages, or powered caravan sites. Relax in rooms with a private bathroom and a cozy seating area. Enjoy modern amenities like a flat-screen TV and make use of the shared kitchen and lounge for a homely stay.

Relaxation and Convenience at Your Fingertips
Sip a drink at Pick & Shovel Bar, dine at Native Pine Restaurant, or grab supplies from the on-site store. Take a dip in the large swimming pool or utilize the private airstrip for easy access. Your wilderness escape awaits at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary!

Important Information

Transfers can be arranged to and from Arkaroola Airstrip and Balcanoona Airstrip.

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Family rooms
BBQ facilities
Tour desk
Facilities for disabled guests
Packed lunches
Non-smoking throughout
Shared lounge/TV area
Wheelchair accessible
Kid meals
Shared kitchen
Paid WiFi
Outdoor furniture
Coffee Shop on site
Fire extinguishers
Invoice provided
Smoke alarms
Key access
Self parking (surcharge)
Pool sun loungers
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Internet access
Art gallery on site
Wine release events
Exercise/lap pool
Japanese garden
Secured parking
Swimming nearby
Vegetarian menu options available
Bulk dispenser for toiletries
Accessible train station shuttle
No accessible train station shuttle

Rooms Available

Budget Triple Room with Shower - Greenwood

These rooms include a bathroom, evaporative air-conditioning and heating. Guests have access to a communal kitchen with fridge, oven, stove top, utensils and microwave. All rooms back onto a large lounge and dining area. Cutlery, crockery and drinkware are not provided.

Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Shower
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Wardrobe or closet
- Barbecue
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Body soap
- Smoke alarm
Deluxe Double Room - Callitris

This room features views over the surrounding mountains, air conditioning, TV and a sofa.

Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Sofa
- Alarm clock
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Barbecue
- Electric blankets
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Feather pillow
- Smoke alarm
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
Deluxe Quadruple Room - Mawson

This room features views over the surrounding mountains, air conditioning and a TV.

Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Alarm clock
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Barbecue
- Electric blankets
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Feather pillow
- Smoke alarm
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
Two-Bedroom House - Callana

This cottage features air conditioning, a TV and a BBQ.

Max Occupancy: 5 (5 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Sofa
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Oven
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Barbecue
- Electric blankets
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Feather pillow
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
Two-Bedroom House - Euro

This cottage features views over the surrounding mountains, air conditioning, a TV and a BBQ.

Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Sofa
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Oven
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Barbecue
- Electric blankets
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Feather pillow
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
Three-Bedroom House - Wallaby

This cottage features views over the surrounding mountains, a TV, air conditioning and a BBQ with outdoor seating.

Max Occupancy: 8 (8 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Sofa
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Oven
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Barbecue
- Electric blankets
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Feather pillow
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
Three-Bedroom House - Fauna Park

This 3-bedroom house features a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area and air conditioning. Please note that it is located a 5-minute drive from reception.

Max Occupancy: 10 (10 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Washing machine
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Fireplace
- Sofa
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Oven
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Barbecue
- Electric blankets
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Feather pillow
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation

Guest Reviews

Debbie (8/5): -
Edwin (10/5): -
Dean (8/5): - facilities and Staff nothing
Travers (5/5): We had a wonderful time visiting Arkaroola. (Father, Son and Grandfather) - The place is exceptional and our experience being in Arkaroola and the region was fantastic. We loved the nostaglic/time capsule feel of the resort. We enjoyed hiking, taking some self-guided 4WD tracks and the doing the star gazing event. The meals were all very good. The staff were generally fine, but sometimes we felt they were a bit ambivalent. Obviously team members come and go from the location and we felt their orientation and training was a bit lacking. While we loved the place for the spectacular natural environment and we loved the nostalgic vibe of the resort, it could really use a significant refresh and upgrade while keeping the essence of the place. I am an architect that specialises in boutique hotels and hospitality projects and it would be an amazing project to bring the resort up to a contemporary standard. It's a huge opportunity.
Edwin (10/5): -
SONJA (10/5): Go on the ridge top tour. Amazing - Wilderness sanctuary was unique and so special. Definitely worth a visit Nothing!
Carolyn (10/5): Fantastic - We loved the views There was nothing
Janet (8/5): a fantastic outback experiance - Tour was fantastic did not get the chair sky watching though the sky was clear. Alternative computer but no way good
Lynette (10/5): - Loved the location and central to all the sights. A bonus were the delicious dinners, the chef cooked amazing meals, with beautiful fresh herbs. The flies which couldn't be helped because of the seasonal rains.
lee (10/5): Amazing place - This time we stayed in the budget accommodation. 95 a night. Fantastic deal. Very cheap for a roof over your head out that way. Made it all the way out to blue rock mine about 50 kms pure off-road behind arkaroola. Please note if you cross onto mount freeling property at any point there is a small $50 fee to pay to explore on that land.
Lowe (9/5): -
David (8/5): -
Samantha (8/5): We had an amazing family weekend away, Arkaroola is great! - Nice swimming pool, kids loved the swim after our hike. Astronomy experience was amazing (unfortunately full moon, so we could not experience the milky way), as a result of some rain prior to our stay- the fields were amazingly green. Unfortunately nothing Arkaroola can do it about it, but the flies were next level terrible. Would love BBQ facilities for the brick hotel rooms as well.
Timothy (8/5): -
wolfgang (10/5): -
Graham (7/5): -
Fred (9/5): -
Teresa (7/5): -
Stephen (9/5): -
Suzanne (7/5): Wonderful experiences.learning about the property the research and the history - Its location. Uniqueness. Wildlife. The cabin facilities were really under par. Kitchen and bathroom at the very least need updating. Would make it so great.
lee (10/5): Amazing get away. - Amazing views. Great tracks and exploring to do. And the star gazing. 10/10 recommend the telescope tour thing they have. Was amazing to see in real time just how big our unizerse is.
Robert (8/5): Great location, great experience - Breakfast good value, location great Resort tired, needs some TLC
Emma (9/5): -
john (7/5): -
John (9/5): Excellent facilities in a remote location. - Large, clean & comfortable cottage. Great mechanic (Keiran) who helped with our various tyre issues. Very comfy bed, 6pm wallaby feeding & observatory tour. Chaotic check-in by a very distracted receptionist.
Smith (10/5): We will be back. - Absolutely a gem of a place. Unique and breathtaking. Lots of see and the “Roof Top Tour” is a must. Staff are very friendly and you get to see the rock wallabies close up each afternoon as they are fed. Nothing.
Francine (6/5): - Beautiful surroundings and lots of wildlife. A unique part of the world. Nice swimming pool and met and chatted with lots of other friendly travellers. Tour guides were excellent. My poor rating for the staff relates to reception and bar staff. The natural beauty of the surroundings and the Ridgetop tour still make it worth a visit. The shared kitchen and living area in Greenwood Lodge is very dirty. Mouse droppings in the cutlery and utensils drawers. Lounges and chairs are very dusty. We only saw staff emptying bins, and no other housekeeping occurred. Upon arrival, we stood there for a while, ignored by the person at reception. When buying a drink from the bar, staff were unwelcoming and unfriendly. They looked like they didn't want to be there. Whilst you don't expect luxury out there, it could be so much better with a bit of an update and a good clean.
Sharon (9/5): Nature, nurtured. - The conservation and environmental ethic and efforts. Love the rock wallabies, plants and bird life. And the astronomy talks. The night sky. Love the 4WD tracks and tour.
Mark (7/5): -
Gary (8/5): -
David (8/5): Comfortable accommodation in a remote, outback environment. - No breakfast included. Nice bowl of fruit to welcome us. Linen, etc. were good. Outdoor meals are was great. A few cobwebs inside on ceiling. Should have provided face washers. More towel rails would be handy. A smaller saucepan would have been helpful. Vegetable knife was missed.
Chris (7/5): -
Alison (8/5): -
Sharon (8/5): - We
Lisa (8/5): - Enjoyable
Ian (5/5): -
Catherine (9/5): -
Catherine (8/5): - The dinners were lovely. The Ridgetop tour amazing, great fun. Beds. Room ventilation.
SANDRA (9/5): -
Richard (8/5): Ridge Top was amazing and our guide Daniel was fantastic. - Continental breakdast included - satisfactory. Check-in staff seemed unwelcoming
Ine (10/5): Een belevenis die je niet snel zal vergeten! - De locatie is echt in de outback. Een avontuur om er te geraken. Zeker ook een vlucht doen over lake Frome en de Ridge top tour is zeker aan te bevelen!
John (9/5): Good quality for a wilderness stay. - The breakfast was quality with plenty of choice I would have liked a microwave in the room considering there was only the restaurant to eat.
Bronwyn (9/5): -
Patricia (9/5): - Stunning area to visit. Most of the staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, with suggestions of walks and drives to suit you. Good food at the restaurant. Do the Ridgetop tour! But hang on!!
Shaun (9/5): -
Eddy (10/5): - Great location. Staff so friendly Tour guides so knowledgable. Exceeded all my expectations.
Janet (7/5): -
Anne (8/5): - Fantastic eco environment amazing work Only criticism is there was little or no acknowledgement of country. Even a sign on entry would be good. Not sure if this is policy. An example was the guide told us Mawson was the first conservationists. Not so the First Nations people were. The facilities were very good and seeing the emu’s euro’s and wallabys with no goats was fantastic. Thanks
Templeton (8/5): - Location A bit like a school camp
Gerard (8/5): -
Linda (7/5): Een unieke locatie om nooit meer te vergeten - Dit is een accommodatie op een toplocatie. We verbleven in een van de villa's met een sfeervolle buitenruimte en firepit waar we gezellig een vuurtje gestookt hebben om marshmellows te roosteren. Erg vriendelijk personeel. We hebben de ridgetop tour gedaan wat fantastisch was, adembenemend uitzicht! Het huisje was ijskoud bij aankomst, waarschijnlijk was het niet bezet geweest de nacht(en) voor onze aankomst en was er geen enkele verwarming aan geweest, dit bleef enkele uren zo. De badkamer in het huisje is erg klein en was daardoor voor ons gezin van 4 best onhandig.
Mia (9/5): A lovely long weekend in a beautiful part of SA - The accomodation was clean and comfortable. Staff are friendly Dinner was delicious both nights
Lynda (6/5): Great way to see Arkaroola. Great Ridgetop tour. Excellent BBQ. Felt a bit second class in the cabins. Wish there wa - Location. Dining. No cups/crockery in kitchen.
Hian (7/5): An oasis in the wilderness - Accom, food were good. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Did a couple of walks. Low sustainability score
Karen Jane Ellis (10/5): Highly recommended Off The Beaten Track - Arkaroola Sanctuary offers something for all types of travellers. Rooms and the dining experience were very good. There are many accomodation options as well as four wheel drive, bushwalking and night time astronomy lectures.
Jan (9/5): We enjoyed a superb location in relaxed style - Very comfortable and the informality suited us Cost of items from store limited and pricey
Robert (9/5): -
Maria (9/5): -
Thomas (10/5): - Three of the best weeks of our lives
Corinne (9/5): - Everything
christine (8/5): Basic but comfortable stay in isolated location - Bar prices were very reasonable for such an outback location. Young Chilean guy at Reception was very friendly. Camero n on our ridge top tour was knowledgeable and entertaining Two young women on Reception had zero personality. The one who checked us in gave us no info at all
Ken (8/5): -
Dee (5/5): Terrible smells, unlockable doors, and threadbare blankets. - The location was beautiful! There were cool things to do in the area - beautiful walks and interesting things to look at around the site. There was a very great staff member (Marco) who was really helpful and friendly. The first room we were given had a terrible sewage smell. It was so bad it made my eyes water and we couldn't be in the room. We went to tell reception which was closed but one of the bar staff came over. When we told her she shrugged and said that's just how it is and that they recommend running some water and turning the fan on. We didn't say anything because I think we were too shocked to immediately respond, so she said she could allocate us a different room (but seemed super-annoyed that we were even asking). We said we'd try the fan and water but would also check out the other room if the smell wouldn't go away. We left the fan running through dinner and went we checked after it still smelled terrible. So we changed rooms and the new room didn't smell but the door didn't lock. In fact it didn't really close properly at all. That was better than having a room that smelled so we took the new one and just pushed our luggage against the door to keep it closed. That staff member who we dealt with was pretty rude about the whole issue and every time we had any dealings with her after that. Also, the beds only had a thin, threadbare blanket on them and one flat sheet. The heating was too loud to keep on overnight and blew directly down onto one of the beds so we couldn't have it on overnight. So we froze every night. We were so disappointed with our stay. The beautiful landscape and Marco made up for it a little but we would be unlikely to stay here again.
Jennifer (9/5): - Comfortable well set up house in amazing location. Great walking.
Corinne (10/5): Awesome nature adventure - The tours and food were exceptional. The location makes the most of nature
Keith (8/5): Magnificent part of the world to spend some time - Great spot. Small motel /conference type accommodation with shared kitchen. Restaurant on site All good. However one of the bar staff/restaurant waitresses was obviously having a bad day.
Christie (7/5): -
Felicity (1/5): Good location / very rude German staff - The rocks and the night sky German backpacker staff in customer service role that has no customer service and were rude
Tom (10/5): Stayed in early July. flew in with a pickup 👌Chilly mornings but the most incredible night sky I’ve ever seen - Cosy resort with such surprisingly varied facilities in this isolated gem The staff 👌👌 so friendly, so knowledgeable and the surrounding were incredible.
Robert (3/5): This is my second stay and my last. - The location, however, a captive market really . Meals in the Restuarant were not great (I am being very diplomatic), expensive and we had to wait almost 2 hours, there was clearly chaos in the kitchen. Some of the staff are nice but a lot are not. The Greenwood accommodation is relatively cheap but somewhat spartan. Whilst the location is unique , Wilpena Pound or Rawsley Station are better experiences. This was my second stay and my last.
Bryck (6/5): I think some of the more expensive accommodation looked good but in general I think it’s like going back in time to the - Interesting history The owner was a lovely guy Some of the more expensive accommodation looked nice Some of the Staff were not friendly The bbq night where it was $40 per plate was very stingy . You were given very small portions and if you asked for more, god help you ! Budget rooms were very run down , one power point . The power tripped out The heater was noisey .
sharn (10/5): Great Outback experience, looking forward to visit again - Loved the location and views. Place was clean and reception staff were exceptionally helpful and pleasant. Will definitely recommend to family and friends There was nothing that I didn’t like
Laurie (8/5): Great location for experiencing the Outback. - Location. Information they provided about what to do. Ridge Top Tour was excellent. Staff friendly and obliging. Access to communal kitchen. Prices good. Room was cramped for us - didn’t need the second bed and free standing cupboard.
Paul (10/5): It was fantastic. - The location-the history-the staff-the science-the geology-the ecology
Peter (8/5): -
Esdale (9/5): We had a wonderful time at Arkaroola Wilderness Sancuary. Thank you! - The location of the winderness sanctuary was outstanding. The facility services were excellent. Loved the complimentary drop off to trailheads, the BBQ night by the fire and the bar. An extra power outlet in the unit would have been handy.
Tim (7/5): -
Ross (8/5): -
Leanne (10/5): A stunning outback location, with all the comforts we needed, and so much incredible landscape to explore. - We were grateful to have such a comfortable base in an extraordinary outback location. The property had all we needed, and the views were absolutely incredible. We will definitely be returning for another stay.
Jackalligator (8/5): Für die abgelegene Gegend o.k. -
Colin (8/5): -
Sandra (10/5): -
Gareth (9/5): -
Michael (4/5): -
Claire (2/5): Sad that the accommodation in such a beautiful place is so poorly run. - Located in stunning Adnyamathanha country the local walking tracks are extremely well marked. Many beautiful birds and yellow-footed Rock Wallabies can be seen. The filthy communal kitchen had a large modern fridge. Reception staff happily allowed us to upgrade to a much more expensive better room when one became available. The one meal we had in the restaurant was surprisingly good. The dilapidated budget room we were allocated had one single power point and this was loose on the wall. The bedside reading lights had no globes in them. The communal kitchen was filthy, had an overflowing rubbish bin, no drinking water tap and the rainwater tap outside had no light over it (a passing Japanese housekeeping staff member immediately emptied the rubbish when we pointed this out, brought clean wiping cloths, sponge, dishwashing liquid and mopped the floor, things which ought to have been done daily). A large tv in the depressing common room had no remote control so was unusable. A small item left in the room we vacated was not brought to reception and so was lost.
Qasim (8/5): It was a good experience - This is a great and Only place to stay in the heart of Flinders Ranges. Accommodation is good. No big issues no problems. You actually get good value in the remote area miles away from the main areas. Overall very good experience. Free and basic internet is available that is a very good value especially when there is limited mobile reception Lighting in the room.
Nicholas (8/5): Very much enjoyed our stay and experiences and would recommend it to anyone - Absolutely loved the food, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Also enjoyed all the tours and activities we booked. We extended our stay to 4 nights because there was so much to see and do, but the beds in the Mawson accommodation was not as good as the first 2 nights. Also the Neighbours air con ran all night and could be easily heard in our room.
Jackalligator (8/5): Für eine abgelegene Gegend o.k. - Die günstigen Zimmer sind nicht mehr ganz frisch und funktional. Ist eben wilderness. Essen etwas teuer und an BBQ Abenden ist man gezwungen, draußen in der Kälte zu essen. Die strikten Regeln im Restaurant.
Peter (9/5): - Amzing location and range of activities. Highlight was the Ridge Top Tour and Dark Sky viewing. Included Breakfast was a bit basic
Norman (7/5): - We overnighted at our first room location but found it very basic and then upgraded to a Morson room which was great. A little expensive but considering the remoteness of the location and what it offered from many angles (scenery, facility, walking possibilities) acceptable. Wonderful place.
Andrew (5/5): -
craig (9/5): -
Deborah (10/5): Awesome stay - Extra comfy bed. Staff were very helpful and cheerful. Food was delicious. Can't think of anything.
Teresa (8/5): -
Nick (8/5): -
Glenn (3/5): Great location very poor facilities for cooking - Breakfast was ok it would of been good if informed when we checked in what time and no fresh fruit till our last day as a tour group had come in the nite before and they had to impress them The location was great but the pictures on the site very different to what we got no barbecue on our balcony one only barbecue to share with whole resort and the kitchen facilities were not great we had no hot water first thing in the morning for our whole stay took a long time to become hot
Robyn (7/5): Poor value for money. - The room was very small. The room was too cold and the furnishings were very old. Great camp kitchen. The toilet/shower was tiny and the door to this area was hard to open and scraped heavily on the ground. The shower shot water out into the room and was hard to control. I know it is remote but there are a few things could be fixed. It was poor value for money and we have stayed in lots of places last few weeks. Meals and bar were great and staff were friendly.
Sally (9/5): Convenient lodges , very clean with lovely views - Convenient , clean, wonderful views N/a
Judith (8/5): An oasis in the outback for wilderness and night sky enthusiasts. - Location nestled amongst the hills. So pretty. All facilities were great especially considering how isolated the sanctuary is. Loved staying in an international sky park and learning how important the village is for astronomers and geologists. The walks around the sanctuary were lovely. James and his Ridge Top Tour...the lamingtons/coffee were top notch. The BBQ was delish. Great idea for all guests to get together. No fruit with breakfast cereal on our last two mornings. We missed the star tours due to staying at the wrong phase of the moon. I will remember this for next time.
Michael (3/5): A wonderful location, let down by accommodation. - The outdoors, the walks, the 4 wheel drive trip. Accommodation was very tired, bordering on depressing. No bedside lamps.