Arkaroola to William Creek

Yes

If dry its an easy run. If wet you'll be in trouble. Its about 450km from Ark to William Ck

William Ck to Coober via Oodna in a day is around 400km and the roads are good

Not sure but i thought you had to go via Cadney Park to Coober Pedy to see the painted desert.
Cheers
Charlie

It will be a long days drive from Arkaroola to William Ck, because theres plenty to see on the way. I'd guess that you'll get into William Ck about 6pm, depending on what you see. Same with the other loop, but the nicest time to be in Painted Desert is sunset.

Just went the other way. West of Lake Gairdner to Painted Desert through Coober Pedy is a long day. Spent 3 hours walking in Desert in am, then through Oodnadatta to Coward Springs was another long day, but we swam in Algebuckina and drove very conservatively.
Coward Springs to Loch Ness Well, that is , past Gringells Hut, was not a rush and we had time to visit friends, look at ochre pits, change someone elses tyre etc.
Conclusion is that Arkaroola to William Creek is okay, but why stay there? Camp at Coward Springs or Algebuckina waterhole.
William Creek to CP via painted desert another big day, but why stay at Coober Pedy? The station just east of the Painted Desert allows you to Camp for around $6. and you can camp East of the desert near a dry creek but must be 15km from desert itself.
Note also The Painted Desert on the front of the Australian a few months ago is on Anna Creek Station and I gather off limits, not the Desert between CP and Oodnadatta.

We did Coward Springs to Chambers Gorge, which would be a little short of Arkaroola, in a day. I remeber it being a leisurely start in the morning and having time for a quick walk down the gorge in the afternoon having made camp. There is about 9km of slow stuff down the creek in Chambers Gorge so that may balance up the longer distance to Arkaroola. We also had a drive around Leigh Creek and a photo stop at the open cut lookout.

Duncs

We recently drove Arkaroola to Coward Springs comfortably in a day. CS is a delightful place, take a little time to check it out. Would think Coober P from there via Oodnadatta much too far unless you don't want to see anything.

Check out The Breakaways from Coober P.

Enjoy

Hi Dave
We stayed at Ackaringa Station near the Painted Desert and it was beautiful. At sunset seems to be the best time. The people that run Ackaringa Station are great. It is an easy drive from Coober Pedt to Ackaringa.
Cheers
Brad