Arkaroola Loop

Rodney,

I assume you are referring to the Echo Camp Backtrack.
Unfortunately there is a fee payable to do this drive. $40 plus a refundable $50 deposit.

Read about it here:- Arkaroola 4WD Loop

Bill.

Just south of Arkaroola is the Gammon Ranges. There is an interesting oneway loop through there which covers some nice country. At the southern end you are close to the Rangers station at Balcanoona where there are water supplies and hot showers.

Alan

While there in July last year we did a trip out to Paralana Springs, and then took a detour on the way back - was an interesting trek, and free :)

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I'll find somewhere to host the plot file and put a link here if anyone's interested :)

I think Alan is referring to Grindells Hut Loop just south of Arkaroola which is free and is worthwhile. As said about Paralarna Springs.

I paid to do the Ridgetop Tour as well which was awesome.

We asked the people at the Arkaroola office and they gave us the directions for a free drive - I think it is the one above - not sure.

It was fun and a few interesting bits with great scenery.


Richard

Thanks for the replies
Interesting photos and just the diversion I am looking for.
Hate having to pay when there are so many good trips for free. We were going into the Gammon Ranges anyway so now we have a trek to follow.

Cheers

Arkaroola have a number of free tourist drives rated 1 to 4, and the echo camp track (5), which I think you pay for.
You can have a couple of good days just doing the free ones.

Ask at the office. They have a guide/ranger there who gives some good summaries and places to look out for. Very helpful.

Arkaroola camping is not so cheap, even the unpowered sites, but good amenities.

National park next door is cheaper. NP ranger station is near the Arkaroola turn off so you can call in and have a chat first about the NP loop road and camping.

We had a few days around this area, could have been a week or more, then headed south to Skytrek and Wilpena Pound, since we came in from the Strezleki track via Mt Hopeless and were heading south.