Leigh Creek to Arkaroola Village

Submitted: Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 16:01
ThreadID: 77372 Views:8510 Replies:6 FollowUps:4
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G’day All,
Just checking the route from Leigh Creek to Arkaroola Village on Google Maps. The distance by road is only 134km but driving time is an estimated 5hr 18min. Is the long time travel because:

a) The scenery is so fantastic one just has to frequently stop and get the camera out?
b) The road condition is so atrocious one must travel at crawl speed?
c) The road is in fair condition but narrow with many blind corners so must be travelled with extreme caution?

I am curious as we may make it up that way this coming spring. The Flinders looks pretty spectacular from the satellite images.

Thanks in advance..... Kenjo
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Reply By: Member - Warwick D (SA) - Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 16:20

Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 16:20
Greetings. The road through PArachina gorge is windy, and often single track. Up to Arkaroola is quite good dirt. It is very interesting in the Parachilna gorge, BUT very hard on tyres. The garage at the Village will sell very tyres this Easter. Take it slowly, but the rocks are very sharp. There will be an aweful lot of fellow travellers up to Blinman, and a few less after that. Until Blinman there may be a "Bush traffic jam". Chambers gorge is well worth the side trip.
So in answer to a) Yes, wit hgood side trips b) Yes in the Parachina gorge and around Blinman c) Yes in the Gorge, with packed other travellers, some who do not understand bush travelling and rules.
It is a very good trip, I love it. Enjoy
Warwick
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Follow Up By: Member - Warwick D (SA) - Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 16:21

Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 16:21
PS I took a 20ft caravan though there, carefully, and shredded one tyre on the last trip. I still love it. Warwick
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Follow Up By: Doodle - Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 16:48

Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 16:48
Thanks for the info Warwick.
I didn't expect yes to all 3 questions but that's really good advice tyres. I will change the road tyres to BFG A/Ts or similar before heading that way. The satellite images have me mesmerized.

Once again, thanks........ Kenjo
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Reply By: Member - Ian W (NSW) - Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 16:21

Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 16:21
I echo Kenjo's enquiry.

We are planning an August trip.

Google suggests the 214 km from Wipena Pound to Arkaroola Village to be 6hrs 56 mins. averaging out at about 30kph.

Ian
AnswerID: 411302

Reply By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 17:10

Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 17:10
Seems you are describing the gravel road from Copley to Balcanoona, then north to Arkaroola ? It's a well maintained gravel road to Balcanoona, but stony in places - can be hard on tyres but the creek dips are the main hazard. Take it easy and there should be no issues. The run up to Arkaroola is usually much better and mainly excellent throughout. Couple of pics of those road surfaces on my roads page at Road pics
AnswerID: 411310

Follow Up By: Doodle - Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 19:57

Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 19:57
Correct Darian.
That's the road I'm looking at. We are never in a hurry but I thought the estimated travel time was excessive which usually indicates very poor road conditions or maybe other unknowns. Thought is wise to ask people with first hand knowledge. Google Maps shows Copley to Balcanoona distance is 101km and travel time exactly 4 hours. I usually go a bit faster than 25kmh if road conditions suit. I will assume that there is a possibility of very bad conditions at times and ask again when the time to go is closer.

Thanks all....... Kenjo
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Reply By: DIO - Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 17:53

Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 17:53
M'mmm I don't think your route calculating is correct. Using Mapsource the distance by road from Leigh Creek to Arkaroola Village (via Balcanoona, Angepina and Depot Springs) is 135km and suggested travelling time being 3hrs 19 min 33 secs. I have travelled that road numerous times and unless there has been recent heavy rain the creek crossings (can be a bit stony) but generally the roads are well formed, compacted gravel and capable of travel speeds upto say 80 km/ph. Like all outback roads you must drive to the conditions and make allowance for some idiot who insists on cutting corners and confronting you on the wrong side of the road. But seriously, what's the hurry. Take your time, enjoy the scenery and make the most of the peace and quiet. Whatever you do allow yourselves plenty of time to have a relaxed, comfortable trip. It's a great part of this country. Good luck.
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Follow Up By: George_M - Friday, Apr 02, 2010 at 12:41

Friday, Apr 02, 2010 at 12:41
Thanks - that's helpful.

I'll be up that way in about two weeks, via the Torrens Tk from Andamooka.

George_M
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Reply By: Member - Barnesy - Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 22:41

Thursday, Apr 01, 2010 at 22:41
Leigh Creek to Arkaroola is about 130km. Easy dirt road cruising at 60-80km/h will take about 2 hours. How many detours and time you spend stopping and looking around will be up to you.

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Reply By: Kumunara (NT) - Friday, Apr 02, 2010 at 08:37

Friday, Apr 02, 2010 at 08:37
Kenjo


Last time I did that drive I sat on 80 km/h most of the way. The are a few places you have to slow down.

Road is rocky so check your tyre pressure when you leave the blacktop.

The Gammon Ranges / Arkaroola is well worth seeing. You will enjoy the trip.





Tjilpi
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