Arkaroola to Innamincka

After leaving Leigh Creek we've spent 8 nights in the Gammon Rangers SA, first stop was Iga Warta which showcases aboriginal cultural tourism, Terry Coultard, a local elder from the Adnyamathanha people, showed us the local bush tucker available, took us to painting sites, and talked about their beliefs and ceremonies. It was a great couple of days and we felt really welcomed.
 Melbourne Cup was spent on the veranda at Iga Warta watching the race on the big screen with 4 Kiwi's and a dozen Coultards's  ... My horse ran last in the $2 sweep.

weetoolta creek


Camping along the river in the national park gave us a chance to do some morning hikes.... and finally see some water. With the temperatures getting close to 30C we were setting off pretty early in the morning. We've spotted the yellow footed rock wallaby which is an endangered species, 3 days in a row, and seen plenty of bird life including bee catchers down from the NT, and wedge tail eagles looking for unsuspecting rabbits.

Arkaroola saw the scenery switch from gorge walks with limited water and abundant bird life, to ridge top vistas, hot and dry. The Acacia ridge walk and hill top drive were highlights. We joined the tour on the private roads built by mining companies in the 60's. All were built on the ridge line not the valleys so pretty scary stuff if you looked down, but the views were amazing. Lucky for us Arkaroola had a swimming pool so each afternoon we could cool off...


ridge line drive

After two weeks in the Flinders/Gammon ranges we headed for the flat country. The strezlecki track was 500km of gravel and dust to get to the Innaminka Hotel for a cool drink in the afternoon before camping by the Cooper Creek. Innaminka has the mission where the Flying Doctor Service was started, a general store and a pub.

We had morning tea at the Burke & Wills ill fated DIG tree... if only their rescue party had waited that one extra day.... before racing a thunder storm and a 50km front bush fire started by a dry lightening strike to Thargomindah just across the QLD boarder. Glad to say we outran both safely.

Hope you enjoy the update, Jane & Kevin.