Arkaroola Education and Research Foundation with the Geological Survey of South Australia have published an excellent series of Geological Field Excursion Guides. Volume 1 is a self-guided driving tour from Arkaroola Village to Paralana Hot Springs, and Volume 2 is from Arkaroola Village to Sillers Lookout. The guides contain localised geological maps, satellite images and site photographs, with clear instructions on how to find specific formations en route. The accompanying geological notes are highly informative and a wonderful way to discover the stunning geological diversity of Arkaroola.
Hardcopies may be available for purchase in the Arkaroola Village shop or for viewing at the Leigh Creek Library on your way to Arkaroola.
It’s advisable to download a free PDF copy of the Geological Field Excursion Guides in advance. These have been provided by SARIG.
- Arkaroola to Paralana Geological Field Excursion Guide 1 PDF
- Arkaroola to Sillers Lookout Geological Field Excursion Guide 2 PDF
Also freely available from SARIG is the associated 1:100,000 Mt Painter Geological Map.
To make your Geological Excursions at Arkaroola easier, download GPX and KML files for both tours. (GPX is more for actual GPS units, and KML is for apps like Google Earth)
- Arkaroola to Paralana GPX
- Arkaroola to Paralana KML
- Arkaroola to Sillers Lookout GPX
- Arkaroola to Sillers Lookout KML
An additional useful download is this Avenza map displaying GPS locations overlaying a Geological Map.
For the geology enthusiast, these tours will take more than one day and there is a lot of incredible scenery, botany, and wildlife to take in on the way. Note that the Arkaroola to Sellers Lookout is self-drive as far as the ridgetop gate, then self-walk as far as you like. Alternatively, the entire Arkaroola to Sillers Lookout route can be enjoyed on the famed Arkaroola’s Ridgetop Tour.