Yunta to Arkaroola

Submitted: Monday, Aug 19, 2019 at 07:07
ThreadID: 138956 Views:6368 Replies:5 FollowUps:5
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Hi guys,
A friend of mine would like to travel from Yunta to Arkaroola - with his Subaru. He is a bit concerned about travelling on the gravel road, and also how isolated it is.

Does anyone know what the condition of that road is at this stage?

Pieter.
An old school gentleman who loves the outdoors, 4x4 travel, photography and all things technical

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Reply By: Michael H9 - Monday, Aug 19, 2019 at 07:56

Monday, Aug 19, 2019 at 07:56
It's a normal gravel road subject to all the same things that can affect other outback roads. I don't know the current conditions. I would have no problem taking a Subaru on it but just like any car, the condition of the tyres on those roads is very important. If he has any trouble it's likely to be tyre trouble.
AnswerID: 627343

Reply By: Uncle Arthur - Monday, Aug 19, 2019 at 08:34

Monday, Aug 19, 2019 at 08:34
We travelled from Blinman to Yunta three weeks ago, excellent gravel road a few sections of corrugations but nothing major. If you see a large dust bloom coming towards you pull over as there are many road trains using to road travelled out to a uranium mine out beyond that area. Very picturesque and better than the boring black top.
AnswerID: 627345

Follow Up By: Members Pa & Ma. - Monday, Aug 19, 2019 at 11:23

Monday, Aug 19, 2019 at 11:23
These roads are subject to flooding sometimes from rain further up stream. It isn't wise to camp in Creek beds, no matter how sandy they look.
They are good roads other wise.
The wadlata Centre in Port Augusta is a good place for information. If you like outback scenery The Gammon Ranges are lovely but this area is remote & you must be well prepared for arid land camping.
Yes, it can also become undrivable if heavy rain falls directly in the area.

Take care,safe travels. Ma.
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Follow Up By: Member - Michael O (NSW) - Tuesday, Aug 20, 2019 at 06:29

Tuesday, Aug 20, 2019 at 06:29
Thanks for that info. I never knew we had another uranium mine out there. Your post has got me reading all about the Four Mile mine. Thumbs up to you!
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FollowupID: 901328

Follow Up By: Members Pa & Ma. - Tuesday, Aug 20, 2019 at 10:42

Tuesday, Aug 20, 2019 at 10:42
Yes, the Sprig family who run the place are trying to keep the mines out.
We signed a petition many years ago when we went there.
There is the yellow footed wallaby there.
It is supposed to be a sanctuary.
Arkaroola lodge is quite expensive.
Bore water will cement your hair straight up.
I would suggest that make it that you don't wash your hair there.
Drinking water is expensive because they have to buy it in.
When we were there Ice for your esky was very expensive.Sold out fast.
If you love outback arid country. You will love Arkaroola. The scenery on the Echo back track is beautiful but make sure you go the correct way , it's steep in places & you don't want to be doing a 5 point turn at the edge of one of those drops if you meet some one coming the wrong way on the corner
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FollowupID: 901329

Follow Up By: Bazooka - Monday, Aug 26, 2019 at 21:23

Monday, Aug 26, 2019 at 21:23
Called in to the camping ground at Arkaroola years ago and went straight to the shower. Only saw the notice about hard water when I went to the sink to brush my teeth. Read it as I tried without luck to comb my hair. Woops. Simple solution is to take some hard water shampoo or vinegar along. Ernie Dingo visited Arkaroola for his TV show not long ago and fed the YFR Wallabies. Very cute critters.
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FollowupID: 901415

Reply By: Member - 2208mate - Monday, Aug 19, 2019 at 11:19

Monday, Aug 19, 2019 at 11:19
3 weeks ago I traveled from Yunta to Cradock, thence the blacktop Hawker route. It was certainly OK for Subaru
AnswerID: 627349

Reply By: Gbc.. - Monday, Aug 19, 2019 at 18:29

Monday, Aug 19, 2019 at 18:29
There’s not many places you won’t get a sube. Some AT tyres will improve its chances no doubt. I guarantee they won’t be the first up that road. Make sure when refuelling at Yunta bp to order the world’s best steak sandwich - thank me later.
AnswerID: 627350

Follow Up By: Members Pa & Ma. - Tuesday, Aug 20, 2019 at 10:48

Tuesday, Aug 20, 2019 at 10:48
I heard that a sube could get up the top to the gulf doing the OTT
If it was driven to conditions.The old fella reckoned his sube could talk though.
He was very good with his vehicles.
.Take care, safe travels. Ma.
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FollowupID: 901330

Reply By: pmk03 - Tuesday, Aug 20, 2019 at 11:43

Tuesday, Aug 20, 2019 at 11:43
Have a look at Waukaringa Ruins on the way up, From memory only 35ks from Yunta. We spent a night there on our trip to Arkaroola a couple of months back.
Well worth a look.
We towed a pop top up Tea Tree Rd. No problems at all. Was in good nick back then.
Cheers
Paul
AnswerID: 627355

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