so, what have we protected?...

Spectacular: the view to the Mawson Plateau across Yudnamutana Gorge from Siller's Lookout, the outward-bound terminus of the famous Ridgetop Tour

It's with great pleasure that I post this short, non-comprehensive tour of the new Arkaroola Protection Area.

Our campaign to save the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary from the mining industry has tended to focus on those areas that were most at risk; the direct target zones for mineral exploration.

But the new bill has protected the overwhelming bulk of the sanctuary, including those sections of the Mawson Plateau both in Arkaroola itself and on the adjacent Mount Freeling station.

After 180mm of rain in 2 days earlier this week shortly - when the roads are re-opened - there's never going to be a better time to visit Arkaroola!

Here's why -



Nooldoonooldoona Waterhole on the Bolla Bollana Creek.



The T-junction Waterhole on the magnificent Mawson Plateau.



Taking in the view back towards Mount Painter and the heart of the sanctuary from the Acacia Ridge walk.



Barraranna Gorge: this freshwater crayfish or marron (Cherax albidus) lifts a riverstone with its pincers and mouth-parts while excavating its home.



Rocky walls tower above a side creek in the Yudnamutana Gorge.



The lush outlet creek of the Paralana Hot Springs.



Botanising at the Bolla Bollana Waterhole.



The spirit of the inland - a striking gum-barked coolibah (Eucalyptus intertexta) against red cliffs above Stubbs Waterhole.



Following an old access track deep in the East Painter Gorge.



I saw a frog! Downstream from the Nooldoonooldoona Waterhole.



The western edge of the ranges from a ridge above the old Wheal Turner mine works.



Wilderness hiking on the remote Mawson Plateau.



Euro (Macropus robustus) in saltbush country near the Bolla Bollana Creek.



Idyllic wilderness camp site on the Mawson Plateau.



Descending towards the Arkaroola Village on the Acacia Ridge trail.

And that's not-nearly all! For more view the Best of Arkaroola slideshow:



Or why not just visit the newly fully protected sanctuary yourself? You know you want to!...