When all else is finished…

They say when the Dead Finish is ‘finished’ we’re all finished! Dead Finish or Acacia tetragonophylla was one of several species that regenerated spectacularly across Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary following the record wet years of the mid 1970s. It is a slow growing, drought-tolerant plant that can thrive on the skeletal soils of the arid zone. During prolonged dry periods, Dead Finish will drop most of its spiny phyllodes and plants may appear to be dead. Dead Finish is a favourite ’bird bush’. Its dense branches and prickly... MORE

Stealer of Secrets

You’d better be careful of what you are thinking when Willie Wagtails are about. This sweet, pretty little creature will steal your secrets as well as your heart. One of Australia’s most cherished birds, Willie Wagtails charm campers from Cape York to Cape Leeuwin. The largest of the Australian fantails, Rhipidura leucophrys is also a bird of settlement, a resident of urban parks and gardens. It is found all over Australia except in densely forested areas and on treeless plains. Small though they may be, the feisty fantails of the... MORE

Rock Star, the story of Reg Sprigg

Family, friends, and old colleagues met in the foyer of the South Australian Museum recently for the launch of Rock Star – the story of Reg Sprigg. Professor Ian Plimer (Mining Geology, Adelaide University) and Reg Nelson (Managing Director of Beach Petroleum) joined with writer Kristin Weidenbach, to launch her second book Rock Star.Kristin’s first book, Mailman of the Birdsville Track – the story of Tom Kruse was published in 2003. Kristen spent two years trawling through archives, conducting interviews, collecting photographs,... MORE

Voices from the wilderness

An unlikely group of allies, Greens’ Mark Parnell, MLA, former Federal Resources Minister Senator Nick Minchin and South Australian Liberal Iain Evans continue to call for a ban on mining in the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Mark, Nick and Iain have visited Arkaroola to see first-hand the impacts that come with exploration drilling in such a fragile mountainous landscape. All agree, with or without a past history of mining, this Environmental Class A landscape is a priceless part of Australia’s natural heritage. It must be protected... MORE

The Wonder Wattle

They’re everywhere. In fact they’re so common many visitors don’t even notice them. Until October that is, when clouds of lemon yellow flowers swallow up their sparse branches and conceal their spines. For a few brief weeks we are charmed by the elegance of Acacia victoriae. Seeds of Acacia victoriae, aka Elegant wattle Described as the most abundant plant species in the Flinders Ranges1, and cursed as a woody weed by some on the land, there is more to Acacia victoriae than meets the eye. Long harvested, roasted and milled by Aboriginal... MORE

Arkaroola bush camping

A fine morning now, bush camp up the creek, behind the Arkaroola caravan park. Great sleep, BLOODY DRY!! Arkaroola mallee (eucalyptus gillii) surviving….just, by hell it must be tough! If someone has a more recent photo that’s bit greener, please post and cheer me up! SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Arkaroola bush camping", url: "http://www.flindersranges.com.au/2008/04/14/arkaroola-bush-camping/" }); [Read more...]

Barrarana Waterhole

Bararrana Waterhole on Arkaroola is accessible easily via the Echo Camp backtrack or a bit over half an hour walk from the other end. This is the lowest I have ever seen it. There was probably more water in pools further down but we didn’t venture that far along the gorge. Hard to imagine that when it does rain the water pours through the narrow gorge dozens of metres deep! Once the rains stop and the flow abates and the water settles, the pools are deep and clear and make Bararrana Waterhole one of most beautiful spots to visit... MORE

Echo Camp Echidna

This echidna was poking around the rock at Echo Camp waterhole on Arkaroola. It was unperturbed by Charlie and my presence. Charlie and the echidna, Echo Camp waterhole, Arkaroola “Waterhole” was a bit generous, a smelly green puddle, as I said in the previous post it is really dry, still magnificent though, getting to see an echidna is always a buzz. Note the digging spur (elongated toenail) on this ones hind foot. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Echo Camp Echidna", url: "http://www.flindersranges.com.au/2008/04/13/echidna-echocamp/"... MORE

« Previous Page :: Next Page »