We say our goodbyes to some of the volunteers at Witchelina and head out and south to Leigh Creek for fuel and supplies, then to Copley for Quandong pie and coffee. Quandong is a native fruit and it can be made into one of the best pies you will ever eat, add ice cream and it’s magic.

We head into the Gammon Ranges and then into Vulkathunha National Park. We drive along Italowrie Gorge then onto Arkaroola. The ranges are exceptionally rugged, lightly timbered some trees are showing stress from prolonged drought. The creek crossings are always special in this part of the world because of the wide shallow form, lined with flat rounded rocks and pebbles with a sprinkling of ancient river red gum giants. The area has been inhabited by indigenous people for eons and the region is special to them.

Tonight we are at the Arkaroola Village where we have dinner at the restaurant and have a comfy bed, very spoilt.

Acraman is our campsite for tonight, we are at the base of the mountains enjoying the fading light a warm breeze. We sight a small group of goats, that’s bad but they do cull them, although the goats have the advantage in rough terrain. The good news is we also see a yellow-footed rock wallaby. A warm camp fire and the call of the boobook finishes an enjoyable and eventful day.

The morning is cool. We head off along the Wirealpa road to Blinman for coffee and snacks. Blinman is a small but historical town with some old and beautiful buildings. We head south and follow the Brachina Gorge road and back again to the Bunyeroo Gorge road, both are spectacular scenic tracks through the Flinders Ranges – Ikara National Park. Here is a video of the trip: https://gopro.com/v/62EedEWzWGqVv