SOUTH AUSTRALIA welcomes it's second dark sky place
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, located in the northern Flinders Ranges, South Australia, has been designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Arkaroola is committed to preserving the uniqueness of the rugged mountainous landscape, its flora, fauna, geology, and night skies for all to enjoy. This recognition is a significant milestone for the Arkaroola team and others in the broader region, as the destination is firmly placed on the map as one of the best places in the world to see the night sky.
Conservationist Doug Sprigg, a custodian of Arkaroola for over 50 years, is honoured to celebrate this achievement.
“As a team, we continue to focus our energy on giving visitors not just a great experience, but an appreciation of furthering our knowledge of the world around us, and the importance of its conservation. Becoming a Dark Sky Sanctuary helps us to spread that message and inspire others to continue that work.”
Each year, Arkaroola welcomes more than 12,000 visitors from around the world. The Sanctuary has a range of accommodation and camping options for visitors and a variety of guided and self-guided experiences.
Many visitors come just to see Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies (Petrogale Xanthopus), a vibrantly marked wallaby that thrives on the cliffs of Arkaroola. Being crepuscular and nocturnal, they need a dark nighttime environment for their well-being.
There are three different astronomy experiences; traditional eye-to-telescope observing, a real-time, state-of-the-art digital Astro Experience, and reclining in a camp lounge chair learning about the night sky with astronomical binoculars.
The Ridgetop Sleepout overnight hosted experience, supported by the South Australian Government, allows visitors to camp overnight and sleep under the stars atop the most remote and best vantage positions.
Keen astronomers are encouraged to bring their equipment and can use the roll-off roof observatory.
You can learn more about Arkaroola International Dark Sky Sanctuary at www.arkaroola.com.au.