Arkaba Hill Lookout – a view of the Elders Range

Australia, Central Flinders Ranges, South Australia (SA)

Summary: Arkaba Hill Lookout offers scenic views of the Elders Range and the Arkaba Hills. It's just off the Flinders Ranges Way and accessible for all vehicles.

How to get there: Next to Flinders Ranges Way
Walking distance to Lookout: 0.1km (return)
Duration: <1 hour
Grade: Easy
Lookout Rating: 3.5/5
Height of Lookout: 340m
Topographic map/s: IKARA-FLINDERS RANGES NP (1:75K) - Buy

Located just next off Flinders Ranges Way, the signposted Arkaba Hill Lookout offers a view west of the Elders Range, and the lower Arkaba Hills. According to the SA Museum, ‘Arkaba’ is a corruption of the Aboriginal word ‘akapa’, which means ‘underground (or hidden) water’.

IMG 2275 LR Arkaba Hill Lookout - a view of the Elders Range

The Arkaba Hills were a favourite scene of artist Hans Heysen, who was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1877 before migrating to Adelaide in 1884 with his family. He undertook 11 trips to the Flinders Ranges where he produced drawings, water-colours and oil paintings, primarily in the Aroona and Arkaba areas.

heysen1 Arkaba Hill Lookout - a view of the Elders Range

heysen2 Arkaba Hill Lookout - a view of the Elders Range

Directly in front of Arkaba Hill Lookout is a small prominent hill known as the “Sugarloaf”, or Little Mt Fuji.

Sugarloaf or Little Fuji in front of Arkaba Hill Lookout

The view of the Elder Range would be better in the morning, or late afternoon when the sun sets behind the mountain range. George Nob (also spelt Georges Knob) in the Elder Range was named in 1851 by the surveyor Frederick Sinnett in 1851 after George Elder (1816-1897).

peakvisor photo Arkaba Hill Lookout Arkaba Hill Lookout - a view of the Elders Range

Getting to Arkaba Hill Lookout

Arkaba Hill Lookout is about 22km (15min drive) north of Hawker and 33km south of Wilpena Pound Resort. The signposted lookout is right next to the highway (Flinders Ranges Way) and accessible by all vehicles.