🚫 Remote location — 560 km from Adelaide. Mobile coverage is very limited. Download offline maps before departure and leave a float plan with a trusted contact.
☀️ Extreme heat risk. Summer temperatures can be severe. Paddle early morning, carry ample water and sun protection. Check
BOM Leigh Creek before launching.
🚗 Access road: 6 km unsealed rocky track. Sedan not advised — SUV or high-clearance vehicle recommended.
📌 GPS Waypoints
Launch / Parking
Aroona Dam Ramp
30.5848 S 138.3606 E
Parking above wall
Picnic area / toilets
30.5851 S 138.3603 E
Eastern end
Arrunha Creek inlet
~3.5 km east of wall
Nearest town
Leigh Creek
~6 km north on Hawker Rd
🛥 Route Summary
- Launch: Put in at the ramp below the dam wall. Lake extends ~3.5 km east.
- Northern shore: Paddle east hugging the northern shoreline. Scan quartzite ridges and red gums for wallabies, kangaroos and waterbirds.
- Eastern shallows: Reach the Arrunha Creek inlet — excellent birdlife zone. Turn and return along southern shore.
- Return: Paddle west along the southern shore back to the launch ramp to complete the 5 km loop. Allow 2 hours total.
⚠️ Key Cautions
- Remote: 560 km from Adelaide. Very limited mobile coverage. Carry a PLB or satellite communicator. Lodge a float plan before departure.
- Heat: Extreme summer temperatures. Paddle early morning. Carry at least 3 L water per person. No swimming permitted in dam.
- Wind: Exposed to northerly and westerly winds. Check BOM Leigh Creek before launching.
- Access road: Rocky unsealed track — SUV or high-clearance vehicle recommended. Sedan not advised.
- Fishing permit: Required for Murray Cod and Callop. Available through PIRSA.
- Sanctuary rules: Aroona Sanctuary — stay on water and designated areas. Respect all wildlife.