A wild wandering walking track is ruffled by rucksacks and rough rocky red ruts running down remote ranges. Glowing rays of light lie lightly on a lonely landscape. A campfire crackles in a carefully crafted campsite. Crystal clear starry skies shine on magenta mountains.

It's nearing exam season and you know what that means - it's almost time for 2025's Exam Procrastination Hike! This time it's being held in the Arkaba Wilderness, which is my favourite part of the Heysen Trail (!!) and a place I've been looking for an excuse to go back to for years. The Arkaba Wilderness lies between Wilpena Pound and Hawker and includes some of the best mountain and desert scenery in South Australia. Our hike takes us to the most remote section of the Heysen Trail and to one of its best hiker huts. There will be water and campfires (and studying opportunities, bring your flash cards) on both nights. The hiking is easy, but rocky, and overnight experience is preferred.The trip numbers will be capped so get in quick!

Weather: Expect 5-10 degree nights and 15-20 degree days. Rainfall is possible but unlikely.

This is an Intermediate hike. You don't need previous overnight hiking experience to join, but as we're walking for three days on an often faint or rocky path you do need a base level of fitness. If you have any questions, text or message me - Daniel Gensemer 0404497812.

PRICE AND GEAR

A $10 gear use fee applies if you borrow Club gear. You'll be instructed on how to pay and pick up gear if you decide to borrow gear. Otherwise, since all of our campsites are free, the hike is free.

ROUGH ITINERARY

FRIDAY - We all drive to Dutchman's Hut near Quorn in our own time, a 4 hour evening drive. Dutchman's is a great little free hikers' hut with views, electricity and a fireplace.

SATURDAY (12km) - A final 1.5 hour drive gets us to the trailhead at the base of the Wilpena Pound ranges. The final 15km to the trailhead is on an unsealed road, but one that should be passable with a 2WD. From here we have an easy walk to the remote Red Range campground with plenty of time to smell the roses. The walking is mostly on a desert plain/valley between mountain ranges. Red Range Campsite is deep in the Arkaba Wildlife Conservancy below the iconic Elder Range.

SUNDAY (16km) - We wander downstream on creekbeds and ancient farm tracks, gradually leaving the Elder Range and winding our way to Mayo Gorge and Mayo Hut. Mayo Hut is nestled in the middle of the desert hills and is a big, insulated hut with a fireplace.

MONDAY (14km) - This day takes us down the highway-sized Wonoka Creek until it leaves the ranges behind completely and nears the town of Hawker. Our first road crossing of the entire hike marks our endpoint and the start of the long drive back to Adelaide.

GEAR

As a rule, your pack, fully loaded with food and water, should be less than 1/3rd of your body weight.

Ankle supporting hiking boots are recommended for this hike as it involves some walking on rocky creekbeds.

Items with an asterisk* can be borrowed from the club. Items in italics aren't necessary but may make your experience on the trail better. Items in bold are of special note and must be taken.

SHARED GEAR

Lightweight Tent*

Hiking Stove* with Fuel

Cooking pots*

CAMPING/HIKING GEAR

Means of carrying a full day's water (there will be water at the campsites).

Means of waterproofing important items such as clothing (dry bags, pack liner, or garbage bags)

Sleeping bag* (Recommended 5 degrees or lower COMFORT rating, liner* can be used to lower rating)

Sleeping mat*

Head torch and spare batteries

Eating/cooking utensils

Lightweight mug and bowl

2-3 night's dinners

3 Breakfasts

3 Lunches

Snacks

Water purifyer such as tablets, as we are drinking unfiltered water from a rainwater tank. Purifying tablets can be picked up from the chemist.

CLOTHING

Shoes suitable for hiking in rocky terrain

Gaiters*

Underwear

Thick socks

Long sleeve shirts

Jumper

Rain jacket

Pants

Hat

OTHER

Toothbrush, toothpaste

Toilet paper

Binoculars

Sunscreen

Insect repellent

Matches/lighter

Multitool/knife

Trekking poles

Camera

Phone w/ powerbank

Journal and pen

Paracord

Anything else you'll need personally

Gallery