ARKAROOLA - info please

[Cuppa]

Finally confirmed we're going to Arkaroola this year.
We'll be staying at the Wilderness Sanctuary in the motel (no camping unfortunately, have to keep the wife happy).

Now a couple of questions:
Will early November be to hot? I see the average Nov. temperature is 30c, has anyone been there at that time.
It's about 400km from Port Augusta, Google Maps tells me that will take 7hrs 50mins. Via Leigh Creek how long will it really take?

This is the only accommodation I need to book in advance, we'll wing it for the rest of the trip. Travelling alone and no van, and we won't be attempting anything to strenuous.

Anything else I should know?

I'm surprised that you need to book for November. We were there in November '09 but were in our bus, maybe the motel side of things is more likely to be booked out, but my memory of the place was that there weren't that many visitors as it is fairly late in the season & potentially could be stinking hot. We had just come south out of temps in the mid 40's & didn't find the place too hot, but it would certainly have been in the 30's. Was pretty dry & dusty. We went on their Ridgetop 4wd tour which took us up to Sillers lookout on the back of an open Cruiser which was pretty good, & we also enjoyed some good tracks on our trail bikes. The place was pretty daggy & run down, but I guess it's possible there's been some work done on it since? (Anyone know?). One of (I think) the Sprigg sons conducted astronomy 'tours' in their observatory in the evenings which MrsTea enjoyed (I didn't bother). Whilst up that way the self drive 'Skytrek' on Willow Springs Station is well worthwhile. We did it in our friend's OKA motorhome. Some steep climbs but pretty good tracks & nothing death defying. Great views.

Where else are you planning to go? If you are going via Broken Hill, I was recently told (by our friend with the Oka) that turning off at Yunta & taking the Yunta to Hawker road is a good shortcut.