Club members will be aware of our water tank project in the northern Flinders Ranges.  It originated from Warren Bonython’s bequest of $10,000 to ABW after his death in 2012.  Warren was a longstanding patron of the club and the project was led by our then new Patron Duncan Chessell ably supported by the committee and members.  All of this is well documented in Tandanya and the Club Facebook page.  Tank locations are recorded on the club website here.  The tanks were installed in 2019 at Red Hill, Mainwater Pound and Yudnamutana Mine ruins.

The idea has been to support walkers explore the very dry northern Flinders Ranges north of the current extent of the Heysen Trail at Parachilna Gorge.  Latterly the idea of developing a GPX based walking route with several options, commencing at the northern trailhead of the Heysen Trail and continuing north to Mt Hopeless/Mt Babbage has been floated in conjunction with the water tanks.  The route follows the initial intention of the Heysen Trail originally proposed and promoted by Warren Bonython following his south to north traverse of the Flinders Ranges in 1967-68.

Fast forward to 2024 and Max Klubal kindly volunteered to fund a fourth tank.  A committee comprising Paul Lock, Max Klubal, Lorraine Thomas, Dan Drake-Brockman, Lee Marling, Anna Van Den Broek and Tim Threlfall (Willunga Basin Trail Group) was formed.  Regular meetings arranged site selection at O’Donohue Castle Mine Well just south of Arkaroola as well as purchasing the materials and practicing putting the tank shelter together.

The tank was erected over Easter 2025, we are grateful to Tim Threfall from the Willunga Basin Trail group for the equipment he provided and the hard work of the group over the weekend.  It was a significant time commitment from all concerned.

It is now possible to walk from Parachilna Gorge to Arkaroola via Oratunga Ck, Moolooloo Station, Narrina Station, Nantawarrina IPA and Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges NP with reliable water sources subject to all the usual planning requirements for safe walking in the region.

Looking forward it would be useful to explore possibilities for continuing the project north of Arkaroola.  The tank at Yudnamutana Mine ruins is two days walk north of Arkaroola Village.  Is there a possibility to link them with another tank?  All of this would require a committed group with all the necessary skills and equipment as well as some fundraising initiatives.

Once again, a big thank you to Max Klubal for his generous donation.

Editor: Any particular shenanigans from the weekend of the installation? Anyone hammer their thumb a few too many times, or invent a new dance under the influence of their second bottle? Or like me sleep on a deflated mat due to those cursed prickles?

Lee: No shenanigans to report Andrew, it was hard work so a couple of drinks and an early night for everyone.

Editor: Drat

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