Painted Desert, Geological formation in Far North, South Australia.
The Painted Desert contains sedimentary hills displaying bands of yellow, orange, red, and brown minerals across multiple cliffs and mesas.
The area emerged from an ancient seabed 80 million years ago, when geological processes lifted the land and erosion shaped the Arckaringa Hills.
The region encompasses the Arckaringa Station pastoral lease, where traditional cattle operations continue alongside geological preservation efforts.
Visitors can access the desert through guided flights from William Creek, Coober Pedy, or Arkaroola, with accommodation available at Arckaringa Homestead.
The landscape contains the Mirackina Range of mesas, which marks the southernmost habitat of Australia's largest monitor lizard species.
Location: South Australia
GPS coordinates: -27.90590,134.83600
Latest update: March 3, 2025 01:24
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