Here at Bendleby Ranges, the Ellery family (Gumdale) and Luckraft family (The Springs) have owned these properties for over 50 years. Today the properties, whilst separately managed, offer you some of our well-kept secrets. Here we have multiple 4x4 tracks offering some incredible views and photo opportunities – these will range in difficulty from easy through to quite challenging. In total we have approx. 250km of 4x4 tracks and can recommend a few itineraries to suit your vehicle and capabilities. We also have several bushwalks which vary for winding up over the ranges to walking through the dry Creek beds.

Gumdale and The Springs are adjoining properties which total 15,000 ha. Originally, they were part of the famous Coonatto and Pekina Runs, and after the government resumed the land, were sold off as “agricultural” land. Situated more than 50 km “outside” of Goyder’s Line, farming was unsustainable. The many settler ruins which are scattered across the properties are testimony to the harshness and climate vagaries. At one point, in the 1940’s, both properties were owned by the Gangell family and totalled approx. 5,500 ha. After years of drought and hardship, they were sold to Mitchell and Mannion. The Ellery family (Gumdale) and Luckraft family (The Springs) have owned these properties for over 50 years. Today the properties, whilst separately managed, offer you some of our well-kept secrets. The beautiful creeks, valleys, ranges and shimmering plains are part of us, and we share with you some of our heritage. Our aim is to be in step with nature and to see our properties return to a more natural and productive state. There is an abundance of local wildlife on the roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Please slow down and drive carefully. Our advice is to not exceed 70km/h, and if towing or at dusk/darkness 50km/h. The best way to avoid Tyre damage is to air down to 25-28psi for gravel road driving and to slow down. Consider using High Range 4WD to maximize grip and stability. Headlights ON! When following another vehicle give yourself adequate space to enable good vision ahead. While you are with us, we ask that you only use the salvaged wood provided and your vehicles use only the designated tracks.

As for the surrounding areas there are several attractions in Orroroo including: - Giant Gum tree (Beautiful spot for lunch at the park area) - Johnburg loop self-drive (approx. 80km round trip going through Oladdie Hills, historic townships and ruins) - Pekina Creek Walking Trail (2.9km walking trail along the creek in town) - Orroroo Magnetic Hill Loop self-drive (44km loop drive past Goyders line and Magnetic hill) Fuel can be purchased from Pro Motors in Orroroo within business hours or by using their 24-hour credit card service or at Mobil in Jamestown.