The Lake Eyre Safari
A rare opportunity to see Australia’s ‘Inbound Sea’ transformed with the arrival of recent floodwaters.
Lake Eyre, or Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, is an outback lake so vast in size it crosses the borders of 3 different states. This immense salt lake, usually a shimmering dry basin, is an extraordinary blend on sparkling yellows, reds, and browns, acting as a reminder of the rugged beauty, and incredible isolation of the Australian outback.
Following significant rainfall in Western Queensland, flood waters are moving down the Diamantina River into the Channel Country, and are set to enter Lake Eyre – an event usually occurring only every 6 – 8 years. The parched earth of Lake Eyre and its surrounds bursts into life following the arrival of water, transforming this usually desolate landscape into a wilderness rich in native wildlife, and rejuvenated plant species.
Experience this breathtaking phenomenon with a 5-day, 4-night outback journey exploring the Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges region, including scenic flights throughout the area, and accommodation at Angorichina Station – a working sheep station with 140 years of history and 64,000 hectares of land.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience Lake Eyre from the sky
- Explore the ancient landscape of the Flinders Ranges
- Be accommodated at a heritage homestead and working sheep station – Angorichina Station
- See the rugged and fascinating region from above with a range of scenic flights
- Spend an evening at a traditional outback pub
- Cruise the famous Cooper Creek
- Visit the iconic Burke and Wills Dig Tree
Sample Itinerary Description
Day 1 – Welcome to the Flinders Ranges
Begin your outback journey by picking up your 4WD hire car, and journeying through South Australia’s Clare Valley and out to the rugged Flinders Ranges. This five-and-a-half-hour drive is rich in scenery, and leads you to Angorichina Station, your accommodation for the evening.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Angorichina Station
Day 2 – Explore Angorichina Station
Today you will explore the fascinating heritage working sheep station with Ian and Di Fargher, 4th generation owners and operators of this property, and your personal hosts.
Activities are based on your personal interests, but can include station activities such as checking water and tending to stock, as well as stunning scenic walks, visits to picturesque Brachina and Parachilna Gorges, and much more. Get an insight into life on the land alongside Ian and Di who live and breathe this extraordinary outback setting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Angorichina Station
Day 3 – Lake Eyre From Above
Experience the icon in all its outback glory, as you take to the skies in your own private aircraft, and get a birds eye view of Lake Eyre. See the stunning vast plain of water shimmering below, and the extraordinary wildlife prolific when the floodwaters have arrived.
Stop for lunch in outback Australia’s most recognisable town, Birdsville, before continuing on to Innamincka. In the afternoon cruise the famous Cooper Creek and spend an evening in the tiny outback town of Innamincka, and a quintessentially Australian outback pub.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Innamincka Pub
Day 4 – Air Safari and the Dig Tree
Today you journey back to Angorichina Station, first by road, then you once again take to the skies in your own private aircraft. Journey via 4WD to the famous Dig Tree, the significant site to pioneering explorers Burke and Wills, before continuing on via charter aircraft taking in the rugged landscape of the Northern Flinders Ranges, including the Channel Country, Strzelecki Track, Freeling Heights and Arkaroola.
Arrive back at Angorichina Station early to mid-afternoon and enjoy a leisurely late lunch, dinner later that evening, and fine beer and wine accompanied by fascinating conversation long into the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Angorichina Station
Day 5 – Return to Adelaide
Bid your outback oasis Angorichina Station goodbye and take the journey back to Adelaide.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Prices
Prices start from just AUD $6,220.00 per person (twin share) for 2 passengers self-driving to the region, and are valid until 31 October 2019.
Looking to upgrade your journey to include charter flights to and from the Flinders Ranges? Prices start from just AUD $8,735.00 per person (twin share) based on 2 passengers travelling, including charter flights between Adelaide and the Flinders Ranges, and are valid until 31 October 2019.
The above cost is dependent on availability at the time of booking request and actual dates of travel, may have high/low season considerations, blackout dates may also apply and are subject to change.
Please consult your Travel Designer to check on full terms and conditions, availability and to make and enquiry.
Inclusions
Based on 2 adults:
- 3 nights at Angorichina Station including select meals, beverages and station activities
- 1 night at Innamincka Hotel
- Private Lake Eyre and Channel Country Air Safari
- Cooper Creek Cruise
- Burke and Wills Dig Tree Tour
- 4WD hire car for full duration of the itinerary
Notes
This tour is designed for solo travellers/couples/small groups/families.
Water in Lake Eyre is a rare occurrence; however, this itinerary can be taken when the lake is dry, and the shimmering salt basin left behind after water subsides in the region is an extraordinary site. We suggest speaking with your Travel Designer if this package is of interest but you are unsure of the seasonal considerations.
While we endeavour to make the itinerary as accurate as possible, it should be considered as an approximate schedule of activities and guide only, rather than a rigid schedule of events. Trip itineraries are subject to revision due to weather, conditions, government restrictions and other reasons beyond our control.
Contact us to make an enquiry.