Lake Eyre Outback Experience

Do you want to ‘experience’ the Outback? Most of us would have to answer yes to that one! Perhaps though you may not want to ‘do it tough!’ Instead, you may want to do it in style!

A leisurely two day journey that we can all fit into our schedule, Adelaide Biplanes can cater for your trip. Cruise in comfort in one of our fleet of aeroplanes. Just 2 passengers? We can fly you in a Cessna 182 on a trip tailored for you. More than 2 passengers? Fly in the Beech Craft Super King Air. We can help you fulfil your dream. You can customise your itinerary or trust our experience to show you the special places.

Tick this one off the ‘Wish List’

Itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary for a Lake Eyre Outback experience – it can be flown and enjoyed in 2 days easily for 2 people.

We depart Adelaide or Aldinga and track for Leigh Creek. Climbing north, the landscape quickly transitions from coastal plains to the ancient spine of South Australia – the Flinders Ranges. Among the oldest mountain ranges on earth, this region reveals dramatic ridgelines, deep gorges, and the unmistakable natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound. Flying low-level here offers a rare perspective of terrain shaped over hundreds of millions of years. We land at Leigh Creek for a brief fuel and comfort stop. Once a major coal mining town powering South Australia, Leigh Creek today stands as a fascinating example of outback transition and resilience. Tracking north-east, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged as you approach the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary – a region renowned for its extraordinary geology. This is the domain of the ancient Gammon Ranges, where folded rock formations and ochre ridges tell a story dating back over a billion years. Set on the banks of Cooper Creek, our next stop Innamincka is steeped in exploration history. It was here that Burke and Wills made their final camp during their ill-fated expedition across Australia in 1861. Today, it remains a remote yet iconic outback settlement. Lunch is enjoyed here, with time to take in the quiet, expansive surroundings. Shortly after departing Innamincka, you will overfly the historic Dig Tree – one of Australia’s most significant expedition landmarks. Carved into the trunk of a coolibah tree, it marks a supply depot used by Burke and Wills and remains a powerful symbol of early exploration. Arriving in Birdsville, you can choose to book the Big Red Tour. This guided experience takes you out to Big Red, the largest sand dune in the Simpson Desert. Towering over the landscape, it offers sweeping views across endless red dunes – particularly spectacular in the late afternoon light. Overnight accommodation will be the Birdsville Hotel, an iconic outback pub with a rich pastoral history. It has long been a meeting point for travellers, drovers, and adventurers.

Flying south-west, you’ll follow the remarkable waterways of the Channel Country – one of the world’s most unique inland river systems. During flood, this landscape transforms into a vast network of braided channels, wetlands, and floodplains, bringing life to an otherwise arid region. Continuing on, the flight reaches Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest salt lake. When filled, it becomes a spectacular inland sea; even when dry, the shimmering white salt crust and geometric patterns create an extraordinary visual contrast from the air. We stop in William Creek, a tiny outback settlement with a big reputation. It is often described as the gateway to Lake Eyre. There is time here to stretch your legs, explore, and enjoy a refreshment at the historic William Creek Hotel. Departing William Creek, we fly to Parachilna, where a short transfer brings you to the renowned Prairie Hotel – famous for its “feral food” philosophy and refined outback dining. Lunch here is a highlight, combining local ingredients with a distinctly Australian culinary edge. We then embark on the final leg of the journey, returning you to your departure point at Adelaide or Aldinga.

More than 2 passengers, Travel with Air Tours for an unforgettable experience. Please Click HERE to visit the Air Tours Website.