The Lake Eyre basin covers a staggering one-sixth of the Australian continent (over one million square kilometres) and crosses the borders of Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory and New South Wales. 
This dry, arid desert landscape is mostly sparse and desolate. However, approximately once every decade, massive rainfall across the basin, and water flowing from the river systems, transform the region.
Kati-Thanda-Lake Eyre is the largest inland lake in Australia. It spends most of its time as a dry, but incredibly scenic, pristine salt-lake.
Water from the Queensland floods has slowly travelled in excess of 1000km and has now started to trickle into Lake Eyre north. Water will continue to flow in over the next few weeks and months. With the current volume, water levels are predicted to fill to a depth of at least 1m in the deepest part of the Lake (Belt Bay). As it begins to fill, the number of people wanting to experience one of Australia’s greatest natural events, grows.
Air Adventure Australia has been flying guests around remote Australia for more than four decades, they have flown over Lake Eyre’s floodwaters hundreds of times, most recently in 2012. “It has been seven years since our last scenic flight to see Lake Eyre in significant flood”, comments John Dyer, Air Adventure’s Managing Director, “between 2013 and 2019 we have flown over this region many times, showing guests the impressive, dry salt-bed and always remarking just how magnificent the views are with water. So, it will be fabulous to once again, show our guests this stunning lake in all its glory.”
It is not just Lake Eyre that offers incredible views; the regions diverse mosaic of lakes, waterholes and shallow floodplains are also a sight to behold. There is no better way to witness this, than from the air.
Air Adventure’s three-day Lake Eyre, Dig Tree & The Prairie air safaris feature scenic flights over Cooper Creek, Warburton Groove, Coongie Lakes, Lake Eyre North & South, Belt Bay and Jackboot Bay. “A lesser-known and equally impressive area, is the Coongie Lakes,” explains John, “We fly over this section as we trace the Cooper Creek into Lake Eyre, which enables guests to see the contrast from sand dunes to the vast open inland sea. Once over Lake Eyre, we climb to 4,500 feet allowing guests to see the lake in its entirety (144km North to South and 86km East to West).”
At each of the destinations the tour visits, local guides also share their own experiences, knowledge and stories. Arabunna Elder, Reg Dodd, takes guests along the Oodnadatta Track to the shores of Lake Eyre & Ross Fargher (a 4th generation farmer in the region) leads guests through Brachina Gorge, providing great insight into the history and modern-day life in this picturesque region between the Flinders Ranges and the desert. From the air and on the ground Air Adventure’s three-day tour offers guests an unforgettable Australian experience.
Three-day all-inclusive air safari $3,678 per person.
Departure dates: 12 – 14 May & 22-24 May. Private charter tours are also available.
Background: Air Adventure enriches people’s lives by transforming the way they experience remote Australia. They put the best of the outback within easy reach. Air Adventure has been operating since 1977 providing small group, high-end all-inclusive tours to some of Australia’s most exciting and remote destinations. Offering scheduled tour departures or customised private charters, this family-run business is passionate about creating unique and unforgettable experiences.
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