- Pricing From $29,645*
- Single Supplement $1,995
- From Sydney
- Duration 12 Days
- Max Group Size 16
- Activity Level Easy Going
- Departs 16 Oct 2026
- Returns 27 Oct 2026
Travel with the pioneers of Airtouring for over 40 years – choose the Best and the Original!
Scenic flightseeing of Lake Eyre now also included at no extra cost as this Australian Icon encounters a Once in a Generation fill due to recent floods and local rains. A phenomenon only witnessed 4 times in 160 years.
$750 per person Late Bird Savings available*
Spend 12 days ‘flightseeing’ the Great Southern region of Australia with Bill Peach Journeys. On this Aircruise, you will travel by private aircraft touring Coober Pedy, Kalgoorlie, Perth, Margaret River, Albany, Esperance, Port Lincoln and the Mornington Peninsula. Experience tremendous aerial vistas over the vast desert landscapes of Western New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. ‘Flightsee’ the breathtaking South West Coast, the Great Australian Bight, the remarkable ‘pink’ Lake Hillier, the Great Ocean Road and the iconic Twelve Apostles, sights of this great coast that defy description and will leave you breathless. In addition, enjoy scenic ‘flightseeing’ of the once in a generation filling of Lake Eyre!
This journey is an incredible combination of Outback Australiana and coastal splendour, initially following a huge and fascinating inland arc across the continent, from east to west. The journey returns east tracking along the awe-inspiring coast, highlighting Australia’s many varied and spectacular landscapes. Join us on this inspiring discovery of our Great Southern Land as we marvel at it from the air and the ground. In comfort and style, you will appreciate its immense beauty as you have never done before.
Comments from travellers on the most recent Departure of this remarkable Air Tour.
“All in all, everything was great and we thoroughly enjoyed all of it.” Mr & Mrs Whittle, Cashmere QLD
“Highlights were flying low over the country and the Coober Pedy Open Mine.” Mrs J Korporaal, Cremorne NSW
“We considered all destinations were highlights.” Mr & Mrs K Roberts, Oatley NSW
“The highlights of the journey were spectacular country and cities. The accommodations and food reflected the best available!” Dr Leeda Marting, New York USA
The Miracle of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre & the 2026 Deluge
New update confirmed by NASA satellite imagery – the Lake Eyre water fill has exceeded last year’s levels!
The incredible downpours that were experienced in Outback Queensland earlier this year have been so sustained and significant that water has flowed south at rates not seen since the significant flood of 1974. Per the recent NASA satellite image below from 14 May 2026, the Lower Warburton Lakes are already full via the Warburton Groove which flows into Lake Eyre, which in turn has resulted in Madigan Gulf and Belt Bay filling to a depth of 2.2m. Goyder Lagoon is overflowing and Eyre Creek is in moderate flood.
Due to these remarkable water levels, the entire surrounding region has continued to green to a remarkable degree. Turning this wetland into an oasis of green interspersed by thousands of finger-like channels, the water brings with it life to an area previously arid and barren. So remarkable has the deluge been in early 2026, many speculate that the massive floodwaters, coupled with local rains, will translate to a transformation of the region not experienced since the record floods of 1974. Lake Eyre is a spectacle from the air no matter what the season, whether the lake is full, filling or dry as the surrounding plains and salt flats stretch out below as far as the eye can see, simply magnificent! However, with these unprecedented rainfalls and flooding waters that continue to move ever south, the Miracle of Lake Eyre and the regeneration of Mother Nature is already simply breathtaking this year.
Below is further information referring to the historic
2026 “once in a generation” flood waters that are currently filling Lake Eyre
A deluge for the record books
Rainfall totals of 100 to 200 millimetres, locally higher, were recorded over a broad area of central Australia, causing flash and riverine flooding across large parts of Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia and western New South Wales. The numbers tell a staggering story. Some desert towns recorded their wettest February in decades, with many north-west towns experiencing February 2026 as one of the wettest months on record….. To put this in perspective, some regions received six to 12 months of their typical rainfall in just a matter of days.
Echoes of 1974: A generation remembers
1974 remains a historic year for outback flooding and one of Australia’s wettest years on record, and one estimate suggests about 900 billion tons of rain fell across Queensland in January alone. The parallels are striking. Water levels are already on par with those experienced in 2011, and locals are predicting they could rival the floods of 1974, with some locals saying peaks could surpass 1974 levels in parts of the region.
The silver lining: Nature’s spectacular recovery
When floodwaters eventually recede, the surrounding landscape will undergo a remarkable transformation. The water flowing through normally dry creek beds will make its way to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest lake, which sits dry most years at the continent’s lowest point.Every few years, some water flows all the way to the lake, but it is rare for it to fill completely. Following unusually abundant rain in 2019, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology estimated that 80 per cent of the lake’s area ultimately became covered by water. This rare filling attracts thousands of waterbirds and creates a tourism boom that can sustain communities for years. Campers, travellers and nature-lovers flock to witness the spectacle of the desert blooming.
Highlights
- Experience spectacular aerial 'flightseeing' of the vast Southern Australian interior, breathtaking South West Coast, Recherche Archipelago (Bay of Isles), stunning Lake Hillier, the iconic Great Australian Bight and Twelve Apostles, the Great Ocean Road and a once in a generation filling of Lake Eyre
- Witness the miracle of Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) and enjoy spectacular flightseeing of the remarkable and extremely rare “once-in-a-generation” filling of this Australian icon. Marvel at Mother Nature’s transformation following recent floods and local rains, as once-dry salt flats shimmer with water, burst into life, and flush green the surrounding desert - a truly breathtaking and fleeting natural phenomenon
- Explore the iconic Outback towns of Broken Hill, Coober Pedy and Kalgoorlie and the delightful coastal region of the Mornington Peninsula
- Enjoy tastings and lunch at multi award-winning Sandalford Winery located in the lush Swan Valley
- Encounter the historic whaling port of Albany and the acclaimed Margaret River region
- Discover breathtaking Esperance during a picturesque coastal drive and on board a scenic Bay of Isles wildlife cruise
- Stay in luxury at the InterContinental Perth and enjoy seaside refinement at both the Pullman Bunker Bay Resort and The InterContinental Sorrento
- Enjoy a guided wine tasting and lunch at Montalto, home to a famed sculpture walk, award-winning wines and a renowned hatted restaurant.
- All touring, transfers and meals including the freshest seafood at Port Lincoln while cruising Boston Bay
- Escorted throughout by a dedicated Journey Director
Tour Departures
Hotels
Bill Peach Journeys understands the importance of selecting the right accommodation to complement each journey. In this case, a selection of exceptional properties have been chosen to showcase the incredible destinations visited throughout this journey.
InterContinental Perth
The luxurious Intercontinental Hotel Perth is centrally located in the vibrant capital of the West.Pullman Bunker Bay Resort
The multi award-winning world class Pullman Bunker Bay Resort is nestled alongside the crystal clear waters of beautiful Bunker Bay in the Margaret River Wine Region.InterContinental Sorrento
Discover luxury accommodation of timeless elegance and refined coastal glamour at the recently opened The InterContinental Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula
From the moment you check-in for your Bill Peach Journeys Air Tour you will discover why we are the leaders in private luxury aircraft travel in Australia for over 40 years. Your friendly, professional and experienced flight crew and Journey Director will ensure that you experience the journey of a lifetime from the moment you arrive at the private executive departure lounge.
After your initial check-in, you will not need to check-in again for each flight nor be troubled with luggage until your return at the conclusion of the Aircruise; all will be taken care of for you so you can relax and enjoy your holiday. Your knowledgeable and professional Journey Director will ensure that all arrangements for your Bill Peach Journeys Aircruise will be taken care of throughout the entire tour so that your complete travel experience with us is seamless.
Now it’s time for the adventure to begin! On arrival in ‘Silver City’ (Broken Hill) we embark on a tour of this historic mining town which was established over a century ago. The fine old buildings of the main street are typical examples of colonial architecture, while the mine itself looms in the background. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service base and learn about the incredible work they do in the outback.
After lunch, enjoy aerial sightseeing of the remarkable and rare spectacle of a ‘once in a generation filling’ of Lake Eyre surrounded by a regenerated desert, a sight only witnessed by a privileged few. Experts are predicting a fill witnessed only 4 times in the last 160 years as once-dry salt flats shimmer with life-giving water. Fly on to the opal mining town of Coober Pedy. This afternoon we enjoy a tour of the opal fields, an opal mine and the town. There will also be an opportunity to visit an underground home, church, mine museum and underground potteries.
Overnight: Desert Cave Hotel or similar
Continuing westward we fly over some of the most desolate landscapes in Australia, across the vastness of the Great Victorian Desert and the Nullarbor Plain. Kalgoorlie’s glory days began in 1893 when gold was found near Mt. Charlotte, and prospectors soon discovered the significant deposits of the Golden Mile, the richest square mile of gold-bearing land on earth. Explore the fascinating towns of Kalgoorlie and Boulder and be awed by a visit to the incredible and immense Super Pit.
Overnight: Rydges Kalgoorlie or similar
We reboard our private aircraft and continue our journey westward to the city of Perth. Discover this fascinating city, including Kings Park and the Botanic Gardens. This afternoon we drive to the port city of Fremantle and explore its fascinating prison and the city’s world-famous heritage buildings steeped in maritime and convict history.
Overnight: Intercontinental Perth or similar
Today, transfer to the historic and multi award-winning Sandalford wine estate in the Swan River, where we will enjoy a wine tasting before savouring a sumptuous lunch in their hatted restaurant, taking in views of the beautifully set winery. Returning to Perth, this afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight: InterContinental Perth or similar
^Sandalford Wines & Restaurant – among the 59 prestigious awards won, Sandalford Wines was recognised as Australia’s Best Tourism Winery at the Australian Tourism Awards winning the Tourism Restaurants, Wineries & Breweries category. Sandalford Restaurant also now joins the top 1% of Australia’s Restaurants to be recognised as a Chef Hatted venue by AGFG this year.
“Your venue is one of the best in the country. A venue well and truly worth trying.” ~ Australian Good Food Guide
After breakfast this morning re-board our private aircraft for a scenic flight down the southern coastline of Western Australia arriving into Busselton, which is on the shores of picturesque Geographe Bay. The town’s distinctive pier was the longest timber jetty in Australia until part of it was destroyed by a cyclone. Later, check-in to the magnificently set Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, which boasts an absolute beachfront location
Overnight: Pullman Resort Bunker Bay or similar
Today we explore the Margaret River region and discover why it is famed for its produce including a visit to acclaimed Vasse Virgin to discover the many and varied benefits of olive oil. Continuing to Leeuwin Estate, one of Margaret River’s finest wineries for a wine tasting experience followed by lunch. An icon of the Australian wine industry, the region has earned an international reputation for making wines that rank alongside the world’s finest. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy this remarkable location and Resort facilities.
Overnight: Pullman Bunker Bay Resort or similar
This morning enjoy spectacular aerial flightseeing over Cape Leeuwin, an area famed for its coastal scenery. As the third largest deep water port in the world, Albany enjoys spectacular coastal scenery, charming reminders of its early days and a history of whaling which we will discover at the Whaling Station.
On 1 November 1914, Albany was the final departure point for the first ANZAC troops on their way to the battlefields of World War I. Today on this same small piece of paradise stands the award winning state-of-the-art National Anzac Centre that remembers the stories of the men and women who left from here. After a tour of this incredible centre, we head to Anzac Hill for a photo opportunity. Finally, marvel at the breathtaking Southern Ocean while visiting The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park to view the powerful waves crashing against the cliff faces, one of Albany’s most breathtaking spots.
Overnight: Dog Rock Motel or similar
Departing Albany, enjoy one of the many highlights of this journey – spectacular ‘flightseeing’ of the breathtaking South West Coast, Recherche Archipelago and the remarkable ‘pink’ Lake Hillier before landing at stunning Esperance. After lunch, enjoy a scenic cruise of the Recherche Archipelago (Bay of Isles). The islands are a refuge for some unique wildlife including hair seals, mutton birds and Cape Barren geese.
Overnight: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles or similar
This morning, view Esperance’s magnificent coast marvelling at nature’s splendour. Pure white sandy beaches run into the brilliant blue waters of the Southern Ocean and massive Precambrian granite outcrops break up the long beaches to form many sheltered bays and coves along hundreds of kilometres of coast.
Departing Esperance we fly East taking in expansive aerial vistas of the iconic Great Australian Bight. This afternoon, arrive into Port Lincoln, the ‘Seafood Capital of Australia’, nestled on the beautiful, blue Boston Bay found almost at the end of the Eyre Peninsula. Boston Bay is three times the size of Sydney Harbour and is the base for Australia’s largest tuna fleet and tuna farming industry.
Overnight: Port Lincoln Hotel or similar
Explore the waterways of Port Lincoln and visit an aquaculture farm on board our seafood tasting cruise before visiting the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum.
Re-board the private aircraft and fly east to Victoria enjoying incredible aerial viewing of the iconic Twelve Apostles and the Great Ocean Road. On arrival, transfer to the beautiful coastal village of Sorrento and check-in to the region’s newest luxury hotel, the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, an elegant blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication, seaside luxury at its finest.
Overnight: InterContinental Sorrento or similar
Touring today has us exploring the scenic Mornington Peninsula starting with Point Nepean National Park renowned for its rugged coastline, natural beauty and military history featuring in a critical defence role from the 1880s through both World Wars. Visit Victoria’s second light station which was built at Cape Schanck in 1859, located on the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula. This afternoon, enjoy a guided wine tasting and lunch at Montalto, home to a famed sculpture walk, award-winning wines and a renowned hatted restaurant.
This afternoon explore the picturesque village of Sorrento, where gorgeous heritage limestone buildings line the main street. Tonight we celebrate a very special Farewell Dinner.
Overnight: InterContinental Sorrento or similar
Breathtaking views across Port Phillip Bay will amaze this morning as we ride Arthurs Seat Eagle, a spectacular gondola before enjoying a coastal lunch accompanied by panoramic bay views. Re-board our private aircraft for the return flight to Sydney bringing to a close a most magnificent Great Southern adventure.
About Bill Peach Journeys
Bill Peach Journeys Australian outback tours are an exceptional and fascinating way to travel, allowing you to land directly in some of Australia’s most extraordinarily remote locations. Your time on the ground will be spent exploring the local region with your dedicated Journey Director, experiencing the finest accommodation available and dining in absolute splendour.
Fully Inclusive
All luxury outback tours offered by Bill Peach Journeys are fully inclusive. Our team of professional Journey Planners work meticulously with the Journey Directors to map out every step of the journey, and plan for every eventuality as well. The tour cost includes all accommodation, dining, travel, taxes, porterage fees, entrance fees and luggage. As the intrepid traveller, just like Bill, all you’ll have to worry about is making sure you relax and enjoy every moment.
Mode of Transport
This journey is operated by an aircraft that is perfect for landing in the isolated airstrips throughout this journey. To ensure a variety of viewing for everyone, we change seat allocation each day. The aircraft is operated by experienced pilots and accompanied by a Journey Director.
- This journey is taken by a 19 seat British Aerospace Jetstream 32
or similar - All seats feature comfortable legroom
- The aircraft is flown by two experienced captains and accompanied by a Journey Director
- A drinks service is available onboard
- The aircraft is pressurised and air-conditioned
- There is a toilet onboard
The coaches that we use for the ground component of this journey are fully air-conditioned. There will also be cruise vessels used in some areas.
Airfares and pre & post accommodation
Please speak to your travel agent or Bill Peach Journeys about flights to and from Sydney from your homeport. We can also arrange additional pre and post accommodation in Sydney.
Level of fitness required: Easy Going
These journeys are not physically demanding unless you want them to be. They include easy guided walks, which are mainly on flat ground. There will be times when you are required to board a launch for shore excursions. You must be able to walk up to 1km unaided and will not need any foreseen assistance throughout the journey. For all clients to fully enjoy this travel experience, excellent health and mobility are required by all.
We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey, in respect for your fellow travellers. Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover you against such things as personal illness or accident, cancellation, loss of baggage etc. Please make sure you carry a copy of your Travel Insurance policy with you at all times.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to the T&C’s for more information. Terms & Conditions (PDF )
*(Oct 2026 Departure) Conditions Apply: The $750 per person Late Bird Offer applies if booked and paid in full by 30 Jun, 2026 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
**(Oct 2026 Departure) Conditions Apply: The $1,000 per person Early Bird Offer applies if booked and paid in full by 30 April, 2026 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
**(Mar 2026 Departure) Conditions Apply: The $1,000 per person Early Bird Offer applies if booked and paid in full by 31 October, 2025 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Please contact Bill Peach Journeys or your local travel agent for assistance with airfares to meet this Air Tour in Sydney.