- Pricing From $19,495
- Single Supplement $1,895
- From Adelaide
- Duration 10 Days
- Max Group Size 8
- Activity Level Soft Adventure
Early Bird Offer ~ $1,000 per person savings available
Special offer price is May – $19,495pp* & Jul – $19,995pp*
Join Bill Peach Journeys, the pioneer in Air Tours for over 40 years, on an Outback Aircruising odysee unlike any other! Travelling by private aircraft, experience exceptional aerial sightseeing of Central Australia, Gulf Country, Lake Eyre, Channel Country, Coober Pedy and the Flinders Ranges. Marvel while experiencing extended aerial flightseeing of Marree Man, Wilpena Pound, Gosses Bluff and Australia’s iconic Red Centre – Uluru and The Olgas (Kata Tjuta). Incredible aerial views are complimented by amazing ground touring of ancient land formations in Coober Pedy, the Flinders Ranges and a fascinating base tour of Uluru. Land on the remote Groote Eylandt and learn about this historic and picturesque Isle. Visit parts of this great land that most people never have the opportunity to see, such as Innamincka, Birdsville, Mount Isa, Burketown and Groote Eylandt. Be awed by a truly remarkable Air Tour that will take you into the heart and soul of South Australia, Outback Queensland and the Northern Territory. Visit iconic Burke and Wills Dig Tree, an enduring reminder of Australia’s pioneering spirit. Have a beer in the famous Birdsville Pub – one of the most remote hotels in Australia. This is the quintessential iconic Australian Outback that you have always wanted to experience, from top to bottom!
Spectacular ‘flightseeing’ of Australia’s incredible Red Centre – Uluru & The Olgas (Kata Tjuta) now included on this journey!
The Miracle of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre & the 2026 Deluge
New update on flooding from the North as it continues its inevitable move South, confirmed by NASA satellite imagery.
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 22 March, 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 filling to a depth of 1.5m and rising and Belt Bay filling to a depth of 2m and rising. Cooper Creek and the Barcoo River are also experiencing minor flooding from North of Longreach which will ultimately spill into Lake Eyre also.
Lake Eyre has only completely filled three to four times in the past 160 years, making this natural wonder rarer than many astronomical events. To put this in perspective, you’re more likely to see Halley’s Comet twice in your lifetime than witness Lake Eyre at full capacity!
Due to the earlier flowing of the Diamantina and Georgina Rivers and Eyre Creek which are all currently in moderate flood, the entire surrounding region has continued to green to a remarkable degree including Goyder Lagoon, which continues to fill. 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 set to be 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
- ‘Flightsee’ by private aircraft and view awe-inspiring aerial vistas of Coober Pedy, Lake Eyre, the Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Gulf Country, Marree Man, Uluru, the Olgas, Gosses Bluff and Channel Country
- Stay 2 nights at Rawnsley Park Station in the magnificent Flinders Ranges and 2 nights at Groote Eylandt Lodge in the azure Gulf of Carpentaria
- Stay a night at the famous Birdsville Hotel and a night at Adelaide’s luxury Mayfair Hotel
- Stay a night at the famous Birdsville Hotel and a night at the luxury Mayfair Hotel
- Discover the wonder of Uluru and learn about this ancient desert rock formation. Enjoy the Field of Light Dinner and stay a night at Sails in the Desert
- Explore the magnificent Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, Stokes Hill, Cazneaux Tree and Old Wilpena Station in the ancient Flinders Ranges
- Learn about Australia’s Outback pioneering spirit in Coober Pedy, at the iconic Burke and Wills Dig Tree and in fascinating Burketown, Gulf Country
- All touring, transfers and meals included
- 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.
Groote Eylandt Lodge
From serene ocean vistas to unforgettable cultural encounters, Groote Eylandt Lodge offers a unique blend of luxury and natural beauty. Enjoy a luxurious stay in tranquil and thoughtfully designed accommodation and savour fresh, locally inspired cuisine. This is an incredible destination unlike any other where sunset drinks are enjoyed while taking in the most spectacular ocean views.Sails in the Desert
A luxurious desert oasis, the award-winning, five-star Sails in the Desert is iconic in every way. Cool off in the sparkling swimming pool lined with lush gumtrees, or linger over unique Australian flavours paired perfectly with your favourite regional wines at one of the resort's restaurants.Rawnsley Park Station
Located on the south eastern edge of Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park Station adjoins the Flinders Ranges National Park. Stay on an operating sheep station - experience the natural beauty and wildlife of this ancient rugged landscape.
Private transfer to Oval Hotel Adelaide. This evening, join your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner hosted by your Journey Director.
Overnight: Oval Hotel or similar
Fly across the Flinders Ranges to land first at Leigh Creek to refuel then at Burke and Wills Dig Tree^. A heritage-listed, blazed, eucalyptus tree, we learn of its significance as the Burke and Wills expedition contributed to the opening up of the Australian inland to pastoralism. Re-board the aircraft for the short flight to Innamincka for lunch and a chance to view this remote outback town. Flying on in our private aircraft, view the dramatic landscapes below taking in a bird’s-eye perspective of these barren lands which in recent times experienced a remarkable and rare explosion of flora and bird life due to flooding rains highlighting the fascinating extremes of life in the desert.
Proclaimed a town in 1887, Birdsville was located at the border of South Australia and Queensland to collect tolls from the droves of cattle being moved interstate. This afternoon, we drive out to ‘Big Red’, a large sand dune that marks the symbolic edge of the Simpson Desert. Standing well over 30 metres tall, it is part of an area known for the longest parallel sand dunes in the world. Tonight, enjoy Outback hospitality and the unique opportunity of staying at the famous Birdsville Hotel
Overnight: Birdsville Hotel
Continuing on today, fly across Western Queensland before landing at Mount Isa. Described as the Oasis of the Outback – a gleaming mirage on the horizon for travellers from all directions – Mount Isa nestles among the ochre-red Selwyn Ranges on the banks of the Leichhardt River.
On arrival, take a fascinating tour of the Beth Anderson Museum and Underground Hospital, then explore the history of mining as we are enthralled by miner guides with their stories of work underground during our mine tour. We also visit the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre to learn about one of the most significant fossil deposits worldwide before heading out to Lake Moondarra for a spectacular Outback sunset.
Overnight: Redearth Boutique Hotel or similar
This morning depart for the Gulf country, landing first at Burketown, which sits on the Albert River and on the east-west dividing line between the wetlands to the north and the savannah grass plains to the south, 25 kilometres from the coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Burketown is named after Robert O’Hara Burke who, along with a party of explorers including William John Wills, crossed the Australian continent and reached a point near Normanton in 1861, 20 years after John Lort Stokes in the Beagle said the area was ‘the plains of promise’.
We begin our exploration with a visit to the famed Burketown Artesian Bore. Drilled in 1897 to a depth of 723m, the bore still issues boiling water and has created a billabong effect where varied bird life gathers including galahs, cockatoos, frogmouths, kookaburras and kingfishers. Touring with a local, we will discover the historical and natural wonders of Gulf Country as we traverse Australia’s largest area of salt pans^. The lower Gulf area, in which Burketown lies, has the largest aggregate area of salt pans in Australia that during the monsoon season generate into a wetland in excess of 2 million hectares, the largest in Australia.
Visit Woods Lake^, named in 1861 by William Landsborough before re-boarding our private aircraft which flies us across the breathtaking sights below. We fly over the Gulf of Carpentaria to Groote Eylandt, one of Australia’s last untouched wilderness areas. Located in East Arnhem Land, Groote Eylandt is known for its pristine natural and marine environment, spectacular scenery, Aboriginal art and culture and some of the best fishing in the world. Enjoy two nights at Groote Eylandt Lodge which is located on a stunning bay of glistening turquoise waters. A sunset to remember this evening looking over the Gulf waters.
Overnight: Groote Eylandt Lodge or similar
Today we take in the past and present of Groote Eylandt. Discover the unique ancient cave paintings and enjoy the beautiful Groote Eylandt bushland. Home to the Anindilyakwa people who have lived there for thousands of years, the island was also used by the RAAF as part of Australia’s Northern defence in WWII. Explore the Angurugu Historic Mission Church, the market garden and top river crossing. We will see the WWII Qantas base and Milner Bay Port, which ships over two million tonnes of manganese each year to the world. The sunset this evening taking in the stunning Gulf’s vista will transfix as you reflect on the amazing day had.
Overnight: Groote Eylandt Lodge or similar
Flying south today we refuel at Tennant Creek then re-board our private aircraft for a memorable flight to the Red Centre. Marvel at nature’s splendour from above while enjoying extended scenic ‘flightseeing’ of the incredible Gosses Bluff, then the iconic Uluru and Kata Tjuta as they sit majestically within the country’s Red Centre.
Upon landing, take a base tour of Uluru that will explore the fascinating culture, geology and environment of this magnificent monolith. Tonight, view the incredible art installation, Field of Light before enjoying the iconic Sounds of Silence dinner under a sky brilliant with stars, the breathtaking sight of Uluru set in the distance.
Overnight: Sails in the Desert or similar
Fly this morning to Coober Pedy, viewing from above the Painted Hills and Breakaways on the way. Take a town tour of Coober Pedy, renowned for its Opals, incredible underground dwellings and the remarkable resilience and ingenuity of its inhabitants. Following a fuel stop at Leigh Creek, enjoy aerial sightseeing of the southern parts of Lake Eyre, the mysterious Marree Man and impressive Wilpena Pound before landing in the spectacular Flinders Ranges.
Overnight: Rawnsley Park Station or similar
Today explore more than 800 million years of geological history in the ‘Corridor Through Time’. Marvel at the rugged beauty of Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges and search for Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies enjoying sweeping views of Bunyeroo Valley. After lunch, visit an old copper mining town before arriving at Stokes Hill which offers spectacular 360 degree panoramas of Wilpena Pound and the surrounding awe-inspiring ranges.
Overnight: Rawnsley Park Station or similar
This morning visit the Cazneaux Tree, noted by the National Trust for its outstanding aesthetic beauty before taking an informative tour of Old Wilpena Station, one of South Australia’s oldest and best preserved pastoral settlements. We will appreciate the magnificent river red gums with stunning views of Wilpena Pound in the distance. Return to Adelaide this afternoon and tonight enjoy our farewell dinner.
Overnight: Mayfair Hotel or similar
Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Say farewell to a magical adventure through the Gulf Country and beyond.
About AIRCRUISING
An Air Tour with Bill Peach Journeys is the perfect way to explore these hard to reach destinations in the style, speed and comfort of your own private aircraft. Travelling by private aircraft means that we can land directly in each location ensuring time on the ground is spent discovering each region. The style of aircraft is chosen to provide the best possible access into remote locations.
Fully Inclusive
When you travel on an Air Tour everything is included. This means not only does your holiday include accommodation, dining and all excursions but every one of these elements is the finest in its class. Throughout the journey you will have a Journey Director on hand to look after each detail.
Mode of Transport
This journey will utilise aircraft which are perfect for landing in the remote destinations throughout this journey. To ensure a variety of viewing for everyone, we change seat allocation each day. The aircraft is operated by an experienced pilot and accompanied by a Journey Director. The coaches that we use for the ground component of this journey are fully air-conditioned. There will be a number of 4WD vehicles used on this journey. The journey will involve travelling over unsealed roads.
Airfares and pre & post accommodation
Please speak to your travel agent or Bill Peach Journeys about flights to and from Adelaide from your homeport. We can also arrange additional pre and post accommodation in Adelaide.
Level of Fitness Required: Soft Adventure
This tour is designed for travellers with a good level of fitness who enjoy being active and exploring the outdoors without wanting to push their physical limits. On this journey, there may be a mix of leisurely walks on uneven terrain, 4WD or activities that require some balance and good mobility. You will need to board a light aircraft and a boat from a jetty for example. It’s more engaging than a relaxed sightseeing journey but doesn’t involve anything extreme or strenuous. Ideal for those who are comfortable being on their feet and who enjoy a bit of soft adventure with their cultural or scenic experiences.
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)
*Conditions Apply: The $1,000 per person Early Bird Offer for these departures applies if booked and paid in full by 27 Feb, 2026 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
^ Weather permitting.