- Pricing From $18,495*
- Single Supplement $1,695
- From Adelaide
- Duration 10 Days
- Max Group Size 8
- Activity Level Moderate
May Departure Now Sold Out – July Departure Open for sale!
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. Travelling by private aircraft, experience exceptional aerial sightseeing of Central Australia, Gulf Country, Lake Eyre, Marree Man, Wilpena Pound and Channel Country. Incredible aerial views are complimented by amazing ground touring of ancient land formations in Coober Pedy, the Flinders Ranges and the fascinating geological marvel, Devils Marbles where you’ll find precariously balanced granite boulders defying gravity scattered across a shallow valley. Land on the remote Groote Eylandt and learn about this historic and picturesque Isle. This is the quintessential iconic Australian Outback that you have always wanted to see, from top to bottom!
For the first time ever, visit the iconic Devils Marbles.
Update on flooding from the North as it continues its inevitable move South.
Tropical Cyclone Kirrily hit the Central and North Queensland coast in late January 2024. The heavy rainfall caused much havoc in coastal areas, however, in the often-dry centre of the continent, locals welcomed a deluge such as this which is seldom seen. What could be described as a slow-moving inland sea in southwest Queensland shows the waters cutting along through the aptly named Channel Country. This is the parched landscape that scrapes across the Simpson Desert, flowing south through south-western Queensland to South Australia and down to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.
As of Mid-March 2024, water started flowing into Lake Eyre North and began to flow into the Warburton Groove, a channel that runs from north to south down the lake towards the low point at Belt Bay. The size of these floods is something that has to be seen to be believed, and one of the best places to view them, of course, is from above. The remarkable regeneration of vast Outback desert plains flooded by soaking waters brings with it flora and fauna, a miracle of Mother Nature.
The following recent reports from ABC News describes this slow moving flood. Travellers on the May Gulf to Gulf Airtour will be some of the lucky few to witness this incredible event of nature as floodwaters continue to pour into these regions. Marvel as we ‘flightsee’ over Lake Eyre, Channel Country, Birdsville and further north to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Highlights
- ‘Flightsee’ Australia’s centre by private aircraft and marvel at awe-inspiring aerial views of Coober Pedy, Lake Eyre, the Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Gulf Country, Marree Man and the 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 the Devils Marbles and learn about these ancient desert rock formations
- 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
Private transfer to Oval Hotel Adelaide. This evening, join your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner hosted by your Journey Director at the acclaimed Jolleys Boathouse by the River Torrens.
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 earlier in 1841 John Lort Stokes explored the coastline in the Beagle when he described the area as ‘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^ viewing sites once surveyed by explorers such as Wills, Landsborough, Walker and Stokes. 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.
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 historic mission church, the market garden and top river crossing. We will see the Naked Pools and Milner Bay Port, which ships over two million tonnes of manganese each year to the world.
Overnight: Groote Eylandt Lodge or similar
Flying south today we transfer from Tennant Creek Airport to learn about the fascinating Devils Marbles. Formed over millions of years, these ancient precariously balanced granite boulders continue to crack and erode yet have withstood the eroding forces of wind and rain, unlike the surrounding sandstone. Following lunch at the Devils Marbles Hotel, fly south to iconic Alice Springs and transfer to the Telegraph Station where we learn about the resilience of the people of Alice in this most remote region of Outback Australia.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters or similar
Fly this morning to Coober Pedy viewing from above the Overland Telegraph, the Old Ghan railway line and finally the Oodnadatta Track. Take a town tour of Coober Pedy, renowned for its Opals, underground dwellings and the remarkable resilience and ingenuity of its inhabitants.
This afternoon enjoy aerial sightseeing of the southern parts of Lake Eyre and the mysterious Marree Man before landing in the Flinders Ranges and transferring to Rawnsley Park Station.
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: Moderate
This journey is more challenging and designed for the more active traveller who is looking to venture off the beaten path. To fully participate in all activities, the traveller must be able to walk up to 1km on even surfaces unaided, travel by four-wheel drive vehicles along ungraded roads and walk up steps unassisted.
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: July Departure – The $500 per person Early Bird Offer applies if booked and paid in full by 26 April, 2024 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
* The Early Bird Offer for the May Departure has now expired – The $500 per person Early Bird Offer applied if booked and paid in full by 12 January, 2024 and could not be used in conjunction with any other offer.
^ Weather permitting.
Please note: The itinerary is subject to change once finalised. Due to ongoing challenges still faced by some operators, certain services are still being rebuilt. Your patience is appreciated.