Lake Eyre Spectacular

5 Day Tour

$3195 per person (twin share) 2023
Contact us for Senior discount.
Single supplement $330

Departure dates

  • 22nd May 2024
  • 19th June 2024 (8 seats left)
  • 17th July 2024 (7 seats left)
  • 14th August 2024
  • 4th September 2024

Highlights

1 hour scenic flight over lake Eyre with Wright’s Air and stop at the lake’s shore, Clare Valley, Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Brachina Gorge, Oodnadatta Track, Coober Pedy, Breakaways and guided tour of the Arid Lands botanic Gardens.

About Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre is the lowest point in Australia, at approximately 15m (49ft) below sea level, and on the rare occasions that it fills, the largest lake in Australia and the 18th largest in the world. The temporary shallow lake is the depocenter of the vast Lake Eyre Basin and is found 700km north of Adelaide. Join us on this magnificent journey into South Australia’s far north, taking in the rugged landscapes of the Flinders Ranges and the outback, including Coober Pedy, as we travel up through this spectacular region.

Water Is Flowing Back Into The Lake

[updated 27 March 2024]

The influx of water from ex-cyclone Kirrily has sparked a remarkable transformation across western Queensland, with rivers and creeks in the Lake Eyre Basin swelling and flowing southward towards Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. This natural event has led to moderate flooding in several rivers such as the Cooper Creek, Thomson, Barcoo, Georgina, and Diamantina, all contributing to the replenishment of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.

The journey of this water, originating from as far as Alice Springs, Mt Isa, Cloncurry, and Longreach, highlights the interconnectedness of Australia’s waterways. It’s a reminder of the profound impact of weather systems on the landscape and ecosystems.

The abundance of pelicans and the arrival of banded stilts, traveling vast distances to partake in the flourishing ecosystem, further emphasize the significance of the water influx from ex-cyclone Kirrily. This natural phenomenon isn’t just about the physical transformation of the landscape; it’s about the intricate web of life it supports, from the smallest organisms to the majestic birds that grace the skies.

This period presents a unique opportunity for travellers to witness the rejuvenation of the outback as it comes to life with the influx of water. From the thriving wildlife to the scenic landscapes, there’s much to experience and appreciate during this time. Gekko Safari’s 5-day tours, including visits to the Flinders Ranges and Cooper Pedy, along with a flight over Lake Eyre with Wrights Air, offer an incredible chance to immerse oneself in the beauty and majesty of this natural spectacle.

Amazing Time To See The Lake

The forecast of additional rainfall in Queensland and outback South Australia in the next few weeks will most certainly lead to more runoff into the lake, increasing its water levels.

Itinerary

Adelaide / Flinders Ranges (includes lunch & dinner)

Pick up from your Adelaide CBD accommodation or central bus station at approx 7.00 am and head north to the Clare Valley which is well renowned for its excellent wines, with time to visit Seven Hills grounds, the oldest winery in the region established by the Jesuits in 1851.

We travel to Melrose, a lovely little town nestled in the foothills of the Flinders Ranges where we stop for lunch. Driving further north we arrive at Quorn which became the junction of the Sydney-Perth and Adelaide-Darwin railway systems in 1917.

After visiting Jeff Morgan’s Wilpena panorama in the town of Hawker, we arrive late afternoon in time to see the sunset over the Ranges as kangaroos come out to feed. Tonight enjoy a relaxing meal, o/n en-suite accommodation at Rawnsley or Outback Chapmanton Hotel.

Flinders Ranges / Marree (includes breakfast, lunch & dinner)

After breakfast we take a walk along the beautiful Wilpena Creek framed by huge river red gums, where we can see the mystical heart of the Flinders Ranges with stunning views of this magical land.

Continuing our journey exploring Brachina and Bunyeroo gorge we discover their priceless geological treasures, crystal clear water holes and an abundance of flora and fauna including the rare yellow footed rock wallaby.

After lunch we head to the Parachilna Hotel for a coffee stop before travelling into the desert country up the Oodnadatta Track. We follow the old Ghan railway line and arrive at Lyndhurst to explore the ochre cliffs.

Late afternoon we arrive at Marree, a town at the junction of the famous Birdsville Track which is still populated by descendents of Afghan cameleers and with a rich history as a staging post for the large camel trains carrying goods in the early days.

O/n en-suite accommodation in Marree. You will be staying in an ensuite cabin and be welcomed with the friendly hospitality of the outback.

Marree / Coober Pedy (includes breakfast, lunch & dinner)

We start the day with a visit of the Arabanna Aboriginal Centre (if open) with its display of art, weapons and local information. Back on the Oodnadatta track we explore artesian spring’s ecosystem, arriving at the shores of Lake Eyre, to marvel at this inland sea.

This is followed by lunch at William Creek. We then enjoy a captivating scenic flight over Lake Eyre North, the best way to fully enjoy the vastness of this amazing place. We then head for the opal capital of the world, Coober Pedy.

We will travel past the famous dingo fence and through the world’s largest cattle station, Anna Creek, before arriving in Coober Pedy.

O/n hotel en-suite accommodation. These original basic dwellings have now been developed to a point where luxurious underground homes and hotels, known as dugouts, have been planned and built.

Coober Pedy to Woomera (includes breakfast, lunch & dinner)

This morning we start with a guided tour explaining the history of Coober Pedy and a 20 minutes award-winning documentary presented in an underground theatrette on three panoramic screens. We will learn about the opal industry including an opal cutting demonstration.

This will be followed by visiting an underground dugout home and the Serbian underground church. We then head out to the breakaways reserve, a colourful land formation derived from the evaporation of an inland, ancient, Australian sea.

We return to Coober Pedy for lunch via the dog fence and the moon plains.

Heading along the Stuart Highway, with tracts of desert scenery stretching out as far as the eye can see.

We stop at Glendambo and then arrive at Woomera which was one of the world’s busiest launch site for testing rockets and missiles during the 1950’s and 1960’s. O/n Eldo Hotel accommodation.

Woomera to Adelaide (includes breakfast & Lunch)

This morning we depart for Port Augusta, situated on the quiet waterways at the head of the Spencer Gulf.

On arrival we will enjoy a 1 hour tour of the Arid Lands Botanic Gardens. The Garden showcases a diverse collection of arid zone habitats in a picturesque setting of more than 250 hectares.

After lunch we head south and stop at Port Germein, once an important transport hub for the surrounding districts following the opening of its jetty in 1881 – at the time known as the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere (1680m, about 100,000 bags of wheat were loaded per year).

We arrive in Adelaide at around 6.30pm and drop you off at your hotel.

Bookings & Enquiries

Now is the moment to seize the opportunity and immerse yourself in the splendour of the outback as it flourishes. Contact Gekko safari to book a tour of a life time!

Phone us: 0423 483 780

Email us: admin@gekkosafari.com.au