Lake Eyre Spectacular – 4 Day Tour

Including a 1.5 hour flight over the lake

$2695 per person (twin share) 2025 | Single supplement $240
Contact us for Senior discount.

Departure dates from Adelaide 2025:

25th Aug – 14 Seats left

8th Sept – 12 Seats left

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About Lake Eyre

An extraordinary natural spectacle is unfolding in the heart of South Australia—one that promises to be nothing short of breathtaking. As floodwaters from Queensland journey south, they are set to transform the vast salt flats of Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre into a shimmering inland sea—possibly the most significant filling in over 15 years.

In recent weeks, torrential rains have sent powerful surges down Warburton Creek and Cooper Creek, flooding remote towns and flowing swiftly into the lake basin. As the floodwaters dissolve the salt crust, the landscape undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis—revealing a stunning, glassy expanse that captivates all who see it. This rare event is a magnet for nature lovers, bird watchers, and photographers eager to witness the desert come alive.

Lake Eyre is Australia’s largest Salt Lake and one of its most elusive wonders, having reached full capacity only three times in the past 160 years. Stretching 144 kilometres long and 77 kilometres wide, and resting 15.2 metres below sea level, it becomes a vibrant oasis during flood events. The surrounding desert bursts into colour—hues of pink, orange, and green dance across the landscape—while thousands of waterbirds, including pelicans and banded stilts, arrive in a stunning display of nature’s instinct and timing.

This year’s floodwaters cover a catchment of 1.2 million square kilometres—17% of Australia’s landmass—draining in from as far afield as Mount Isa, Alice Springs, and Longreach. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring hydrological events on Earth.

Don’t Miss This Rare Opportunity

The best way to truly experience this marvel is by joining a guided tour. Gekko Safari offers an unforgettable 4-day adventure, including a scenic flight over the lake—offering breathtaking aerial views of this natural masterpiece.

Moments like this don’t come often. Be among the few to witness Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre in full bloom—a surreal landscape where sky meets water, life returns to the desert, and memories are made to last a lifetime.

Secure your place now—nature’s masterpiece is waiting.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Adelaide to Flinders Ranges (Lunch / Dinner included)

Your outback adventure begins bright and early with a 7:15 am pick-up from the Alba Hotel in Adelaide’s CBD. We journey north into the heart of South Australia’s famous wine country — Clare Valley — renowned for its award-winning wines and picturesque vineyards. You’ll enjoy a peaceful visit to the Seven hill grounds and chapel, the oldest winery in the region, founded by Jesuit settlers in 1851.

Next, we head to the charming town of Melrose, nestled at the base of the Flinders Ranges. After a brief stop to soak up the scenery, we continue to the historic railway town of Quorn for a relaxing lunch. Once a bustling junction for Australia’s early railways, Quorn still echoes the spirit of early explorers and train travellers.

In the afternoon, we visit the spectacular Wilpena Panorama by renowned artist Jeff Morgan before heading to Hawker. As the sun begins to set, keep an eye out for kangaroos and wallabies appearing against the dramatic backdrop of the Flinders Ranges.
Settle in for the evening with a delicious dinner and comfortable en-suite accommodation at the Outback Chapmanton Hotel.

Day 2: Flinders Ranges to Marree (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner included))

After breakfast, we set off to Wilpena Creek, framed by ancient river red gums. Take in the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Flinders Ranges.

Today we explore one of the region’s iconic gorges — Brachina or Parachilna Gorge — both renowned for their remarkable geological formations, crystal-clear waterholes, and diverse native wildlife. Following a scenic picnic lunch at Parachilna, we head further into the outback along the legendary Oodnadatta Track.

Along the way, we’ll visit the colourful Ochre Cliffs at Lyndhurst, once an important resource for Indigenous Australians, and explore the haunting ruins of the Farina ghost town, a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s pioneering history.

By late afternoon, we arrive at Marree, a historic settlement once central to the camel trains operated by Afghan cameleers. Here, you’ll enjoy a warm country welcome and stay overnight in en-suite accommodation at the Marree Hotel.

Day 3: Marree to Port Augusta (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner included)

This morning begins with a highlight of your journey: a 1.5-hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda). Witness the vast salt lake and its breathtaking landscapes from above—a truly unforgettable experience.

We then journey south along the Oodnadatta Track. After lunch, we visit Nilpena Ediacara National Park, home to some of the world’s oldest known animal fossils. On a fully guided 1.5-hour tour, you’ll explore:

The historic woolshed and beautifully restored blacksmith’s shop.
An immersive audio-visual experience that brings the 550-million-year-old Ediacara creatures to life through world-class animation.
The remarkable 9-metre fossil bed, carefully relocated from the fossil fields for closer viewing.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Port Augusta, set along the tranquil waters of the Spencer Gulf. This historic port once played a vital role in transporting wheat and wool from the Flinders Ranges to the world via grand clipper ships. overnight in en-suite accommodation Port Augusta

Day 4: Port Augusta to Adelaide (Breakfast / Lunch included)

After breakfast, we explore the remarkable Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden on a guided one-hour tour. Spanning 250 hectares, the gardens showcase South Australia’s unique desert flora set against dramatic outback scenery.

Next, we visit the Wadlata Outback Centre — an award-winning interpretive centre that brings the outback’s fascinating history to life. Step back in time and follow the “Tunnel of Time” experience to learn about the region’s formation, Indigenous culture, early explorers, and pioneering settlers.

After lunch, we begin our journey back to Adelaide, stopping for a final scenic visit to Port Germein — once home to the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Take in the coastal views and imagine the bustling trade days when wool and wheat were shipped across the globe from this tiny port town.

We arrive back in Adelaide at approximately 6:30 pm, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel with a camera full of photos and wonderful memories of your outback adventure.