Lake Eyre
Discover Lake Eyre by Air
Ian Fargher, 4th generation pastoralist of Angorichina Station, who has over 30+ years of flying experience and his team of pilots, have a wealth of local knowledge, about the people, the flora, fauna and geology that make up this amazing ancient landscape.
With fantastic rains in 2010 and the summer of 2011, the country, lakes and waterways from the Flinders Ranges to Lake Eyre and beyond are spectacular – a once in a lifetime experience! Ian has designed a range of spectacular flight options to view Lake Eyre by air.
Weather permitting and at your pilot’s discretion you will enjoy your air safari from low altitude. Flying between 500 – 1000 feet provides ultimate viewing and appreciation of the landscape and birdlife, enhanced by your pilot’s informed in-flight conversation.
Flying in a Cessna 172, Cessna 206 or Cessna 210, each aircraft is equipped with personalised headsets ensuring an ease of interactive conversation during your flights. All passengers get a window seat and all aircrafts are high winged, a great advantage for visibility and photography.
Lake Eyre Flights
Not just the lake. Follow in the footsteps of the early explorers and pastoralists, the overland telegraph line, the Ghan, the Dog fence, names like Mount Deception, Mount Norwest, Termination Hill, the Oodnadatta and Strzelecki tracks, the stations including Nilpena, Beltana, Witchelina, Muloorina and Mundowdna. The joy is in the journey.
Option 1 – Lake Eyre; 3-4 hours
See the amazing land formations as you fly north towards Lake Eyre, passing by the Ediacrin hills (world renowned discovery place of the Ediacrin Fossils). Take in the constantly changing landscapes as you fly out over the Oodnadatta track towards Jackboot Bay to enter the panoramic southern tip of Lake Eyre. Continue over the Lake Dalhunty Island, the Madigan Gulf, stopping at Muloorina Station to stretch the legs and view a working artesian bore. The return flight takes you overhead Maree and the Leigh Creek coal fields.
2 passengers – $890.00 per person
3+ passengers – $695.00 per person
Option 2 – Lake Eyre + Cooper Creek; 5-6 hours
Incorporating the flight as per option 1, plus track east of Lake Eyre following the Cooper Creek to the punt on the Birdsville Track and the Etadunna wetlands. This flight can be extended to incorporate Lake Hope and back via the rugged Northern Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola and the Gammon Ranges.
2 passengers – $1,100.00 per person
3+ passengers – $990.00 per person
Aircraft: Cessna 210 or 206
Option 3 – Lake Eyre + Innamincka
In addition to Lake Eyre option 2, continue north east along the Cooper Creek, passing the Mulka, Mungerannie, Kanowna, Gidgealpa, Coongie Lakes (breeding ground for most of the local birdlife). Arrive at Innaminka for lunch, before returning home over Arkaroola and the Northern Flinders Ranges.
2 passengers – $1,800.00 per person
3+ passengers – $1,275.00 per person
Aircraft: Cessna 210 or 206
Option 4 – Lake Eyre + Birdsville (day trip)
Depart Blinman and fly over The Leigh Creek Open Cut Coal Field, past Marree and land at Muloorina Station to stretch your legs and see the Artesian Bore. Depart Muloorina Station for Lake Eyre and the Warburton Creek, see the Tirari Desert on the right and the Simpson Desert to the North. Venture past Cowarie Station and the channels of Goyder’s Lagoon, before reaching the Diamantina and Birdsville Hotel for lunch.
Continue your flight to Sturt’s Stony Desert and Coongie Lakes (flood out of the Cooper Creek), where you will encounter large nesting areas of birdlife. Land at Innamincka and put a toe into the waters of the Cooper Creek. Leave Innamincka following the Strzelecki Creek south towards Mt Hopeless and the rugged Northern Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola before arriving at your departure destination, Blinman.
2 passengers – $2,300.00 per person
3+ passengers – $1,590.00 per person
Aircraft: Cessna 210 or 206
Option 5 – Lake Eyre + Birdsville (overnight stay)
Day 1 – Depart Blinman and fly over Leigh Creek, the coal mines, past Marree and land at Muloorina Station to stretch the legs. Continue to Lake Eyre and the Warburton Creek with the Tirari Desert on the right and the Simpson Desert to the North, past Cowarie Station and the channels of Goyder’s Lagoon. Proceed up to the Diamantina and finally landing at Birdsville.
Explore the township of Birdsville, have a chance to visit the Working Museum. Overnight at the iconic Birdsville Hotel.
Day 2 – An early start to the day as you fly over Sturt’s Stony Desert to Coongie Lakes, usually a large nesting area for birdlife. Continue your air-safari to Innamincka where you stop for lunch and have the opportunity put a toe into the waters of Coopers Creek! Leaving Innamincka follow the Strzelecki Creek south towards Mount Hopeless and the rugged Northern Flinders, Arkaroola, returning to Blinman.
2 passengers – $1,990.00 per person including meals and accommodation – C172
3+ passengers – $1,790.00 per person including meals and accommodation – C206 or C210
Please note: All flights are subject to weather and airstrip conditions. Flight prices are subject to change and fuel levies may be added if required.
