Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Return private flight from Brisbane to Charleville, Birdsville & Lake Eyre
• Birdsville Experience Tour
• Big Red Sunset Tour
• The famous Dig Tree
• Visit Quilpie, often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Channel Country’
• Flight over Lake Eyre and Wildflower region
• 1 night in Birdsville
• 1 night in Quilpie
• Escorted by a Bush Poet

 

Day 1. Private Flight from Brisbane to Birdsville

At 6.45am we depart from the General Aviation Terminal at Brisbane Airport (free open air parking at the terminal). It is here you will meet your escort and pilot. After take-off get a great view of the cotton and grain fields around Dalby and watch as the landscape gradually changes to the red mulga country around Charleville. We arrive into Charleville at 9.30am for our first stop and enjoy a cuppa at the Flight Deck Cafe. We then head from Charleville towards the channel country, and watch as this natural irrigation system comes into view. Witness an amazing display of watery veins branching out over this harsh environment. See the large water systems of the Cooper Creek and the Diamantina River. Around 1.00pm we arrive at the iconic outback town of Birdsville where you will be picked up by your Skinny Dingo Guide and transferred to your accommodation at the Birdsville Caravan Park situated on the banks of the Diamantina. Enjoy an award winning curried camel pie or a claret kangaroo pie and cappucino at the Birdsville Bakery (own cost) and then head out onto a Birdsville Experience Tour, taking in the local attractions in and around Birdsville, including the Birdsville Working Museum, famous race track, Burke and Wills Tree and the mighty Diamantina river at ground level. Then around 5pm its time to head off on the Big Red Sunset Tour. Enjoy champagne and nibbles on top of ‘Nappanerica’, the biggest sand hill in the Simpson Desert and watch as the sun sets on one of nature’s wonders. We return at 7.30pm to enjoy a meal at the famous Birdsville Hotel. Overnight: Birdsville Caravan Park. (MTD)

Note: Limited ensuite cabins available at the Birdsville Caravan Park - allocations are on a first-booked basis. Optional upgrade to Birdsville Hotel - subject to availability

Day 2. Flight over Lake Eyre

After breakfast it’s time to board the plane again at 8am. Fly over Lake Eyre and witness the spectacle of this usually dry watercourse. Normally a salt lake, about once in a decade (and in this instance twice in two years) flood waters from the north transform it into life. Around 10.00am (SA Time) we arrive at William Creek and enjoy an early lunch at this unique outback pub. We reboard our plane at 12.00pm for some more time over Lake Eyre before taking in another slice of our history - the famous Dig Tree and learn more about Burke and Wills' famous ill-fated trek through the heart of this harsh country.  Around 3pm we re-board the plane enroute to Quilpie, often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Channel Country’. Quilpie is famous for its opals and is also the end of the western railway line. Areas to the west and north are also known to many as ‘Kings in Grass Castles’ country, where famous pioneers such as the Duracks, Costellos and Tullys made their mark on the land. At 5pm we arrive at Quilpie where you will be transferred to the Channel Country Caravan Park. Before dinner in Quilpie enjoy a relaxing artesian spa (make sure you bring your bathers!). Tonight there will be bush poetry around the fire. Overnight: Channel Country Caravan Park. Ensuited air-conditioned cabin. (BLD)

Day 3. Explore Quilpie, return to Brisbane

After breakfast take a look around the park and perhaps have a fossick in the park opal area. Learn more about the famous pioneers who settled the area with a viewing of  the ‘Kings in Grass Castles’ display. You may even wish to enjoy another spa! At 8.30am take in the sights in and around Quilpie including a visit to the famous opal altar and lecturn at St Finbarr’s Church. We lunch in Quilpie (own cost) before departing at 12pm with a stop off at Charleville before heading on to Brisbane Airport. We arrive at 4.30pm into Brisbane, the end of this once in a lifetime epic journey. (B)

See what our happy customers have said about this tour www.reefnoutback.com.au/testimonials

Lake Eyre Status:

We have been advised that water is expected to reach the Lake by Easter. This is an indication only and not guaranteed. From accounts we are receiving, the water levels may reach that of the levels in 2009. BOOK NOW!

Prices and Dates

• Group bookings welcome
• Bookings through agents not accepted. Direct bookings only 1300 138 687

• Group bookings welcome
• Bookings through agents not accepted. Direct bookings only 1300 138 687