Flying by charter plane, this exciting tour includes a bird's eye view of spectacular Lake Eyre, the incredible Channel Country, Charleville, Quilpie, Birdsville, Burke & Wills Dig Tree, Birdsville Track, Cooper Creek, William Creek & Oodnadatta Track.
At 9am 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 of your charter 14 seater 208 Cessna Caravan. 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 around 11.30am for a visit to the Cosmos Centre, lunch and town tour. Around 2pm 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. We arrive into Quilpie where you will be transferred to your accommodation. There is time to enjoy a complimentary drink on the hotel verandah before dinner around the campfire and evening entertainment. Overnight: Hotel Quilpie (L,D)
After breakfast we depart early for our flight over spectacular Lake Eyre - the world's largest salt lake and Australia's largest inland lake. Wet or dry, Lake Eyre is an incredible sight to behold. En-route we take in another slice of our history - the famous Dig Tree and learn more about Burke and Wills' ill-fated trek through the heart of this harsh country (note: landing at the Dig Tree is subject to airstrip conditions). We enjoy lunch at the William Creek Hotel - a unique outback pub before reboarding our plane for some more time over Lake Eyre. William Creek sits in the biggest cattle station in Australia and is the halfway point of the rugged Oodnadatta Track. Then it's on towards the channel country where we watch as this natural irrigation system comes into view. Witness an amazing display of veins branching out over this harsh environment. See the large water systems of the Cooper Creek and the Diamantina River. We arrive at the outback town of Birdsville in the afternoon and check in to the iconic Birdsville Hotel. Around 5pm it’s time to head off on our Simpson Desert Sunset Tour. Enjoy champagne and nibbles whilst watching the sun set. We return at 7.30pm to enjoy a 2 course meal at the famous Birdsville Hotel. After dinner there is the option to partake in a star gazing experience (extra cost applies). Overnight: Birdsville Hotel. (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we explore Birdsville, taking in the local attractions in and around Birdsville, including the famous race track, Burke and Wills Tree and the mighty Diamantina River at ground level. We reboard our flight back to Brisbane via Charleville arriving at approximately 4.30pm, signalling the end of this once in a lifetime epic journey. (B,L)
Parking
Travel along Airport Drive. Look for the General Aviation sign above. Turn left at the lights into Dryandra Road. Continue all the way down Dryandra Road until you reach the General Aviation Terminal on the right hand side. Free open air parking is available at the terminal or on the side of road in neighbouring Casuarina Street. For secure offsite parking, phone Andrew’s Airport Parking 07 3268 4222.
Testimonials
See what our happy customers have said about this tour www.reefnoutback.com.au/testimonials
Video
Watch ABC Lake Eyre video from 2009 www.youtube.com/watch
| Twinshare | Sole Use | Departs 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| $3175pp | $3275pp | 5 May |
| 19 May | ||
| 2 Jun | ||
| 16 Jun | ||
| 23 Jun |
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