Archive for the ‘Lake Eyre Tours’ Category


Very happy about our Lake Eyre & Outback tours.

You know when your onto something pretty good when you continue to get fantastic feedback from guests! Last weekend was another great 3 Day Supreme Scenic Safari trip to Lake Eyre and the Outback with the same hospitality that has been shown for all our trips over the last couple of years from our friends at Innamincka, Birdsville, William Creek & Coober Pedy, just to mention a few. Here are some responses;

 

Good evening David,

Apologies for not having written sooner – we had the best of intentions.  Firstly, a big thank you to “Goin’ Off Saffaris”.  You certainly have a first class crew – all three, Tony, Chris and Fish –  for whom we have nothing but admiration.  We can honestly say that the whole experience was beyond expectation for both of us. The pilots not only worked so well together in the cockpit that any fears were soon overcome, but also with Fish in the general organisation as well as entertaining us at mealtimes!  We are actually still taking it all in, having covered so much territory in such a short time. We were quite an eclectic group in a way but Fish, the epitome of  ’a people person’ brought out the best in everyone and we couldn’t help noticing the way he quietly but constantly checked that everyone was catered for at all times.   The choice of accommodation, meals etc. could not have been better and it is obvious that a great deal of thought and planning has gone into these details.  We’ve been telling everyone about our experience, starting with our taxi driver from the airport on Sunday night who was extremely interested, and will continue to do so although words and photos can’t really do it justice.   It is incredible to think that this time last week we were looking forward to and preparing for the trip and now it is a priceless memory.   We are sorry but we’ve both been racking our brains to be able to provide some constructive criticism but neither of us can come up with anything.

Once again, a big ‘thank you’ to Fish, P1 and P2 and yourself!

sincere and warmest wishes,

Warwick and Maureen Barber

 

Hi David, We have just arrived back from our 3 days tour and wanted to email
you immediately to THANKYOU for such a wonderful experience.We are both
still on a high. The 3 days of wonderment was something we shall never
forget.  Pilots Chris & Tony were fantastic, always having our comfort and
most importantly giving us all incredible opportunities to witness and
experience the Lake Eyre Basin and surrounding areas and what it has to
offer. Your Host ‘Fish’ is an absolute gem and kept us all informed of all
the history, areas we were approaching and making sure we were all ‘fed and
watered’ and comfortable.  The accommodation and eateries were second to
none. We will certainly be singing the tours’ praises in all aspects of
hospitality and diversity enabling us to experience more areas of our
wonderful country Australia.  Once again thank you for putting the tour
together and a wonderful team who made the whole experience unforgettable. We
shall be very grateful for any information on any other tours to the outback
next year so we can pass on our experience to others who are interested
Cheers and all the best for the future for Goin’ off Safaris,
Roger & Coral Reichelt
PORT MACQUARIE

I am pleased to say that our “safari” trip was a lot smoother; even after allowing for the acrobatics and a 90 knot head winds! Everything was laid back, casual with no bother as should be the case in any “Outback” experiences. The scenery was spectacular from the air & the crew welcoming, obliging & funny. The outback characters lived up to expectations & our fellow passengers on the journey were a great bunch of people.Overall, it was a great way to see this part of the country & when time is limited, Mother Nature may not provide another opportunity in my lifetime! I hope to get back to check out the Eyre Peninsula at some time in the future & have passed your details onto another co-worker who was excited to hear about our travels.

Keep up the great work & hope to have another opportunity to travel with Goin’ Off Safaris. Thanks heaps, Brenda- Melbourne.






Flying to Lake Eyre & the Dig Tree was just the best!

It has taken us a while, but we are now landing at the Dig Tree in outback Queensland.As most people know, the Dig Tree had become infamous in the plight of the incredibly brave explorers of Robert O’Hara Burke and William John Wills, to become the first to cross the country from Melbourne in the south to the Gulf of Carpentaria in northern Australia (approx. 3250km), way back in 1860-61.

Located bang on the Cooper Creek, the Dig Tree is just 36km NE from Innamincka or 9 minutes flying so it makes very easy access to get to this historical landmark and is one of the many great inclusions which you do get to experience in our 2 and 3 day Lake Eyre and Outback Flying safaris. I do have to mention a great read on the fateful expedition of Burke and Wills, by Sarah Murgatroyd which is simply titled; “The Dig Tree” – The story of Burke & Wills exploration of inland Australia.

All in all, the Dig Tree was just another highlight in a weekend full of highlights for another plane full of very happy customers, with fantastic weather, service and the outback hospitality continued at Innamincka, Birdsville &  William Creek. Here is what our guests said about the weekend;

” Had a wonderful trip! Loved Birdsville & especially the museum. Lake Eyre & the Dig Tree was just the best. Thanks to Tony, Chris, Fish & Goin’ Off Safaris for a great & most enjoyable trip…..” Lyn- Toowoomba, Qld

“Awesome trip & experience. Natural wonders seen by plane & canoe were a winning combination for me. Seeing Coopers Creek creeping into Lake Eyre from the air the day after we had travelled on it by canoe was way cool & one of the many highlights. Thanks to the Goin’ Off Safaris crew who made the experience lots of fun. Many, many thanks…..” Gabby- Perth, WA

” A lifetime of memories from one amazing weekend. Talk about a sunburnt country of droughts & flooding rains! Lake Eyre from the air in flood was amazing. Thanks to Fish, Phitzy & Tony for a wonderful time……..” Brett- Sydney, NSW

” I feel like I’ve had a new holiday at every step…. 7 holidays in 1 weekend. Thanks so much!…….Kirsten- Sydney, NSW

” I cannot think of a better way to spend a weekend. Flinders Ranges, Coongie Lakes, canoeing on the Cooper Creek, A fantastic trip, I loved it…….” Megan- Tara, Qld

” Thanks so much to Fish, Tony & Chris for 2 days of fantastic experiences! We had a brilliant time ( have all ready reccommended this to friends) and the tour was really well organised & interesting. Pilots fantastic with Fish a natural guide & an infectious enthusiasm. I think he was the most excited out of us all that we got to land at the Dig Tree! We had a great bunch of people on the tour which adds to the whole experience. Thanks again- it truly was a once in a lifetime experience………” Scott & Julie – Karkoo, SA

” A wonderful way to spend the weekend & being able to visit some of the iconic/historic towns & locations in Central Australia has been an unforgettable experience. Tony & Chris provided great flying skills backed up by our host, Fish. Thanks for everything…….” Suzanna & Colin- Barossa Valley, SA

With only 6 trips left until late October and limited vacancies, please contact us or go to our website for more details, images and a video of these sensational journey into the Outback and the wonders of the region.

 

 

 

One of the most historic


3 Day Lake Eyre & Outback Scenic Safari on YouTube.

We keep getting blessed with not only great weather but fantastic people who love to come aboard with us and to see the transformation of inland Australia, to a sight to behold. As we know, its not only the amazing scenery that we get to see from the prime birds eye view of the Metro II aircraft of the Flinders Ranges, the forgotten Coongie Lakes, Lake Eyre or the Mars like terrain of Coober Pedy, but the ability to get on the ground floor to mix with local characters in Innamincka, Birdsville, William Creek & of course the good folk of Coober Pedy!

To complete the gallery of guests aboard was our good mate from the US, Jana Fitzpatrick. Armed with a video camera on this particular trip on July 22-23rd, and more importantly, the smarts to be able to cut/edit and wack in some great background music, Jana has put together this tidy little number for everyone to have a look at.

Equally as important is what our passengers thought of the adventure;

“After flying over such a large area, I cant imagine exploring it any other way. Terrific!!…..” Ben, Melbourne

“Fantastic way to see a large area of Central Australia and great choice of stopovers….” Damien, Melbourne

“Canoeing at Innamincka was brilliant…..” Cathy, Sydney

” I enjoyed flying over Wilpena Pound and vast expanses of Lake Eyre and desert areas. All our stopovers was great with very helpful and friendly travellers. The pilots and Fish’s vast knowledge of Central Australia & literacy plus all the interesting characters we met along our travels made for a wonderful time. My many thanks to Goin’ Off Safaris & the team….” Stephanie, Denmark WA

” Endless blue skies, vast red sands, intrepid travellers. Lots of laughter, feasts fit for kings & queens, authentic outback characters. Soaring with the birds, sleeping with the stars, floating down a silent creek….the perfect combination of history, mystery, relaxation & adventure….” Jana, Adelaide SA

” Fish very attentive & pilots both knowledgable on the region & highly professional……” Mark, Sydney

” Ditto to Marks comments, though not sure of his camel knowledge!! Birds seen kayaking up the Cooper was magnificant. Innamincka accommodation & food was tops. The true star – Fish!…..” Mel, Albany WA

” I’ve had a great time, especially in the cockpit. It was amazing how many dials & knobs & things there are….” James, 14, WA

” It was a joy travelling with such a professional & well organised team. A wonderful trip full of fabulous scenery & great characters. Thank you all…..” Ange & Dave, Adelaide SA

” Memorable experience. Great crew. The Flinders Ranges, Coongie Lakes, Goyders Lagoon & flying over Lake Eyre were great experiences….” Neville, Denmark WA

” It was great to see the Outback from the air, especially the Flinders, Lake Eyre & Cooper Creek. Looking forward to seeing all by 4WD on another trip…..” Dave, Canberra ACT

There are only 4 of these 3 Day Supreme Scenic Safaris left for the year with only 8 vacancies over the departures, so don’t miss out!!


Remarkable Lake Eyre on CH7′s Sunday Night

We have just watched some fascinating coverage on Lake Eyre on channel 7′s very popular Sunday Night TV program.

You can check out this segment, “Lake Eyre Blossoms” with Mike Munro by clicking here. For a even better look at this magnificent part of our great country, come and check it out for yourself with us at Goin’ Off Safaris and our 2 or 3 day flying tours to Lake Eyre and the Outback. We feature the remarkable and iconic towns of Marree, Innamincka, Birdsville, William Creek and Coober Pedy where our packages  include private tours of the Birdsville Working museum and also the  remarkable town tour of Coober Pedy and outskirts including the Breakaways and underground at the Umoona Opal Mine and museum.

The best way to see all this country (in the time poor enviroment of which we all seem to live in) is in our Fairchild Metro II aircraft as our scenic flights include spectacular vision over the Spencer’s Gulf, Flinders Ranges, the Cooper Creek, the Dig Tree, Coongie Lakes, Warburton Groove, Goyders Lagoon, Lake Eyre itself and on the way back to Adelaide, Prominent Hill and Olympic Dam mine sites.

Flights depart ex Adelaide and for more information, 2011 photos and passenger comments, please click here.

 

 


Flying Coongie Lakes

Whilst everyone is talking up Lake Eyre, for me one of the many unknowns of the outback flooded regions is the magnificent fresh water system of the Coongie Lakes.

Because of the lake’s incredible diversity, Coongie Lake’s are in fact recognised as having World Heritage standard by the CSIRO and are included on the National Heritage List.

Over 470 plant species (52 of which are considered very rare), 180 bird species, 20 native mammal species, 35 reptile, 12 native fish and 10 frog species are present within the wetlands, making Coongie Lakes an extremely diverse area of high ecological value.

The Lakes are also recognised as having both European and Indigenous cultural significance, having provided an important trade route for Indigenous communities prior to settlement, and an historical landmark for European heritage as the site where explorers Burke, Wills and Gray perished.

Both our 3 Day Supreme Scenic Safari and our 2 Day Lake Eyre & Outback Ultimate Weekender include low flying to capture the glory of this fresh water system as we travel to Birdsville via the Dig Tree and Innamincka. Stunning viewing and at the moment there are thousands of pelicans on the lake as you can see in the photo below.

This certainly proves that the best way to see this region and the rest of the flooded region of the outback, is by flying! You can check out our departure dates, vacancies, 2011 images and comments from our guests at Goin’ Off Safaris by clicking here.

Thanks to The Sentimental Bloke, Peter MacDonald for his great photos. For more of his outstanding work, click here.

Hope to see you on board soon!

 


Perfect weekend for Lake Eyre & Outback Loop Flying Safari

What a great weekend for flying up to Lake Eyre and the Outback Loop it was on June 25 and 26th. We do watch the skies very carefully in the lead up to these trips as being in winter, the weather  gods can sometimes misbehave a little, but this weekend was a purler!

Highlights were more great meals at the Innamincka, Birdsville ( plus fantastic rooms) and William Creek Hotels, the low flying skills of our pilots Chris Pfitzner and Tony Schwerdt and the scenery, beauty and the current form of the outback region. Plus Fish’s humour!

These Lake Eyre flying and scenic safaris are proving very popular, proving that it is a great way to see so much country over a few days whilst still getting plenty of time on the ground to explore.

We had another great group from around the country as we departed Adelaide early morning in the Fairchild Metro II. Here are the comments from our passengers;

” Its been a super experience.Everyone:-  Fish, pilots Chris & Tony, staff at the hotels have been so friendly and good humoured which has made the trip a lot of fun as well. The scenery is stark but stunning & we were lucky enough to have perfect weather conditions. The food & accommodation was excellent. I particularly loved the low flying and the pilots efforts to give us some magnificent photo opportunities. Thanks so much & keep up the great work …..” Sue, NSW

” Gained a greater appreciation of the country and the water channels that flow into Lake Eyre. Can now see why Sydney Kidman chose the country that he did….” Harvey, WA

Enjoyed seeing the great expanse of inland country from the air. Great pilots, guide and accommodation.Thanks….” Pat, WA

” A fabulous trip! We need the beautiful Cooper Creek to slow down a little so we can paddle upstream and not get washed downstream. Thanks to all; Chris, Tony and Fish……” Marian, SA

“Flying at low altitude over Wilpena Pound, Coongie Lakes & Goyders Lagoon were the unexpected highlights for me! The food was also fabulous; organic steak, barramundi and kangaroo really completed the outback adventure…..” Wendy, NSW

” Thanks to Fish, Tony, Chris and Goin’ Off Safaris! Its been a marvellous trip, beyond all my expectations. Loved flying low over Wilpena Pound, Coongie Lakes and Lake Eyre. A great experience…..” Belinda, NSW

” Back seat leg room much appreciated……!” John, SA

“Absolutely stunning country and a great crew, who explained this magnificent part of the world to us. The food was amazing as well. Loved flying low & over Lake Eyre was superb……” Peter & Jocelyn, SA

” Very friendly pilots ( Chris & Tony) and guide ( Fish), plenty of good Aussie food with once in lifetime views……what a recipe for a great trip! I thoroughly enjoyed it all and I will be spreading the word. Unfortunately, conditions wern’t quite right for canoeing, which was the only disappointment. Great job…..” Brian, NSW

Check out the images below, with thanks to Wendy for her great camera work.


Another successful 3 Day Lake Eyre and Outback Scenic Tour

Another 3 Day Supreme Scenic Safari down for the year, after our latest venture to Innamincka, Birdsville, Coober Pedy via the Flinders Ranges and of course the mighty Lake Eyre.

Conditions are excellent throughout with so much to see from the air and also at ground level with the Cooper Creek, still a big highlight for most. The water level has dropped considerably from 5m above the causeway at Innamincka to now being passable for the first time this year.This means that all this water has steadily flowed into Lake Eyre and continuing to fill the Lake. Here’s the thoughts of our passengers;

” I came for Lake Eyre but this tour offered much more! Fabulous landscapes with each day packed with new experiences. Thanks to Goin’ Off Safaris for providing a really great experience. Just wonderful people & you can tell that you choose genuine, honest & motivated individuals to be in your team. Will happily promote this tour &other offerings by your company…” – Maggie, Tasmania

” No doubt, the best adventure! A fabulous trip, just the best and I wanted to do it all over again! Food was great, accommodation excellent & we did so much in a short space of time. Your staff were outstanding & highly knowledgeable. Thank you all & cannot wait to do another safari with you…..” Joyce, Western Australia

” Wow! A marvellous experience over country so vast. The water, the colours, the people & the stories all just sensational! Thank you Fish, Chris, Tony & Goin’ Off Safaris!” – Bridget, Tasmania

“Fantastic tour, well organised, hardly a minute wasted without any hurdle…” Ru, Tasmania

“Congratulations Crew! Easily the best way to see the land. Never a dull moment. Thanks….”- Carol, NSW

” This really is the best way to see Outback, Australia. Great sights, great food & accommodation with excellent crew. Thank you so much. I would not hesitate to go again….” Wendy, NSW

” To view a few of our iconic landmarks, travelling by air versus land, ticks most of boxes. Great trip…”- Morton, NSW

” Really a great weekend. The best way to see the Lake and its surrounds. Great flying over the water & along Coopers Creek. Great hosts…”- Noel, Victoria

” Fantastic trip, great organisation & host. Pilots extremely friendly & helpful. Would not hesitate to recommend to others….” – Graham, Victoria

” Just a fantastic weekend. More than one could have asked for with great company & flying….”- Vic, Victoria

Next vacancies for this 3 day adventure is on July 22 – 24th 2011. Limited seats, so hurry!!

For more information and dates, click here.


“The beauty of Lake Eyre is just a bonus…..”

We got some more terrific feedback from our passengers after last weeks first 2 Day Lake Eyre Ultimate Outback Weekender for the season. ” The ability to cover so much country over 2 days and still have ample time to explore some of Australia’s famous outback towns is incredible. The beauty of Lake Eyre on this flying safari,  is just a massive bonus……” was one comment made as we tucked into lunch at William Creek!

Some other comments were;

  • “Fantastic tour.Very enjoyable & catered for with great information” – Sue, Perth
  • “Great trip, excellent service from the crew & very well looked after, taking home some wonderful memories. Thank you!” – Garry & Lurnene, Goondiwindi
  • “Interesting, educational & entertaining!” - Rhett, Perth
  • ” we need a person of great vision to devise a use for all the water before it goes into Lake Eyre and turns to salt. A great trip” – Rob, Perth
  • ” Well organised tour which provided the maximum opportunity to see a miraculous transformation of the channel country and Lake Eyre. Loved the Outback Loop! – Laura, Perth
  • “Approaching Lake Eyre was the highlight! The Birdsville museum tour operator and guide was the greatest character ( John Menzies)! – Therese, Tasmania
  • ” Great tour, well organised, thoughtful providers, hotels & staff welcoming. Plenty of characters to meet like Bruce the barman at William Creek! Visual experience of our magnificent inland & lakes will remain for ever! Highly recommend Goin’ Off Safaris” – Judith, Gold Coast
  • “Great staff made the trip most enjoyable; exceptional in their care and courtesy to the guests.Accommodation & meals at Birdsville Hotel was excellent. Flight over Lake Eyre most memorable. Birdsville museum unique “- Vena, Canberra
  • ” Even a fish would not get into trouble if he kept his mouth shut! This one couldn’t, but he kept us awake and highly amused. All staff including pilots excellent. 16 species of birds counted on Coopers Creek. Great trip!” – Dave, WA
  • “The trip to Lake Eyre basin is a package of adventure, experience and friendship where the clients from across Australia had a good time enhanced by the ideal weather of warm sunny days and cool nights. The excellent pilots, Chris Pfitzner and Tony Schwertz landed at Marree, Innamincka, Birdsville and William Creek, where we were able to enjoy the sights of each town, the hospitality of hotels and gain an understanding of these small communities and their reliance on the pastoral industry, mining, tourists and importantly, the river systems for their survival. From the air you can see how the river systems feed into Lake Eyre, all 10 of them whilst on the ground the history of early explorers such as Sturt, Gregory, Stuart ,Burke and Wills and pioneer stockman (Kidman and Redford) , creates an interest that I believe made the trip an unforgettable experience” - - Fish Cordon, Private Guide, Pt.Lincoln

Next availabilities are on June 25-26th and July 22-24th!


First Lake Eyre Ultimate Outback Weekender

A beautiful Adelaide morning has greeted us as our first plane full of keen punters from all over the country, left for our Lake Eyre & outback ultimate Weekender.
In the Metro II, we will fly up Innamincka for lunch, paddle on the Cooper Creek to witness first hand all the birdlife present and then reboarding to complete the Outback Loop by nestling in to the Birdsville Pub for he evening.
Local legend John Menzies will guide us through his amazing working museum before we hit the skies to see all the water across the Warburton Groove and into Lake Eyre north. We will see where the Cooper Creek flows into the eastern mouth of the lake and flying low as possible, check out the fascination of this spectacle.
My tip is that there will be plenty of excited chatter and banter amongst our group as they will tuck into the best steak burgers, at William Creek for lunch and maybe sneak in a cold bevvy to wash this down!
All on board very excited and we are going to have a bit if fun!

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June 10-12 Lake Eyre Supreme Scenic Safari

They are on again folks….. 3 days of exploring the Outback in a bit of style and class!

We took to the skies 2 weekends ago for our first 3 Day  Lake Eyre and surrounds, Supreme Scenic Safari trip of the season. With passengers coming as far as New Zealand to see Australia’s biggest  lake filling, it was again a spectacle and great being up in the outback to see old and meet new acquaintances. Here’s what our passengers had to say;

“I loved the wide open spaces & associated landscapes, with the number of days away being just right” – Casey (Qld)

” The small group allowed us more interaction with the town and underground mine tour at Coober Pedy as well as the Outback working Mine in Birdsville with John Menzies. Is’nt he a legend….” – Jacqui (NZ)

“Seeing the vastness of the countryside by air was a real advantage and we still had plenty of time to spend and explore at our stopover towns like Innamincka, Birdsville, William Creek and Coober Pedy” – Diane (NZ)

“We came to see all the water in Lake Eyre & upper regions, but all the other things on tour made the trip complete” – Kevin (NZ)

“All I expected and more!!” – Jo(Victoria)

“I Loved the sunrise over the Cooper Creek at Innamincka. It was incredibly beautiful. The accommodation and meals was above expectations and great” – Kate (Victoria)

“The Lake Eyre experience is definitely enhanced and put into perspective by the Goin’ Off Safaris package by visits to great Australian outback towns like Innamincka, Birdsville & Coober Pedy” – Brett ( Qld)

” This package gave me a better understanding of the river and road systems which make this area of Australia unique. The knowledge of Goin’ Off Safaris guide along with the pilots professionalism, made this a fantastic trip of a lifetime. Highly recommend this to anyone” – Kevin (NZ)

Our next 3 day  trip with availabilities is on the June 10-12th,long weekend. Click here for more details on itineraries and other dates!

 


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