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Posts Tagged ‘Coober Pedy’
2012 Rains flooding Outback and Lake Eyre regions
March 19th, 2012 by Lunch
Goyders Lagoon, 80km SW of Birdsville
What a deluge of rain that we have seen fall across nearly all parts of the country of late! There are many places that have received way too much rain across many areas but pastrolists in the Outback regions cannot hide the smiles as many of the station owners recorded their annual average rainfall over a few very wet days just 2 weeks ago.
The result from this is enormous as most have recorded very little rainfall in the last 12 months and this recent event has just encouraged more growth and feed for cattle and refilled every dam, waterhole, creek and another catchment area. As reported by South Australia’s 639 North and West Radio last Thursday,the rains have also filled Lake Eyre South and Australia’s inland sea, Lake Eyre North is all ready 60% covered with water that has been flowing in from the Cooper Creek on the eastern side of the Lake and via the Warburton Creek and Macumba River into the Warburton Groove from the northern parts!
The whole river system is amazing which extends far and wide through the top northern parts of Queensland, all the way down the Channel Country via the Diamantina, Thompson, Barcoo & Georgina Rivers (just to name a few) to the lowest part of Australia, Lake Eyre at -15m below sea level.
Our pilots Chris Pfitzner and Tony Schwerdt, have been flying around the countryside on some evacuation missions to the gas fields of Moomba and nearby outback town of Innamincka. They say that from the bottom of Lake Frome all the way to Moomba, the Sturt Stony Desert was a sheet of water! Lake Frome was full, the Cooper Creek flowing ( which it has been for 2 months now and getting fuller and faster) and between the sandhills there was water everywhere! Tony predicted back in early February that this season, due to similar weather patterns at the time, was shaping up just like 1974- the last time Lake Eyre completely filled. I cannot argue with him as I was only just brought into the world at the time but from all the summer rains in the Eastern states, he may be well on the money.
For anyone who wants to keep an eye out on the current status of Lake Eyre, the Lake Eyre Yacht Club has a very informative page to keep you up to date and can be found here.
Our Lake Eyre and Outback tours are all underway and it is going to be another action packed season up north. These flying safaris are exceptional and for more details, please click here to Goin’ Off Safaris web page for our itineraries, images, FAQ’s, blogs and other information.
Below are some images kindly supplied by our man on the ground (and air), Peter MacDonald- The Sentimental Bloke. His images are up stunning and up to date, to highlight the region at its best so stay tuned for more of his work.
OutbackFloods-Flinders-Ranges
Parachilna Creek
Parachilna Creek
Thunderstorm about to strike!
2012 Lake Eyre & Outback Tours online
February 26th, 2012 by LunchThey are back! Goin’ Off Safaris very popular Lake Eyre scenic flight and Outback tours are back on for 2012, with our new Lake Eyre webpage and all details now updated and online.
At the moment there is plenty of water flowing in the Cooper Creek towards Australia’s biggest lake and there will be plenty more to come as rains in Queensland and New South Wales, continue to fall. With lots of local rain forecasted this week for the far north of South Australia, this will obviously help other smaller rivers, creeks and tributaries run into Lake Eyre, as was the case in 2011.
As we know, seeing Lake Eyre when flooded is just an added bonus to these flying safaris that we run. The outback characters that you meet, the vision and scenery from the air, the meals, the ground tours, the history and culture, the countries vastness, the planes comfort,our friendly and experienced pilots plus guide, all make these 2 and 3 day packages a weekend to remember for a long time!
The Dig Tree, Coongie Lakes, Flinders Ranges, The Cooper Creek, Spencer’s Gulf, Sturt Stony Desert are just some of the natural highlights that you will closely encounter from the air as well as checking out the classic Australian bush towns of Marree, Innamincka, Birdsville and the opal capital of the world, Coober Pedy.
If you missed out on this classic Aussie experience over the last 2 years, here’s a chance not to be missed again! Please visit our website for dates, itineraries, FAQ, images, videos and contact us for any more information that you require.
Hope to hear from you soon. Cheers!
A must for the Bucket List- Flying in & around the Outback & Lake Eyre
November 13th, 2011 by Lunch
Interestingly enough, I only have just got the chance to check out the award winning film, The Bucket List with famous actors Morgan Freeman & Jack Nicholson. Very coincidentally, one of passengers from our last trip commented that flying in and around the outback and Lake Eyre, should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list! Funnily enough, on Australian Travellers 100 Things To Do Before You Die 2011 Index, seeing Lake Eyre in flood comes in at No. 3. Clearly, Morgan & Jack didn’t have enough time in their own lists!
We had our last 2 trips in late October with more fantastic people on board to see the the amazing countryside going full steam. Even though there is still plenty of water in the Coongie Lakes, the Diamantina River around Birdsville and Lake Eyre, our season has now closed until April 2012 when the when the outback temperature starts to cool down again!
Here is what our last guests had to say about their experinece with Goin’ Off Safaris;
” Jetting around these remote locations with a great bunch of people is the only way to go! Factor in pilots who are fabulous to hang out with & so approachable, was an unexpected bonus. The social side of our trip was so much fun. I would go on a trip anywhere organised by David Doudle and his company, Goin’ Off Safaris….” Deb, Geraldton WA
“Thankyou for a wonderful 3 days (it seemed much longer as we fitted so much into it). The food & accommodation was terrific. Special thanks to our 2 “perfect pilots and to David for your enthusiasm, which added to the trip immensely. And of course, our destinations were amazing……! Jenny, Melbourne Vic
” The most enjoyable trip that I have done in a long time! A beautiful birthday present from my lovely wife. Very well organised with pilots P1 & P2 fantastic. I will never forget Lake Eyre & the vastness of the water volume. Highly recommended to all……” Steve, Melbourne Vic
” I’d like to say a big thank you for a wonderfully relaxed & safe Outback Experience.With all the great people onboard it was so much fun especially with those 2 “handsome”, capable & fun pilots P1 & P2! Thanks to David as well for his tremendous organisational skills…….” Nanda, Melbourne Vic
” I had a great time, enjoyed the company & the relaxed mood of it all. It would be great to include some Aboriginal history into the itinerary if possible. Thanks to all involved……” John, Melbourne Vic
“I had a great time, great adventure & really enjoyed the company. We would be interested in a a frequent user type system & sound like David & his Goin’ Off Safaris has a few adventures that we would be interested in! Thanks very much to the pilots & crew……..” Kevin, Brisbane Qld
” A fun time with an interesting & diverse group of people including all crew on board. The pilots were very experienced & inspired confidence given the extensive flying involved in this safari & varied conditions. A great way to see key Outback landmarks in comfort. Well chosen accommodation & meals were tremendous. Informative & interesting commentary from some of the “local characters” from local tours added to the experience……” Sylvia, Melbourne Vic
“Great food & people. Overall, a bloody good time……! Karen, Pt. Macquarie NSW
“Dear David…. Thank you for the most wonderful fun filled days…on the Lake Eyre & Supreme 3 day scenic safari. When we have described the trip to friends we called it the ‘ lazy mans’ Outback adventure. To be fair the people on board were all short of time rather than lazy, everyone had a really busy life with businesses and farms etc. The timing suited us and the amount of days was all we could give up as well.We just loved every minute… the flying part was much better than I thought and that was a pleasant surprise. The weather was kind too!Loved all the food and the accommodation and the places we visited were a dream come true for Steve and I.P1 and P2 were just lovely and thank God so skillful. We all loved the two bus tours too..Birdsville and Coober Pedy, what characters!You, also very relaxed and I never saw you get frustrated and annoyed…. Well done to you too David.Our Best wishes and we will certainly recommend your company to our friends… The trip was all we wanted it to be and more! Lucky Us!!
“Our Lake Eyre & Outback Adventure was just a dream! We cannot thank you enough for organizing such a wonderful trip & we really could not fault a thing. It quickly became obvious that you go to a lot of trouble to make the trip a memroable in every way from the wonderful pilots P1 & P2, the local tours, accommodation, excellent hearty meals & the lovely characters at all our destinations. We had such a diverse fun group of people on the trip too (including yourself) which added to the great experience.Thanks again for such a great trip we will stay in touch……” Leigh, Brisbane Qld.
” A fabulous itinerary & thoroughly enjoyable. So pleased to have done this trip……” Heather, Melbourne Vic
” Excellent trip, especially the flight over the Coongie Lakes! Loved the Birdsville Hotel & cannot wait to come back for the races……” Evelyn, Adelaide SA
“As Australians, we should have done this trip before. It was all amazing!Put this one on your “Bucket List”……..!Lynda & Ken, Sydney NSW
Thats all folks until 2012. We will still take all inquiries & keep everyone posted on what is happening!
Busy times in the Outback
October 13th, 2011 by LunchIts been a huge 6 weeks for us at Goin’ Off Safaris with 5 Flying Safaris to Australia’s beauitiful Lake Eyre & the Outback and unfortunately, no time to blog each trip so apologies there to our regular subscribers!
After completing our last 3 Day Supreme Scenic safari just last weekend, we again had a fantastic trip weather wise and whats better is that there are none of our local icons, those bloody black flies to give us the heebie jeebies! The countryside is just so vast, it is incredible. The volume of water in Lake Eyre is decreasing, especially in the northern part of the Lake, but our highly skilled pilots of Chris Pfitzner & Tony Schwertz ,can still show you the very best that the Lake Eyre has to offer by superb low level flying so that you capture some amazing scenes!
Here is what our latest guests have said about their experiences;
“A unique way to see the fabulous inland scenery, towns & characters- something that I never thought I’d get to do…..” Karenne, Sydney
“The highlight for me was the high standard of accommodation & services provided in the different towns we visited which far exceeded my expectations…..” Warwick, Sydney
“An unforgettable 3 day experience with everything of an impeccable standard…..” Paul, Perth
“Precisely as good as this trip had been described to me by a previous traveller, plus it must be said that the hosts (& pilots) are up there with the best in the business…..” Lori, Perth
“A wonderful experience to be able to see & be apart of a great Australian adventure, with friendly pilots & host – will always sing your praises! Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the past 3 days…” Roger & Coral, Pt.Macquarie
” A great 3 day adventure! Tony & Chris are excellent pilots & great blokes with Fish an excellent tour guide. Enjoyed our trip & accommodation was first class with great meals. Would not hesitate to recommend this trip to our friends…..” Viv & Di, Brisbane
“Perfect in every aspect instilled with confidence by pilots Tony & Chris who were great company along with “Fish”, who could not have done any better. A thoroughly wonderful experience way beyond my expectations…..” Maureen, Sydney
“The Dig Tree & Birdsville Pub were stopover highlights.The vastness of the Goyder Lagoon & Lake Eyre were amazing & could not ask for a more friendly or obliging crew….” Kenny, Elliston, SA
“Really enjoyed the trip. Wonderful lot of people on the plane with us and the crew first class….” Lori, Denniliquan, Vic
“Well organised trip , for not one day but two.Then on the Metro liner climbed away we flew.The nights we saw, we’d not seen before. To us they were all new. Marree & Innamincka & lake & lakes & creeks not few. But of all the wonderous nights that we saw; none outshone the crew! Harvey & Nola, Perth ( very clever guys!)
“The colours, the company & the crew- all combined to make a very special trip for us all. And I’ll be back to the Birdsville Pub! Thanks……” Narelle, Melbourne
“The acrobatics in the air caused by “mother nature”, complemented the majesty of the scenery below & it was capped off by the crew & fellow “safarians”! Great stuff…..” Brenda, Melbourne
“Excellent trip! So much included in the one trip. The Dig Tree lunch stop was definately a highlight……” Pat, Denniliquan, Victoria
“Really enjoyed the Birdsville Pub & the tour by John Menzies at the Working Museum was a great experience. Innamincka Pub was very nice as well.Fish, Tony & Pfitzy were excellent tour guides & pilots…..” Ross, Elliston, SA
“I really enjoyed the museum at Birdsville & also liked flying over Lake Eyre. Thank you to Fish, Tony & Pfitzy who made the trip really enjoyable & educational!…….Tasha, Elliston, SA
“It was all that I had hoped for & more! To see Lake Eyre with so much water in it, probably wont happen again in our life time again! The South Australian hospitality was terrific, the service by the crew & fish was tops, the places we stopped at were amazing (as was the service) & a great lot of fellow travellers. Thanks so much!…….” Athene & Rob, Perth
” A very good, enjoyable trip. Service was terrific & food was of high standard. Enjoyed the company of everyone! Thanks……” Ingrid, Elliston, SA
” We could never have seen as much or appreciated the whole experience so much at ground level. Spectacular scenery, hospitable, helpful & knowledgeable crew & great people in the tour group. The perfect package & well done to Goin’ Off Safaris…..” Bob, Perth
“A great trip & great comedians for guides! Coober Pedy -GREAT…..” Eril & Gordon, Nhill, Victoria
“Met some wonderful people, experienced some magnificent outback characters & places & ate some wonderful food in surprising places; all with fish….!” Robert, Cummins, SA
“A wonderful trip, excellent itinerary. Tour guide Fish at his impeccable best! Lovely people on the tour & the pilots professional, approachable & good company. Overall thoroughly enjoyable & well done….! Fox, Cockaleechie, SA
“For South Australains, you did OK!( they are joking arnt they..?) A most informative, comprehensive, effecient & very friendly trip & thanks so much…..! David & Susie, Riddles Creek, Victoria
” A fantastic trip; all & more than we expected. The pilots were very professional & skillful. Tour guide(Fish) was multi skilled & entertaining with his humour……! Jan & Fred, Perth
A well thought out & interesting 3 day experience supported by experienced & professional people enabling me to appreciate more of the vastness, beauty & great contrasts of our Australia. Very interesting, informative trip covering this area of our magnificent country. Entertaining & great fun….! Joanne & Geoff, Maryborough, Qld
” So thrilled that we did not limit ourselves to only considering cost. The value is in the range of experiences we had, the people we met, the careful attention to details, the sense of fun & camaraderie of the guide & pilots and the hosts wherever we visited and the wonderful opportunity the trip provided to appreciate the beauty & vastness of this part of Australia. Well done & thanks….” Wendy, Cockaleechie, SA
If anyone is interested, we are looking at putting on another 3 day trip on October 28-30th, 2011. This will be our last trip for 2011!
Very happy about our Lake Eyre & Outback tours.
September 21st, 2011 by LunchYou 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.
3 Day Lake Eyre & Outback Scenic Safari on YouTube.
August 4th, 2011 by LunchWe 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
July 17th, 2011 by LunchWe 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.
Another successful 3 Day Lake Eyre and Outback Scenic Tour
June 19th, 2011 by LunchAnother 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.
