Posts Tagged ‘Coongie Lakes’

«
»

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

August 11th, 2011 by Lunch

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

permalink | trackback

Posted by Lunch Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Lake Eyre Tours, News | 2 Comments »


3 Day Lake Eyre & Outback Scenic Safari on YouTube.

August 4th, 2011 by Lunch

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!!

permalink | trackback

Posted by Lunch Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Lake Eyre Tours, News | 4 Comments »


Remarkable Lake Eyre on CH7′s Sunday Night

July 17th, 2011 by Lunch

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.

 

 

permalink | trackback

Posted by Lunch Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Lake Eyre Tours, News | No Comments »


Flying Coongie Lakes

July 13th, 2011 by Lunch

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!

 

permalink | trackback

Posted by Lunch Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Lake Eyre Tours, News | No Comments »


Perfect weekend for Lake Eyre & Outback Loop Flying Safari

July 7th, 2011 by Lunch

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.

permalink | trackback

Posted by Lunch Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Lake Eyre Tours, News | No Comments »


Another successful 3 Day Lake Eyre and Outback Scenic Tour

June 19th, 2011 by Lunch

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.

permalink | trackback

Posted by Lunch Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Lake Eyre Tours, News | No Comments »


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

June 10th, 2011 by Lunch

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!

permalink | trackback

Posted by Lunch Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Lake Eyre Tours, News | No Comments »


June 10-12 Lake Eyre Supreme Scenic Safari

May 30th, 2011 by Lunch

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!

 

permalink | trackback

Posted by Lunch Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Lake Eyre Tours | No Comments »


Lake Eyre and Outback flights 2011

March 22nd, 2011 by Lunch

Well, what an unbelievable summer it has been in South Australia’s Outback! Normally this parched and sun-burnt part of the country is dry as a chip, with very little signs of any type of life but consistent rainfall has seen the whole region bursting with water and another new chapter in this incredible part of the country.

Lake Eyre is all the rage again as water from major entries into the Lake, the Warburton and Macumba Rivers, plus the  Cooper Creek are all flowing significantly and  filling the Australia’s largest lake(see map below). On top of this heavy local rainfall around Marree and William Creek has seen Lake Eyre South, actually fill all ready and we are not even close to winter as yet!

With every tributary, river, creek flowing into Lake Eyre North, we are more than confident that we will see Lake Eyre fill for the first time since 1974, and this will be something to see, especially from the air in the beautiful Beech 18 or the sleek Metro II!

Our new scenic flights are now all sorted out for the “barrage” of traffic, ready to experience the inland sea in its glory and the Outback at its very rare, but absolute very best.

We at Goin’ Off Safaris invite you to check out our new 2 Day Ultimate Lake Eyre & Outback Weekender flight as well as our very popular 3 Day Supreme Scenic Safari, with all dates, itineraries and inclusions on our website.

There is something for everyone as we not only fly over the flooded areas of Lake Eyre, Warburton Groove, Coongie Lakes and all the surrounding regions, but drop on down into the iconic, outback Australian towns of Innamincka, Birdsville, William Creek and Coober Pedy and the infamous, but historical Dig Tree of Burke & Wills fame. There is plenty of time to explore these townships and what they have provided to our history( if your into that side of things) or if your a bit more adventurous, get yourself into a canoe to paddle the amazing Cooper Creek and then grab some massive yabbies, from the causeway at Innamincka! I’m into Australian culture and this is found throughout the journey in our famous outback pubs at Innamincka, Birdsville, William Creek and underground at Coober Pedy where you can enjoy a refreshing cleanser, a big hearty meal and the company of local characters

Our Outback Loop, 2-3 day flights take off  from May until November and all you have to do is get to Adelaide, South Australia and we take care of things from there. Contact us here!

permalink | trackback

Posted by Lunch Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Lake Eyre Tours, News | No Comments »


Another successful 3 day Lake Eyre flying safari

October 25th, 2010 by Lunch

Sorry, bit late on this report from a couple of weeks back. We had another fine group of clients from all parts of Australia for the 3 Day Supreme Scenic Safari. Once again, local rainfall at Innamincka caused us to reverse the itinerary by flying to Coober Pedy to start off proceedings.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Another fantastic bunch of personal on board
  • The outstanding hospitality shown by the Clee family at the Comfort Inn Coober Pedy Experience, Pete, Nick & all the staff at the award winning Johns Pizza Bar and Resteraunt in Coober Pedy and Geoff & Julie Matthews at the Cooper Creek Homestay, Innamincka
  • Jimmy “the Runner’s” commentary on board our ground tour at Coober Pedy
  • Our scenic pass over the Painted Hills and the Prominent Hill mine
  • The peppered camel pie, sauce and Coopers Pale Ale at the William Creek pub!
  • Wrights Air, William Creek who came to the rescue when our Beech 18 had a very small problem but had to be grounded. Paul Williams made sure that we all got to our digs at Innamincka and provided great service along the way.
  • Lake Eyre, truly majestic
  • Seeing the ferry in action, taking people across the Birdsville Track at Ettadunna
  • Geoff Matthews national and world philosophies on anything that mattered!
  • Kayaking the beautiful Coopers Creek amongst hundreds of birds, tortoises and the absolute serenity of the whole scene was incredible
  • The Coongie Lakes, still swollen with water
  • How well the whole landscape looks from the cropping country in the mid north to full dams in the pastoral land.

LOWLIGHTS

  • Leaving our pilot Phitzy at the William Creek pub for 4 days. He was hamming it up whilst everyone else was feeling sorry for him amongst the flies & dust!!
  • Someone had taken all the extra large yabbies in the Cooper Creek, Innamincka
  • We couldnt make Birdsville due to bad weather……again!

All in all, another great trip with again, plenty of memories!

permalink | trackback

Posted by Lunch Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Lake Eyre Tours, News | No Comments »


«
»
« Previous Page — Next Page »