Posts Tagged ‘Flinders Ranges’

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Lake Eyre is filling again!

March 20th, 2012 by Lunch

Lake Eyre is 60%covered as of 15th March 2012

Above is another image taken by the Outback photographer Peter MacDonald or The Sentimental Bloke as he is also known. Its very coincidental that after my last blog post on the current conditions of the very wet country side in northern South Australia and Lake Eyre, he sent me his latest blog of which I subscribe to.

Peter has been up and about the countryside and gave a brief report on the scenes that he saw & quoted;

“I ran a few photographs of the result of heavy rains that recently fell in the Flinders Ranges & Outback of South Australia. It’s becoming evident that rains we have had this year will equal or exceed those that fell in the last really big wet this region had…. & that was way back in 1974.

The rain is of course transformomg the land in many ways. The vast inland water system that is the- Lake Eyre Basin, Goyders Lagoon and the Coongie Lakes will fill again for the 3rd year in arow. Lake Eyre has water again over much of its surface & is continuing to fill. Huge amounts of water are heading from the north into this region…”

Well spoken from a man who knows his stuff! If you’re keen on getting up to to see this spectacular region, check out our 2 and 3 day Lake Eyre & Outback Tours and itineraries, dates, images & videos here on Goin’ Off Safaris web page and contact us to book your seat!

Cheers!

 

 

Lake Eyre has water again over much of its surface and is continuing to fill.

Huge amounts of water are heading from the north into this region.
Topical Matters

Posted: 17 Mar 2012 03:40 AM PDT

 

 

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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!

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2012 Lake Eyre & Outback Tours online

February 26th, 2012 by Lunch

They 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!

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Lake Eyre waters slowly evaporating

September 21st, 2011 by Lunch

There is still plenty of water in the massive Lake Eyre, but the water is slowly evaporating as we have seen from our recent flying safaris from Adelaide and around the Outback Loop to Coober Pedy and back again. Our guests are still having a great time exploring the vastness and open country of the outback regions plus the rich cropping soils of South Australia’s Mid North and the fishing mecca of the Spencer Gulf, all in 3 days of flying fun!

Its unbelievable how just a few months ago, we couldnt drag the canoes out at Innamincka as the 6m water levels made this task slightly above the our “safety threshold” of management and now the water has flowed that quickly into Lake Eyre, that now there is insufficient amount of water to paddle in! To make up for this though is Gus and his friendly Blue Heeler dogs are all part of the act when we land at the Dig Tree for lunch. The wildflowers are a picture as is the Flinders Ranges and with the fantastic meals along the way at the Innamincka & Birdsville Pubs and the award winning Johns Pizza Bar in Coober Pedy, our guests are always well fed.

Here are our passengers thoughts from a recent trip which saw the crew arrive into Birdsville after the towns famous horse races!

“The 4 month wait was worth it. The trip was everything we had hoped for & more. Tony & Chris were fantastic with Coober Pedy a real highlight & really enjoyed the morning land based tour. Great accommodation & meals…..” Robert & Margeret, Brisbane

“Really enjoyed the tour! Chris & Tony were a great team & combined well. I like the idea of all the food & accommodation included…” Graeme, Brisbane

“A fantastic 3 days, extremely interesting, excellent organisation & accommodation great! A big thankyou to Tony & Chris for looking after us so well & making it all so enjoyable & fun….” Dorothy & Bob, Perth

“We had a truly remarkable experience & even though we have only been away a few days, we felt like it was much longer – due to what we have seen & the wonderful adventure! Neither of us has been on a flying trip before but we thouraly enjoyed our journey. Chris & Tony were wonderful & nothing to much trouble. All the places we stayed at offered us a wonderful taste of the outback & a unique experience of Australia. It was great having a small friendly group to share the experience with & we would highly reccommend this experience to all….” Jim & Marina, Melbourne

” Altogether a fantastic 3 days! I have thourougly enjoyed the company of fellow travellers, pilots & hosts. Would love to have spent more time in Coober Pedy as there is so much of interest there! Very enjoyable & very well organised trip. The program, the routes & the arrangements were all first class & worked like clockwork. The aircraft was an ideal size & was flown by very experienced & great blokes! A wonderful trip….” Patty & Jim, Melbourne

“Thankyou Tony, Chris & Goin Off Safaris for a wonderful, wonderful experience. We were so lucky to have 2 such talented, knowledgable & social pilots. Tony’s ability to manouvre the plane over Lake Eyre, Coongie Lakes to see the birds & Cooper Creek made it possible for everyone on board to view everything was outstanding. We have travelled all this area by 4WD, but could not compare with seeing it by the air. Birdsville was fabulous with the post race atmosphere as last time that we were there, we saw very few people! Great atmosphere with accommodation at Innamincka & Coober Pedy fascinating. Thankyou for the total experience…….! Sue & Rob, Brisbane

“Many thanks for a great 3 days….! Terry, Perth

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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!!

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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.

 

 

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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.

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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.

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“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!

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First Lake Eyre Ultimate Outback Weekender

June 4th, 2011 by Lunch

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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