Posts Tagged ‘Flinders Ranges’

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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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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!

 

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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!

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Flying Lake Eyre in nostalgic style!

September 28th, 2010 by Lunch

Want to see Lake Eyre at its best for 30 years? How about the flooded Coongie Lakes and the Cooper Creek with crayfish sized yabbies?  Have you flown  into famous outback towns like Birdsville,  Innamincka,  William Creek (with the biggest steak burgers in the country!) and mixed with the local characters in residence?  What about the  unique underground mining town and opal capital of the world, Coober Pedy, complete with above and underground land tours?  Ever flown over the spectacular Flinders Ranges or stepped back in Australian exploration history to visit the Dig Tree of Burke & Wills fame? If you have, well done on seeing some of Australia’s best landscapes and hospitable regions!

But I bet you havent flown in Australia’s only operating 1952 Beech 18….! This is a 3 day scenic tour with a bit of nostalgic class, style and is  very comfortable with spectacular sights on and above ground.

We still have a few vacancies for our upcoming trip departing Adelaide on the 8th-10th of October, so please contact us asap if interested! Priced at $2990 per person, all inclusive.

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