The country’s biggest lake, Lake Eyre, is surrounded by an ever changing environment. It is generally dry and barren, devoid of life- but when the rains finally come the area transforms into something quite spectacular.
In 2009, ABC journalist Paul Lockyer set out to document the story of the lake. Featuring photographs by John Bean, Gary Ticehurst and endpapers by artist John Olsen, the recently published book is an amazing view of the lake and surrounding area.
Lake Eyre: A journey through the heart of the continent by Paul Lockyer, with photos by John Bean and Gary Ticehurst
An truly amazing book about a truly amazing part of the country. Lake Eyre: A journey through the heart of the country can be found in all ABC shops and online, after it’s launch in March 2012. Click here for more incredible images from the book, and details from the launch.
After reading this captivating book, Goin’ Off Safaris invites you to jump on our Lake Eyre & Outback Safaris and see the wonder of Lake Eyre in flood for yourself. Fly over some of the most stunning and secluded parts of the country and visit iconic outback pubs, such as Innamincka, Birdsville, Coober Pedy and William Creek.
For more information about our Lake Eyre Safaris, click here.
The word on the street is that no white man has ever seen the Outback in such great health, with the countryside absolutely blooming!
With our 2 and 3 Day Lake Eyre & Outback flying tours about to commence, we are offering a special deal for our Lake Eyre tours in April. With limited seats available, the 2 Day Lake Eyre & Outback Ultimate Weekender departing on April 21-22, is now priced at $2320.00 per person all inclusive.
Our 3 Day Supreme Scenic Safari across Lake Eyre & the Outback on April 27-29th is now $2975.00 per person all inclusive.
Both flights represent significant value and savings with more information including itineraries, FAQ’s, images and more information on our website.
Departing from Adelaide, places of interest include the Spencer Gulf, Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound, Marree, Sturt Stony Desert, the Dig Tree, Innammincka, Coongie Lakes, Cooper Creek, Birdsville, Warburton Groove, William Creek, Coober Pedy and of course the massive Lake Eyre.
Book now to secure your seat for this great opportunity! Contact us at Goin’ Off Safaris here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
