Posts Tagged ‘Warburton Groove’

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Busy times in the Outback

October 13th, 2011 by Lunch

Its been a huge 6 weeks for us at Goin’ Off Safaris with 5 Flying Safaris to Australia’s beauitiful Lake Eyre & the Outback and unfortunately, no time to blog each trip so apologies there to our regular subscribers!

After completing our last 3 Day Supreme Scenic safari just last weekend, we again had a fantastic trip weather wise and whats better is that there are none of our local icons, those bloody black flies to give us the heebie jeebies! The countryside is just so vast, it is incredible. The volume of water in Lake Eyre is decreasing, especially in the northern part of the Lake, but our highly skilled pilots of Chris Pfitzner & Tony Schwertz ,can still show you the very best that the Lake Eyre has to offer by superb low level flying so that you capture some amazing scenes!

Here is what our latest guests have said about their experiences;

“A unique way to see the fabulous inland scenery, towns & characters- something that I never thought I’d get to do…..” Karenne, Sydney

“The highlight for me was the high standard of accommodation & services provided in the different towns we visited which far exceeded my expectations…..” Warwick, Sydney

“An unforgettable 3 day experience with everything of an impeccable standard…..” Paul, Perth

“Precisely as good as this trip had been described to me by a previous traveller, plus it must be said that the hosts (& pilots) are up there with the best in the business…..” Lori, Perth

“A wonderful experience to be able to see & be apart of a great Australian adventure, with friendly pilots & host – will always sing your praises! Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the past 3 days…” Roger & Coral, Pt.Macquarie

” A great 3 day adventure! Tony & Chris are excellent pilots & great blokes with Fish an excellent tour guide. Enjoyed our trip & accommodation was first class with great meals. Would not hesitate to recommend this trip to our friends…..” Viv & Di, Brisbane

“Perfect in every aspect instilled with confidence by pilots Tony & Chris who were great company along with “Fish”, who could not have done any better. A thoroughly wonderful experience way beyond my expectations…..” Maureen, Sydney

“The Dig Tree & Birdsville Pub were stopover highlights.The vastness of the Goyder Lagoon & Lake Eyre were amazing & could not ask for a more friendly or obliging crew….” Kenny, Elliston, SA

“Really enjoyed the trip. Wonderful lot of people on the plane with us and the crew first class….” Lori, Denniliquan, Vic

“Well organised trip , for not one day but two.Then on the Metro liner climbed away we flew.The nights we saw, we’d not seen before. To us they were all new. Marree & Innamincka & lake & lakes & creeks not few. But of all the wonderous nights that we saw; none outshone the crew! Harvey & Nola, Perth ( very clever guys!)

“The colours, the company & the crew- all combined to make a very special trip for us all. And I’ll be back to the Birdsville Pub! Thanks……” Narelle, Melbourne

“The acrobatics in the air caused by “mother nature”, complemented the majesty of the scenery below & it was capped off by the crew & fellow “safarians”! Great stuff…..” Brenda, Melbourne

“Excellent trip! So much included in the one trip. The Dig Tree lunch stop was definately a highlight……” Pat, Denniliquan, Victoria

“Really enjoyed the Birdsville Pub & the tour by John Menzies at the Working Museum was a great experience. Innamincka Pub was very nice as well.Fish, Tony & Pfitzy were excellent tour guides & pilots…..” Ross, Elliston, SA

“I really enjoyed the museum at Birdsville & also liked flying over Lake Eyre. Thank you to Fish, Tony & Pfitzy who made the trip really enjoyable & educational!…….Tasha, Elliston, SA

“It was all that I had hoped for & more! To see Lake Eyre with so much water in it, probably wont happen again in our life time again! The South Australian hospitality was terrific, the service by the crew & fish was tops, the places we stopped at were amazing (as was the service) & a great lot of fellow travellers. Thanks so much!…….” Athene & Rob, Perth

” A very good, enjoyable trip. Service was terrific & food was of high standard. Enjoyed the company of everyone! Thanks……” Ingrid, Elliston, SA

” We could never have seen as much or appreciated the whole experience so much at ground level. Spectacular scenery, hospitable, helpful & knowledgeable crew & great people in the tour group. The perfect package & well done to Goin’ Off Safaris…..” Bob, Perth

“A great trip & great comedians for guides! Coober Pedy -GREAT…..” Eril & Gordon, Nhill, Victoria

“Met some wonderful people, experienced some magnificent outback characters & places & ate some wonderful food in surprising places; all with fish….!” Robert, Cummins, SA

“A wonderful trip, excellent itinerary. Tour guide Fish at his impeccable best! Lovely people on the tour & the pilots professional, approachable & good company. Overall thoroughly enjoyable & well done….! Fox, Cockaleechie, SA

“For South Australains, you did OK!( they are joking arnt they..?) A most informative, comprehensive, effecient & very friendly trip & thanks so much…..! David & Susie, Riddles Creek, Victoria

” A fantastic trip; all & more than we expected. The pilots were very professional & skillful. Tour guide(Fish) was multi skilled & entertaining with his humour……! Jan & Fred, Perth

A well thought out & interesting 3 day experience supported by experienced & professional people enabling me to appreciate more of the vastness, beauty & great contrasts of our Australia. Very interesting, informative trip covering this area of our magnificent country. Entertaining & great fun….! Joanne & Geoff, Maryborough, Qld

” So thrilled that we did not limit ourselves to only considering cost. The value is in the range of experiences we had, the people we met, the careful attention to details, the sense of fun & camaraderie of the guide & pilots and the hosts wherever we visited and the wonderful opportunity the trip provided to appreciate the beauty & vastness of this part of Australia. Well done & thanks….” Wendy, Cockaleechie, SA

If anyone is interested, we are looking at putting on another 3 day trip on October 28-30th, 2011. This will be our last trip for 2011!



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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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“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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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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Lake Eyre Adventure!

September 26th, 2010 by Lunch

What a great trip last weekend! 8 very keen enthusiasts plus legendary pilot Chris Phitzner and myself , headed for the skies and the Lake Eyre  aboard the classic 1952 Beechcraft 18.

The only Beech 18 flying in Australia, this beauty is very comfortable, very quiet, has great vision at every seat and seriously turns heads whenever we had to land! First port of call was Coober Pedy. We had a ground tour organised as we landed & this took in all the weird, wonderful and amazing sights and stories of everything in & around Coober Pedy. Famous local “Jimmy the Runner” was our superb guide and apart from the ancient inland seas of the Breakaways, the underground home of legendary Crocodile Harry was a highlight. Our digs at the Coober Pedy Comfort Inn Experience were fantastic, complete with an exposed opal seam, highlighting the towns best known commodity. The Old Timers Mine next door, has been transformed from one of the first working mines to house and now very impressive tourist attraction.

The next day, Birdsville was out due to heavy rain, so we headed to Innamincka, via William Creek. If you haven’t all ready heard, the steak sandwiches at the William Creek pub are massive and was the most popular item on the menu, albeit closely followed by the emu yiros! From here, it was all photography as we flew over the majority of Lake Eyre’s 9690 sq. kilometers. An imposing sight, it really is a marvel and gets even better as we flew over the Warburton Groove and the super impressive wetlands of the Coongie Lakes, where flying as low as 500 ft, you see some of the best outback sights you can imagine.

We were then greeted by the friendly hosts of Coopers Creek Homestay in Geoff  & Julie Matthews alongside the Coopers Creek in Innamincka. A few beers around the fire, a 3 course  dinner, a visit to the pub to watch the footy followed by a couple of further nightcaps back at the fire and it was no wonder we slept like babies!

For the keen punters on the trip, we were to meet back at the fire by 6.15am. The sun was just rising and we were keen to catch some fish and or yabbies and check out the bird life on the Cooper. No fish were caught but the crayfish sized yabbies made up well and truly  for any yellow belly! And didn’t they taste any good for breakfast! The bird-life of pelicans, black cormorants, white cockatoos and others dominated the causeway and it was a great start to the day.

Due to unforecasted rain and hence sticky air strip, we got going a little late. Our timing was perfect though as we hit the Flinders Ranges in late afternoon sunlight, which only further enhanced the beauty of this region and after a series of tough seasons, the Flinders is in top shape.  A great trip with plenty of adventure and camaraderie was had and very much looking forward to our next trips.

If your up to it, we still have  vacancies for the 3 Day Supreme Scenic Safari on the 8th-10th of October and also the 19th-21st of October. Contact us now!

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Rainfall glorifies Lake Eyre

September 7th, 2010 by Lunch

Its amazing how a decent rainfall event can do to the country side. In this case, the rain event has lasted pretty much all year and really has transformed the whole outback.

With the weekend just gone, widespread rain across much of Australia and South Australia’s Lake Eyre region means that we will all be able to enjoy the outback experience a lot longer!

18 months ago, the Sentimental Bloke, Peter Macdonald took this image above of a barren Lake Eyre. Below is the start of a massive thunderstorm that caused some local floodings across many regions of the outback, which is going to enhance the region for a long while to come!

Just a friendly reminder that we have 4 seats available on our 3 Day Supreme Scenic Safari departing Adelaide on the 8th October 2010. $2990.00 all inclusive per person.Contact us for more details!

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Lake Eyre scenic flights available

August 31st, 2010 by Lunch

The whole of the far north of South Australia is in it’s full glory. With consistent winter rains and thunderstorms ( and another deluge this weekend), Lake Eyre and its surrounds really is a true iconic spectacle. Still filling, thousands have emerged on the ground and many more in the sky to check the whole show out.

With all our 3 Day Supreme Scenic Safaris booked out, we have another 4 seats available for departure on October 8th-10th 2010. All inclusive at $2990.00 per person, this is a fantastic opportunity to see the Flinders Ranges, Innamincka, Birdsville, Coober Pedy, Spencer Gulf and every bit of wild life, lake, river, cattle/sheep station, wildflower and mountain in between!

Contact us asap! Below is a great Lake Eyre sunset captured by the Sentimental Bloke.

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Lake Eyre 3 Day Supreme Scenic Safaris vacancies

August 18th, 2010 by Lunch

There is nothing better than cruising around the middle of Australia checking out the incredible scenes below of wild life, bird life and the massive amount of water that has ebbed, meandered and flowed through many different pathways and terrains to get to Lake Eyre.  And it doesn’t get any better than doing so in the beautiful Beech 18. (see pictured above)

By popular demand, we are putting together another 3 day/2 night all inclusive scenic safari aboard the Beech 18 ex Adelaide on the 17th of September, with only 4 seats available for $2990.00 per person.

We depart from Parafield Airport out of Adelaide to Port Augusta- Wilpena Pound- Arkaroola- Innamincka- The Dig Tree- Birdsville- Goyders Lagoon-Warburton Creek- Lake Eyre North- William Creek- Oonnaddata -Dalhousie Springs- Painted Hills- Coober Pedy- Olympic Dam- Woomera- Pt.Augusta- Parafield. For full details and itinerary contact us asap.

Check out this faultless image below, by The Sentimental Bloke. This is how stunning the views are and Peter does certainly capture the moment!

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