Posts Tagged ‘William Creek Hotel’
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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Posted by Lunch Tags: 3 Day Supreme Scenic Safari, Birdsville Pub, Birdsville Working museum, Ch7's Sunday Night, Coober Pedy, Coongie Lakes, Cooper Creek, Flinders Ranges, Goin Off Safaris, Goyders Lagoon, Innamincka, Lake Eyre, Lake Eyre Blossoms, Lake Eyre scenic flights, lake Eyre Tours, Marree, Mike Munro, Warburton Groove, William Creek Hotel
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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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Posted by Lunch Tags: Birdsville Pub, Birdsville Working museum, Chris Pfitzner, Coongie Lakes, Cooper Creek, Fairchild Metro II, Flinders Ranges, Goin Off Safaris, Goyders Lagoon, Innamincka, Lake Eyre, Lake Eyre scenic flights, Lake Eyre scenic safaris, lake Eyre Tours, The Outback Loop, Tony Schwerdt, Warburton Groove, William Creek Hotel, Wilpena Pound
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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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Posted by Lunch Tags: Birdsville Pub, Birdsville Working museum, Coober Pedy, Coongie Lakes, Flinders Ranges, Goin Off Safaris, Innamincka Hotel, John Menzies, Lake Eyre, Lake Eyre scenic flights, lake Eyre Tours, William Creek Hotel
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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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Posted by Lunch Tags: 2 day Lake Eyre tours, Birdsville Pub, Birdsville Working museum, Coongie Lakes, Cooper Creek, Fish Cordon, Flinders Ranges, Goin Off Safaris, Goyders Lagoon, Innamincka, John Menzies, Lake Eyre, Lake Eyre scenic flights, Marree, The Outback Loop, Ultimate Outback weekender, Warburton Groove, William Creek Hotel
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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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Posted by Lunch Tags: 3 Day Supreme Scenic Safari, Birdsville Pub, Birdsville Working museum, Breakaways, Coober Pedy, Coongie Lakes, Cooper Creek, Flinders Ranges, Goin Off Safaris, Innamincka, John Menzies, Lake Eyre, Lake Eyre filling, Lake Eyre scenic flights, underground mine tours, William Creek Hotel
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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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Posted by Lunch Tags: Beech 18, Birdsville Pub, Coober Pedy, Coongie Lakes, Cooper Creek, Flinders Ranges, Goin Off Safaris, Goyders Lagoon, Innamincka, Lake Eyre, Lake Eyre filling, Lake Eyre scenic flights, lake Eyre Tours, Marree, Outback flights, Outback Loop, Warburton Groove, William Creek Hotel
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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!
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Posted by Lunch Tags: Beech 18, Birdsville Pub, Coober Pedy, Coober Pedy Comfort Inn experience, Coongie Lakes, Cooper Creek, Cooper Creek Homestay, Coopers Creek punt, Goin Off Safaris, Jimmy the Runner, John's Pizza Bar and Restaurant, Lake Eyre, Lake Eyre filling, Lake Eyre scenic flights, lake Eyre Tours, Paul Williams, William Creek Hotel
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October 1st, 2010 by Lunch
Here’s a close up image of part of the Coongie Lakes at sundown. Taken by The Sentimental Bloke, Peter MacDonald, this region of far north eastern part of SA is the highlight of all flooded areas. Fuelled from rain and the mass of rainfall surging out of the Cooper Creek, we can showcase this National Park from about 600 ft which is close enough to see all the wildlife blink as we fly on over!
We’re flying up here next Friday the 8th of October and also on the 19th of October as part of our 3 day Lake Eyre Supreme Scenic Safari and will be staying close by at the fantastic Cooper’s Creek Homestay in Innamincka. 2 seats vacant on both trips and looking forward to those monster yabbies again for breakfast!
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Posted by Lunch Tags: Birdsville Pub, Coober Pedy, Coongie Lakes, Cooper Creek, Goin Off Safaris, Goyders Lagoon, Lake Eyre, Lake Eyre filling, Lake Eyre scenic flights, lake Eyre Tours, Peter MacDonald, The Sentimental Bloke, William Creek Hotel
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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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Posted by Lunch Tags: Beech 18, Birdsville Pub, Coober Pedy, Coongie Lakes, Cooper Creek, Dalhousie Springs, Dig Tree, Flinders Ranges, Goin Off Safaris, Goyders Lagoon, Innamincka, Lake Eyre, Lake Eyre filling, Lake Eyre scenic flights, lake Eyre Tours, Warburton Groove, William Creek Hotel
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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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Posted by Lunch Tags: Beech 18, Birdsville Pub, Coober Pedy, Coober Pedy Comfort Inn experience, Coongie Lakes, Cooper Creek Homestay, Flinders Ranges, Goin Off Safaris, Goyders Lagoon, Innamincka, Lake Eyre, Lake Eyre filling, Lake Eyre scenic flights, lake Eyre Tours, Warburton Groove, William Creek Hotel, Wilpena Pound
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