Flight: Lake Eyre & William Creek
The rains in western QLD produced by ex-cyclone Kirrily's visit in early 2024 have produced significant flooding which is on its way to the magnificent Lake Eyre!
This water has been on a remarkable journey originating from the far northern reaches of the Diamantina River before flowing through Birdsville in mid-February, cutting access to the town as it makes its way towards the Goyder Lagoon. After turning this wetland into an oasis of green interspersed by thousands of finger-like channels, the water makes its way into the Warburton River before reaching its final destination of Lake Eyre.
Covering almost 10,000 square kilometers, Lake Eyre is a spectacle from the air no matter what the season but when flooded with water, it's a bucket list opportunity. The inflowing water, which is measured in cubic kilometers, completely transforms the usually dry and arid area into something that has to be seen to be believed.
Points of Interest
Inclusions
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$1095 pp for departures with 3 or more people
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$1295 pp for departures with 2 people
* Council Airport Surcharge additional $20 per person during Birdsville Races Week.
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Duration: approx 5 - 5.5 hours
Flight time 4 hours with 1 hours ground time
Flight Route Details
Your flight departs Birdsville and takes you west over Big Red and the QAA line where it turns south to follow the Eyre Creek. You will overfly Alton Downs Station before arriving overhead the breathtaking green floodplains of Goyder Lagoon. From here we traverse the seemingly endless parallel sand dunes of the Simpson Desert, the largest of its kind in the world. We cross the Kallakoopah Creek before joining the Warburton River which sweeps dramatically through the Tirari Desert as it arrives at the northern end of Lake Eyre.
The continuation of the Warburton River flows through the centre of Lake Eyre North and is known simply as the Warburton Groove. We follow this channel to the south into Belt Bay which is the deepest point and lowest point below sea level in Australia.
After a couple of circuits of the area we head west to the quirky little town of William Creek on the Oodnadatta Track and Old Ghan Railway Line. We land here for a short break and some morning or afternoon tea. After a little stroll through the town which is situated in the middle of Anna Creek Station, the largest station in the world, we reboard the aircraft for the second leg of the flight.
We fly back over Lake Eyre taking in the where the Cooper Creek enters the western shoreline when it rarely flows. Enroute to Birdsville we overfly the Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary and follow the Warburton River once again but this time past Clifton Hills Station. We find ourselves once again in the remarkable channel country of the Goyder Lagoon where thousands of finger-like channels breathe life into a vast area that is an oasis for an abundance of wildlife. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Camels, Cattle, Dingos, and large flocks of migratory birds as we continue northwest to pick up the southern delta of the Diamantina River wedged between the contrasting Simpson Desert and Sturt Stony Desert. We continue to follow the Diamantina River past Pandie Pandie Station and the Birdsville Racecourse, home of the famous Birdsville Races before landing and taxiing back to the Birdsville Hotel to celebrate your flight and the sheer magic of Lake Eyre.
How to Book
Bookings can be made any number of ways including:
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In person at the Birdsville Hotel reception.
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Email your booking request to bookings@birdsvillehotel.com.au.
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Using the enquire buttons on the scenic flights pages.
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By phoning hotel reception on 07 4656 3244.