Scenic Flights and Air Tours from Birdsville

(In-conjunction with Wrights Air)

Birdsville Aviation (in conjunction with Wrights Air) are conducting scenic flights around the local and wider Birdsville area including Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. Four carefully-balanced itineraries are available with flights ranging from 30 minutes in duration to half-day flights to witness the magic of Lake Eyre.

See the Outback Come Alive as the 2025 Floodwaters Expand

The entire Western Queensland area experienced unprecedented rains in late March 2025 and the resulting floods have completely rejuvenated the rivers and creeks that make up the spectacular Channel Country. These include the mighty Diamantina River, Eyre Creek and Cooper Creek all of which are now filling Lake Eyre (mid-May 2025).

This will be the first time that the Cooper Creek will reach Lake Eyre since 2011 and is the biggest recorded flood in the Cooper Creek basin in over 50 years. Not since the early 50's has this region seen floodwaters of this magnitude. The Diamantina River that runs close to Birdsville is also experiencing extraordinary water flow. As you can see from the below photos taken on the 8th April – Birdsville was surrounded on 3 sides by the swollen river in what may also be the largest flood event the river has seen for over half a century. Our small town was in danger of getting "wet feet". When the town was surveyed in 1885 one thing the authorities did get correct was the height of the town above the Diamantina River!

Many would know the Diamantina River feeds the vast Goyder Lagoon floodplain area after Birdsville, creating an unbelievable contrast against the backdrop of the surrounding Desert. The Eyre Creek, fed by the Georgina River to the north, is currently filling the Lake Machattie wetland area and breathing life into everything it touches along its journey to Munga-Thirri Simpson Desert. This event has drawn an abundance of nesting bird life to the area which is only able to be enjoyed from the air.

No matter which system you’re interested in – Birdsville Aviation has tailored Scenic Flight routes for 2025 to take in the best our region currently offers.

Videos taken April/May 2025

Scenic Flights and Air Tours from Birdsville

Lake Eyre, Cooper Creek & Landing at William Creek Township

Half day tour
See Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre come alive as the 2025 floodwaters reach their peak over the coming months
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Birdsville Township & Big Red

30 minutes
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Diamantina River and Goyder Lagoon Channel Country

80 minutes
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Eyre Creek, Lake Machattie & Diamantina flood out country

2 hours
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Birdsville & Channel Country Flood Extraordinaire (Now Closed - Fully Booked!)

5 days / 4 nights
Witness the Outback come alive in 2025 with the Eyre Creek, Diamantina, Cooper Creek, Coongie Lakes & Goyder Lagoon in flood.
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How to Book

Bookings can be made any number of ways including:

Aircraft

Birdsville Aviation (in conjunction with Wrights air at William Creek) operate multiple aircraft including Cessna Grand Caravan’s that feature a high wing configuration, air-conditioning, 13 seats, fold down steps for the ease of walk on walk off comfort and turbine engine reliability. We also operates Cessna 210’s which are a 5 seater, high wing aircraft utilised for smaller parties. The high wing configuration of our fleet offer’s remarkable uninterrupted views for all on board.

Birdsville Aviation

Birdsville Aviation is an owned and operated subsidiary of the famous Birdsville Hotel, also owners of the Birdsville Bakery. Birdsville Aviation has for 40 years operated the aviation fuel business in town. All Birdsville Aviation scenic flights are operated in conjunction with Wrights Air. Wrights Air are based in William Creek, South Australia and have been operating for over 25 years. They have a legendary reputation of providing exceptional scenic flights in exceptional aircraft in the remote Australian outback.

The owners of the Hotel (and Birdsville Aviation) have a long history in the aviation and tourism industries with Talia Ellis once being based at the small ‘outpost’ of William Creek. Once a junior pilot for Wrights Air, Talia quickly rose to being the company chief pilot and for 7 years had up to 20 aircraft and pilots working under her. After her time at Wrights Air Talia moved to be chief pilot of Spirit Aviation, the aircraft subsidiary of outback touring business, Outback Spirit, until purchasing the Birdsville Hotel with her husband in 2019. Talia has extensive bush flying experience and has spent the majority of her time in the Birdsville and William Creek regions of Australia. From mustering stock on remote stations to scenic flights, Talia’s extensive experience in the aviation and scenic flight world will ensure you a safe and unforgettable flight, no matter what itinerary you choose.

Flights operated under LA & AM Matthew’s AOC, ARN 593012

Book your Scenic Flight