Lake Eyre Escape

Your journey begins this morning as you depart Brisbane, travelling west to Charleville, the gateway to Queensland’s outback. On arrival, enjoy morning tea before exploring the town with your local guide, gaining insight into the region’s history and unique character.

Step back in time with a visit to the World War II Secret Base, where interactive displays bring to life the experiences of the 3,500 United States Army Air Force personnel once stationed here. Through immersive exhibits, uncover stories of classified missions, wartime life and the people who shaped this fascinating chapter in Charleville’s history.

You will also visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre, offering a compelling look into one of Australia’s most iconic outback services. Learn how this vital lifeline continues to support remote communities today, with an introductory film and displays showcasing the evolution of medical care across the outback.

Reboarding the aircraft, continue west to the remote outpost of Birdsville, located on the edge of the Simpson Desert. After settling into your iconic accommodation, set out to explore the town and its surrounds, including the historic racetrack, the Diamantina River, Burke and Wills Tree and the geothermal power station.

As the afternoon unfolds, venture beyond the township toward Big Red, the largest sand dune in the region. With your experienced local guide, ascend this striking natural landmark and take in sweeping views across the desert landscape. As the sun sets, enjoy chef prepared canapés and refreshments in this truly unforgettable setting, where the colours of the outback shift across the horizon.

Overnight: Birdsville Hotel

Departing Birdsville, follow the winding channels of the Diamantina River as it leads you toward the vast expanse of Lake Eyre. Transformed by recent rainfall, the landscape below shifts from rich earth tones to vibrant greens, before the deep blues of Lake Eyre North come into view as you cross into South Australia. From the air, the scale is extraordinary, an immense inland sea stretching to the horizon, alive with colour and movement.

Continuing your scenic flight, pass over Belt Bay and the southern reaches of Lake Eyre North, where wildlife gathers along the salt rich shores. Here, the lake reveals its most dynamic character, with changing water levels, shifting colours and a landscape that feels both powerful and ever evolving.

Arriving at the remote outpost of William Creek, enjoy the opportunity, weather permitting, to take a scenic flight to the remarkable Anna Creek Painted Hills for morning tea. Rising from an otherwise flat desert landscape, these striking formations display layers of colour shaped over millions of years, creating one of the outback’s most unique natural features.

Returning to William Creek, enjoy lunch at the historic William Creek Hotel, established in 1887 as a vital stop along the Old Ghan Railway. After time to explore this iconic outback settlement, reboard the aircraft for a second aerial perspective of Lake Eyre North, offering another opportunity to appreciate its scale, wildlife and ever changing hues.

As you depart the lake, look out for the remarkable Marree Man, an immense geoglyph etched into the landscape. Measuring 4.2 kilometres in height and 28 kilometres in perimeter, its origins remain unknown, adding an element of mystery to this already extraordinary region.

Your journey then continues east across the Strzelecki Desert and the striking salt lakes of South Australia before arriving in the remote New South Wales outback town of Tibooburra. Rich in gold rush history, this character filled settlement is home to your accommodation for the evening.

Overnight: Tibooburra Hotel

Departing Tibooburra, travel east to Lightning Ridge, home to the rare and highly prized Black Opal. Unlike other opals, these remarkable stones display vivid flashes of colour set against a dark background, making them among the most valuable gemstones in the world.

During your time in Lightning Ridge, explore a collection of the town’s most iconic sites, including the historic Three Mile Flat Miners Settlement, Amigo’s Castle and the John Murray Art Gallery. You will also enjoy an opal cutting demonstration, accompanied by morning tea with freshly baked scones, jam and cream.

In the afternoon, descend underground for a truly unique experience at the Chamber of the Black Hand. Here, more than 900 sculptures have been intricately carved into sandstone walls across 26 chambers, creating an extraordinary subterranean gallery. You will also visit a working opal mine on a fully guided tour, gaining insight into the lives, challenges and stories behind the enduring search for opals.

Later, reboard the aircraft for your return journey to Brisbane, flying over the changing landscapes of Goondiwindi and Warwick before descending back into the city.