Lake Eyre & Opals Tour

Your journey begins as we depart and travel southwest into the heart of opal country, arriving in Lightning Ridge, home to the world’s most prized gemstone, the rare Black Opal. Set against a dark background, these remarkable stones reveal vibrant flashes of colour unlike any other, making Lightning Ridge one of Australia’s most unique outback destinations.

During your time here, you will explore a collection of iconic local sites, including the Lightning Ridge Bottle House and Museum, 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 unforgettable experience at the Chamber of the Black Hand. Here, more than 900 sculptures have been meticulously 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 of those drawn to the endless search for opals.

Later, reboard the aircraft and continue your journey across the remote landscapes of New South Wales, flying over Brewarrina, Bourke and Wilcannia as you trace the path of the Darling River toward Broken Hill.

Overnight: Ibis Styles Broken Hill – Deluxe Room

This morning, discover the rich history and enduring character of Broken Hill, one of Australia’s most iconic outback towns. After breakfast, join your local guide for an insightful tour through the town, including a visit to the historic Power Station and the Line of Lode Miners Memorial, a moving tribute to more than 700 miners who lost their lives since the earliest days of mining in the 1800s.

You will also have the opportunity to visit the Pro Hart Art Gallery and The Big Picture, the world’s largest acrylic painting on canvas by a single artist, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s artistic spirit.

Following morning tea, travel by road to the historic settlement of Silverton. Once a thriving mining hub, today it stands as a beautifully preserved outback town, rich in atmosphere and history. Its striking landscape has featured in numerous films, including Mad Max, A Town Like Alice and Dirty Deeds, and has briefly hosted some of Australia’s most recognised actors.

While in Silverton, visit the Mad Max 2 Museum to view original props and vehicles from the film, along with time to explore the Silverton Jail and Municipal Chambers.

Returning to Broken Hill, your day concludes with a visit to the iconic Palace Hotel, famously featured in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Many memorable scenes from the film were shot here, adding to the hotel’s unique place in Australian cultural history.

Overnight: Ibis Styles Broken Hill – Deluxe Room

Departing Broken Hill, your journey continues north west as the landscape opens into vast and remote country. From the air, take in the striking forms of Lake Frome and the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges before arriving overhead the mysterious Marree Man. Only fully appreciated from above, this immense geoglyph stretches 4.2 kilometres in height and 28 kilometres in perimeter, depicting a hunter etched into the earth. Its origins remain unknown, adding to the intrigue of this remarkable outback landmark on the edge of Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre.

From here, your Lake Eyre experience begins. Fly over Lake Eyre South as it connects to Lake Eyre North via the Goyder Channel and into Madigan Gulf, revealing the immense scale of this extraordinary inland sea. Spanning more than 8,400 square kilometres, the lake’s vast expanse is best understood from the air.

Along the southern reaches of Lake Eyre North, witness a landscape alive with colour and movement. Wildlife gathers along the salt rich shores, while the presence of water and algae transforms the lake into a shifting canvas of deep blues, greens, pinks and soft ochres. At its lowest point, the lake sits 15 metres below sea level, adding to the uniqueness of this remarkable natural system.

Landing at the remote outpost of William Creek, enjoy lunch at the historic William Creek Hotel, established in 1887 as a vital stop along the Old Ghan Railway. It remains one of the most iconic and character filled locations in the outback.

Continuing west, fly across more of South Australia’s striking interior en route to Coober Pedy, the opal capital of the world and home to the renowned White Opal. On arrival, check in to your underground accommodation, carved into the sandstone hillside, offering a truly unique outback stay.

Later, ascend to the Big Winch, the highest point in Coober Pedy, for an immersive Outback cinematic experience. As the sun sets across the vast horizon, enjoy drinks and a three course dinner while taking in the ever changing colours of the landscape. This evening concludes with a return underground, where you will spend the night in one of Australia’s most distinctive environments.

Overnight: Desert Cave Hotel – Underground Room

After breakfast, join your local guide for an in depth exploration of Coober Pedy, a town unlike anywhere else in Australia. Discover the unique way of life that exists beneath the surface as you visit an opal mine and museum, an underground home and a church, along with one of the most distinctive golf courses in the world. Gain insight into the challenges and rewards of opal mining, watch a stone cutting demonstration and experience first hand how residents have adapted to life underground in this remarkable environment.

Following lunch, enjoy some time at leisure before venturing out to Kanku National Park. Here, the landscape transforms into something truly otherworldly. Explore the vast expanse of the Moon Plains, a striking mineral landscape shaped over millennia, before continuing to the Breakaways, where the land dramatically falls away to reveal a sweeping panorama of colourful ridges and endless desert plains.

As the day draws to a close, take in the beauty of this extraordinary setting with a champagne and canapés experience at sunset. Watching the colours shift across the desert horizon is a moment that captures the essence of the outback at its most captivating.

Overnight: Desert Cave Hotel – Underground Room

Depart Coober Pedy this morning and continue your journey across South Australia’s vast interior, passing over Lake Cadibarrawirracanna, known for having the longest place name in Australia. From here, return to the remarkable Lake Eyre region, once again taking in its ever changing colours and immense scale from the air.

Tracking northeast, follow the winding channels of the Diamantina River as it leads you into Birdsville. Transformed by recent floodwaters, this remote outback town now reveals a landscape rich in colour, with flourishing birdlife and vegetation bringing new life to the Channel Country.

On arrival, enjoy lunch at the iconic Birdsville Hotel, a true outback institution, before exploring the town and visiting the historic Birdsville Racecourse. With its unique setting and rich history, Birdsville offers a glimpse into life at the very edge of the Australian outback.

Reboarding the aircraft, continue northeast to Charleville, flying over the vast Channel Country with Cooper Creek at its centre, where braided waterways stretch across the landscape in remarkable patterns.

This evening, after dinner, experience the outback night sky at the Cosmos Centre. Far from city lights, the clarity of the sky reveals the Milky Way in breathtaking detail. With access to one of Queensland’s largest telescopes, enjoy a guided stargazing experience as your expert host brings the stories and scale of the universe to life.

Overnight: The Rocks Motel – Deluxe Room

Your final day begins in Charleville, where you will explore the town’s unique character with your local guide, visiting a selection of its most distinctive attractions.

This morning, visit the Outback Date Farm, a family run plantation set among rows of striking palm trees. Enjoy a relaxed morning tea featuring freshly baked date loaf as you learn the story behind this remarkable enterprise, from its beginnings as a long held vision to its success today. Discover how dates are grown, the innovative use of reclaimed water and the many health benefits of this unique outback crop.

Continue 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 in Charleville. Through immersive exhibits, gain insight into the journeys, missions and personal stories that shaped this important chapter in the town’s history.

Later this afternoon, depart Charleville for your return flight home. Having travelled more than 4,000 kilometres across three states, you will return with a deeper connection to the landscapes, stories and spirit of outback Australia.