Lake Eyre & The Flinders Ranges

Depart for William Creek, one of the outback’s most remote and iconic settlements, where you’ll pause to enjoy lunch before boarding a spectacular scenic flight over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre. With water spread across the vast salt lake, this is a rare opportunity to witness one of Australia’s most extraordinary natural events from the air.

From Lake Eyre, continue south to the magnificent Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and Rawnsley Park Station, at the base of the spectacular Wilpena Pound. Settle into the Station’s lush surrounds and enjoy dinner at its Woolshed Restaurant before retiring for the night.

Overnight: Rawnsley Park Station, One bedroom holiday unit

You can start your morning with a peaceful walk on one of Rawnsley's walking trails or relax on your veranda and enjoy the tranquillity of the Australian bush.

Then, fly north to Balcanoona and Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the northern Flinders Ranges. Following lunch, join Arkaroola's signature Ridgetop tour, travelling in a specially constructed open-top 4WD vehicle. Enjoy breathtaking views as the 4WD travels along the ridgetop track, ultimately leading to Sillers Peak.

After dinner, experience an educational evening under the vast expanse of Arkaroola's starlit International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Gaze upwards and find yourself mesmerized by the pristine clarity of the moon, stars, Milky Way and other celestial wonders. These can be viewed in intimate detail using state-of-the-art astronomy binoculars while reclining in a comfortable camp chair (weather dependent).

Overnight: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Callitris room

On the fascinating 'Written in the Rocks' guided drive and walk tour, take a trip back in time and head to the southern part of the sanctuary, stopping at Ochre Wall, Lively's Gold Find, the Welcome Mine, the Jasper Twins and Stubbs Waterhole. The history of this region has been exposed at the surface, revealing hundreds of millions of years of sedimentary and glacial activity.

Fly from Arkaroola to Leigh Creek in the heart of the Flinders Ranges. A local guide will meet you as your pilot refuels and moves the aircraft. Tour the excellent fossil site at Nilpena Ediacaran National Park on the former Nilpena Pastoral Station grounds. This is one of the most significant fossil sites in the world. The Ediacaran fossils preserve entire ecosystems of half-a-billion-year-old lifeforms, enabling scientists to gain an unparalleled glimpse into the origins of life on Earth.

On to Parachilna and the historic Prairie Hotel, built in 1876, an icon of the Flinders Ranges, renowned for its extraordinary food.

Overnight: Prairie Outback Lodge, outback room

This morning tour through the spectacular Brachina and Parachilna gorges, two incredible geological formations. Brachina Gorge is often called a geological trail through time, showcasing over 600 million years of Earth’s history. Look out for the cute and rare yellow-footed rock-wallaby.

Back at the Prairie, your final lunch together is their signature grazing lunch before rejoining your aircraft. Fly home via Wentworth, completing your tour of the ancient Flinders Ranges and Lake Eyre.