Ultimate Outback Air Safari

Depart for Innamincka in South Australia. On the way, your pilot will take you low over the Dig Tree, where the explorers Burke and Wills famously set up camp. Meander by boat along the Cooper Creek and take in the stunning birdlife, spot the occasional inquisitive animal on the banks and marvel at the variety of flora along this serene waterway.

Hop over the border into Queensland and Birdsville, followed by sunset drinks on Big Red, the first of 1,140 parallel sand dunes marking the edge of the Simpson Desert. Stay in one of Australia's most iconic pubs — the Birdsville Hotel to end the day.

Overnight: Birdsville Hotel

Fly further north towards the Gulf of Carpentaria, arriving in Burketown, halfway between Cairns and Darwin. Burketown sits along the Savannah Way, a 3700 kilometre route linking the historic pearling town of Broome with tropical Cairns.

A local guide will take you to the Burketown Bore, The Old Wharf, Albert River and the Escott Crossing Weir. Hear how the water systems are a significant feature of Burketown and an important part of the traditional Gangalidda culture. 

Overnight: Savannah Lodge or Burketown Cabins

North-west into the Northern Territory and across Arnhemland, the next stop is Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris, set in an aboriginal sacred site nestled against the Arnhemland escarpment, east of Darwin. Idyllic billabongs, flood plains, paper bark swamps and monsoonal rainforests make for a magnificent wilderness. Valleys, overhangs and caves have been occupied for over 50,000 years and offer awe-inspiring rock art galleries.

Savour fabulous food with attentive service. Deluxe cabins in the bush with a relaxing verandah offer private comfort.

2 nights: Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris, deluxe cabin

Davidson's has no itineraries or busy time schedules to adhere to. Cruise along the billabong to see the sunset over the floodplain and watch Mt Borradaile light up with magnificent colours. Explore the wetlands which shelter  thousands of myriad birds. Marvel at ancient sandstone escarpments, savannah woodland and rainforests. See amazing ancient rock art and meander through the rocky billabong areas for a few quiet hours, swim, fish or relax.

This is the way to experience the majesty of Arnhemland without the crowds!

Fly west to Finniss River Lodge, a luxury lodge nestled on a 50,000-acre working cattle station. We have the place to ourselves with only 6 stunning rooms commanding expansive views of floodplains, nature and fiery sunsets. A selection of activities will fill your days. Enjoy chef-prepared, local produce. The serenity will fill your soul. A  genuinely unique station experience, Cows and Canapes is a perfect way to end the day. Sip sundowners in an open-sided buggy or jump out and take a selfie with the curious Brahman cattle surrounding you.

2 nights: Finniss River Lodge

Rise early this morning to spot some of the countless wildlife. Skim through forested waters as your airboat hugs each bend. Learn all about the fauna that inhabits these environments, from barramundi to brolgas and, of course, the prehistoric saltwater crocodile. The afternoon may be spent on tour, relaxing on your verandah, or by the pool, with magnificent views over the plains.

Fly southwest this morning, across Litchfield National Park to Bullo River Station near the border of WA. Land right at the homestead of the 400,000 acre privately owned cattle station. The 12 guest rooms are sanctuaries that open up to tropical gardens with the pool just a few steps away. Breakfast on the homestead verandah, picnic lunch by a billabong and dining under the stars by a campfire.

2 nights: Bullo River Station, guest room

A day to explore the Station by foot, 4WD or All Terrain Vehicles (ATV), depending on your interests. See the wildlife as they congregate on the water’s edge, soak up the landscape as it takes on different perspectives throughout the day. Cruise the stunning Bullo River Gorge or do a spot of bird watching - there are 200 bird species native to the station. View timeless rock art of the Miriwoong and Gajirrabeng people that are hidden in rugged red cliffs and ridge lines. Or for a truly authentic outback experience, go behind the scenes to learn more about remote station life. And see it all from above with a breathtaking six minute helicopter ride.

Travel west into WA to the Bungle Bungle, landing at Belburn airstrip on the southwest corner of World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park in East Kimberley. A local guide will lead you on an easy to moderate walk through the famous eroded towers and black and orange-banded beehive structures of the Domes Walk, the awe-inspiring natural acoustics of Cathedral Gorge and Piccaninny Creek. Learn about the Kimberley climate, the six seasons and the unique flora and fauna that are so crucial to the land's traditional owners. 

Back in the air, your pilot will provide a fantastic view of the domes from above before continuing north into Kununurra.

The morning is at leisure, then travel to the enormous Lake Argyle, more than 18 times larger than Sydney Harbour, created by the Ord River Dam. Join a cruise around the lake's northern end and some of the 90 islands and inlets it offers. You may spot rock wallabies, crocodiles, wallaroos and a diverse range of birdlife. Sip on a drink as the sun sets behind the Carr Boyd Ranges and enjoy.

Travelling back east into the NT, you're bound for Kings Creek Station in the Red Centre. Settle into your Drovers  dream glamping tent - each tent features beautifully appointed furnishings, a luxurious ensuite, reverse cycle air-conditioning, a deck with BBQ and your own fire pit. A BBQ under the dark sky rounds out your day.

Overnight: Kings Creek Station, Drovers Dream glamping tents

If you are up for it before dawn, the spellbinding Kings Canyon Rim Walk may only suit some, and shorter walks are available, particularly at the start, but well worth the effort. As the sun rises, the sandstone becomes a stunning array of oranges and reds. It's just a short hop next to the magnificent Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Stop for lunch at the Pool Bar at Sails in the Desert; then, it's time for a private Uluru tour. Embrace the culture, geology, and environment of Uluru. First, take a short walk into Mutitjulu Waterhole, visit rock art sites, and go to the local waterhole with your guide to learn about Uluru's significance to the local Anangu people. Continue driving around the base, with a stop to experience part of the Mala Walk. At the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area, watch, drink in hand, as sunset brings out the magnificent colours of Uluru.

2 nights: Sails in the Desert, Superior Room

Revel in the early morning serenity of a truly spiritual place as the sunrise colours change on Kata Tjuta while enjoying an outback picnic breakfast. Learn about this diverse environment by walking between the mighty conglomerate rock walls into Walpa Gorge. Your guide will explain how the many domes that makeup Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years Visit the Cultural Centre to support the local community and deepen your understanding of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Return to the hotel after a picnic lunch; the afternoon is yours to do as you please. Visit the town centre, join one of the resort's free tours, purchase one of the many available tours, or lie by the pool and relax.

Dine under the stars this evening. Travelling out before sunset, take in the incredible view of The Rock as it changes colour as the sun sets, before an experience to remember. Tali Wiru, meaning 'beautiful dune' in the local Anangu language, encapsulates the magic of fine dining under the Southern Desert sky. Instead of walls, this openair restaurant has magnificent views of Uluru and the distant domes of Kata Tjuta, and for a unique ambience, there's the stillness of the Desert at night. 

Before sunrise, go out on a self-guided walk around Bruce Monro's now iconic Field of Light, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakunytjaku or 'looking at lots of beautiful lights' in local Pitjantjatjara. Return to the hotel for breakfast, and then it's time to leave the Red Centre and fly to South Australia with a scenic flight over the incredible Lake Eyre. Magical! At Leigh Creek, in the heart of the Flinders Ranges, a local guide will meet you as your pilot refuels and relocates the aircraft. Tour the excellent fossil site at Nilpena Ediacara 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 fabulous food.

Overnight: Prairie Outback Lodge, deluxe room

Travel through Brachina Gorge and Blinman to Wadna to meet local Adnymanthanha guide Kristian Coulthard. After billy tea and damper, explore the Wadna Gallery Story. Discover a secluded site of Adnyamathanha heritage, the Glass Gorge Cultural Art Site. Visit the stunning Parachilna Gorge. Back at the Prairie, your final lunch together is their signature grazing lunch before rejoining your aircraft. Fly over ancient Wilpena Pound and then journey home, ending an epic discovery of our magnificent and diverse country.