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.

Afternoon touring with a local operator, see some sights of the area including the Burketown Bore, The Old Wharf, Albert River and the Escott Crossing Weir. Hear how the water systems are a major feature of Burketown and an important part of the traditional Gangalidda culture.

Overnight at the Savannah Lodge, a hidden gem amongst abundant tropical gardens - a peaceful oasis in outback Queensland.

Overnight: Savannah Lodge

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.

Continue west into WA and on to Kununurra. Travel out 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.

Back in the aircraft, fly out to Bungle Bungle, landing at Bellburn 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, which only flows during the monsoon. Learn about the Kimberley climate, the six seasons and the unique flora and fauna so crucial to the land's traditional custodians.

On the way back into Kununurra, your pilot will provide you with a fantastic view of the domes from above.

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

Beginning before dawn, the spellbinding Kings Canyon Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park is quite challenging,  particularly at the start, but well worth the effort. The sandstone becomes a stunning array of oranges and reds as the sun rises.

It's just a short hop next to the magnificent Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Longitude 131° is a luxury desert basecamp offering exquisite accommodation, service, dining and touring. Wake up to the incomparable view of Uluru while lying in bed in your luxury "tent". The touring schedule is determined by the resort and will include the following experiences. Witness an Uluru sunset, and capture the changing light reflected over Uluru's many faces as the sun sets glass in hand. Be dazzled by Bruce Munro's solar-powered art installation, Field of Light, which blooms as darkness falls. Dine under the stars at Table 131°, surrounded only by nature, before the resident astronomer explains the constellations.

2 nights: Longitude 131°, Luxury Tent

Explore the impressive formations of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) on a walk through Walpa Gorge. Visit the Cultural Centre for insight into the spiritual and cultural meanings of the area. Join a gentle stroll along Uluru's base and learn about the Mala people, viewing cave paintings and other sites important to Anangu and the early explorers.

Enter Kantju Gorge at dusk to witness the rock walls ablaze with the setting sun's light.

Time to leave the Red Centre and fly to South Australia with a scenic flight over the incredible Lake Eyre, then Wilpena Pound. Magical!

Land at Rawnsley Park Station. Take in the ambience of the outback - head out for sunset drinks overlooking The Chace Range, then enjoy dinner in the Woolshed Restaurant.

Overnight: Rawnsley Park Station, one or two bedroom Eco Villa

This morning embark on a 4WD tour of the Station before a final lunch together. Then back in the air for the journey home, ending an epic discovery of our magnificent and diverse country.