Depart Swan Hill or Mildura. Fly to Broken Hill via the Murray River, Lake Mungo and Menindee Lakes. Land in Broken Hill in time for lunch at the iconic Bell's Milkbar. Check in to your accommodation before your choice of afternoon activities. Options include visits to Silverton, Broken Hill galleries, Line of Lode Miners Memorial and sunset viewing at the Outback Sculpture Garden. Dinner will be at the historic Palace Hotel, famous for its stunning murals and featured in the Australian classic film Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre and Channel Country Tours
See Australia’s Channel Country and our largest salt lake in 2026
Water is flowing in to the Channel Country and Lake Eyre South right now! Coming on top of the 2025 rains, the Channel Country in Outback Queensland and Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre has transformed into something truly spectacular—and there’s no better way to experience it than from the air. Join Murray Darling Scenic Flights for a breathtaking journey over this vast inland marvel as it comes to life with water, wildlife, and wonder. Visit the iconic towns of Broken Hill, Birdsville and William Creek over our 5 day/4 night tour - click below for your detailed daily itinerary. Enjoy a homeward bound stop in the Flinders Ranges. Tours priced from $8,950 pp with flights departing Swan Hill or Mildura - other departure points can be arranged. Tours min 2 people, max 3 - and don't worry if you are a single traveller we can pair you with second passenger.
Day 1
Day 2
Depart Broken Hill early. Fly over the red country of Outback NSW and Camerons Corner, the meeting of the QLD, NSW and SA borders. Touchdown will be the historic outback town of Innaminka on the banks of the Cooper Creek in NE SA, for a refuel and lunch. Wander around the town, enjoy the museum before heading to Birdsville via the Bourke and Wills Dig Tree. If conditions permit we will touch down for an up close look at the site. We then continue to Birdsville where we will land right at the door of the famous Birdsville Hotel. The Big Red Dune Sunset Tour is a highlight of the afternoon. We spend the night at the Birdsville Hotel, soaking up the atmosphere and hospitality.
Day 3
We are up early today for a sunrise flight NE of Birdsville, over the flooplain of the Diamantina River. This is the Channel Country at its best and an unforgettable, emotional experience. Chat with other travellers over breakfast at the Birdsville Bakery, before departing for Lake Eyre via the Goyder Lagoon. Witness the natural phenomenon of this environmentally significant floodplain as we follow its path down into Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. Have your camera ready as we travel over Lake Eyre and marvel at the expanse of this inland wonder, where the endless lake merges with the sky and the view changes daily. After landing, we lunch at historic Old Ghan Railway tiny township of William Creek, on the Oodnadatta Track. Take some time to settle in to your accommodation, wander around the town and enjoy the atmosphere, food and drinks of the William Creek Hotel.
Day 4
Today sees us depart William Creek and head for the Flinders ranges, via Lake Eyre South and Maree Man. We fly over the intriguing Leigh Creek mine site, before landing at Leigh creek for morning tea and fuel. The next leg takes us into the Flinders Ranges via Wilpena Pound, to land at Rawnsley Park Station located at the foot of Rawnsley Bluff. After a relaxing afternoon, we enjoy watching the sun set on the bluff from the woolshed deck, followed by a last night celebration dinner in the Woolshed Restaurant. What an iconic Australian Experience!
Day 5
Our final day involves a leisurely breakfast and departure from Rawnsley Park. We track over the southern end of the Flinders Ranges heading towards Mildura and Swan Hill. You will witness the junction of the Darling and Murray Rivers before following the beautiful Murray River on our homeward leg. Your tour sadly ends here but you will leave with a lifetime of unforgettable experiences and irreplaceable memories of Australia's incredible outback.
Why Visit Lake Eyre Now?
Lake Eyre is an extraordinary place even when dry—but when it has water, it becomes a shimmering inland sea surrounded by striking red desert dunes and teeming with birdlife. This rare event has occurred only three times in the past 160 years, making it a must-see moment for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers alike. Early 2026 rains and the floods of 2025 waters have fed water to the lake. Here, a combination of algae and salt water create a myriad of colours. Views of the Lake shift daily from intense pink, to green and blue, to shimmering salt flats.
Our scenic flights give you front-row seats to this natural phenomenon—without the dust or long drives. Soar above endless reflections, salt-crusted shores, and an ever-changing canvas of colour and contrast. The 5 day/4 night tours include stops in Broken Hill, Birdsville, William Creek and Rawnsley Park Station in the Flinders Ranges. Contact us to discuss your place on the adventure of a generation.
About Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre
Located in the heart of South Australia, Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) is the largest salt lake in the country and the lowest natural point on the Australian continent—15.2 metres below sea level. It’s part of a vast and ancient landscape with deep cultural significance to the Arabana people, whose heritage and stories are interwoven with the land.
When dry, the lake forms a dazzling white salt crust. When full, it becomes a thriving wetland, attracting thousands of birds including pelicans, banded stilts, and terns. Life returns to the desert in dramatic style, and to fly it is an experience you will never forget.
Bookings for 2026 are open now.
See our Gallery page for more images.
Secure your place for 2026
The Channel Country and Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre are looking amazing after the rains of 2025 and early 2026. Flights and accommodation are filling fast, so secure your seat today. Departures from March 2026 are open for booking.
