Lake Eyre Flights

Lake Eyre is Australia's largest salt lake, and in fact, is the largest lake in Australia.

Located in the outback of South Australia, Lake Eyre is approximately 650 kilometres north east of Adelaide. The lake is enormous: over 140 km long and 77 km wide.

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Usually, it's a vast expanse of dry, blinding white salt crust, and is one of the hottest, harshest and most inhospitable places in Australia. Yet, when it fills, it's a place teeming with life. Waterbirds come from 1000s of kilometres away to roost and breed on the lake and its shores, creating a birdwatcher's paradise.

On average, Lake Eyre only once every 25 years.

For the past two years (2010 & 2011), Lake Eyre has been full, with more water on the way down.

So now is really the best time to see this once in a lifetime event.

We went down over Easter 2011 and saw the Lake full for the very first time. We camped on the lake's edge -which was amazing, almost like being at the beach rather than in Australia's remote outback!

We also took a flight, which really showed us exactly how HUGE the lake is.

One of the best ways to see the lake is via flight over the its expanse. It's hard comprehend how big Lake Eyre actually is, so a scenic flight over this magnificent outback wonder will most definitely help you put its size into perspective.

Lake Eyre flights are a great choice if you are short for time or you don't have a 4WD. This article tells you where to book a scenic flight over Lake Eyre and other handy links and tips, as well as what you will experience on a typical flight over Lake Eyre.

What to expect from a Lake Eyre Flight:

The flight itself is something you'll never forget as you encounter some amazing views of the lake.

A typical flight varies from 1-2 hours and takes you over the massive breeding colonies of waterbirds, east over lake's expanse, and north, to show you how vast this inland waterway actually is. You'll also fly over Halligan Bay, the place where most people who drive in and camp at the lake's edge visit.

Aircraft used on a Lake Flight are usually Cessna 172s, 207s, 210s and Australian-made GA-8 Airvans (seating 7 passengers). And don't worry, one of the best air safety records in the world is held by Australia!

Touring from the Outback

To avoid disappointment make sure you have booked your Lake Eyre flights prior to trip.

Currently the tiny William Creek is full of light aircraft because Lake Eyre is almost full; a rare sight.

Although this town is a tiny speck on the map in the middle of nowhere, on our last visit in mid-April we counted 15 airplanes, which is heaps for such a small place. There are a variety of Lake Eyer flights to choose from if you're travelling from Coober Pedy or Birdsville and also at Marree if 4WD driving the Oodnadatta Track.

Pick ups can be arranged from Coober Pedy, or you can fly directly out from William Creek and Marree.

Many of the major companies have been touring for years, so you'll be in good hands. You can find flights starting from 0 per person for a one-hour tour.

If the location suits you better you can fly out from Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges, however, flights are a little more expensive.

Touring From the City

If you're coming from the city, many tour companies located in Australian capital cities offer Lake Eyre flights as well which includes Alice Springs, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Broken Hill.

On our last trip we were surrounded by people who had flown in from Sydney and Adelaide as we had lunch at the William Creek Hotel. They were staying in the Hotel's simple, but clean motel-style accommodation and had all flown in to holiday for the weekend.

There is also a 6 day tour on offer, leaving from Adelaide which starts at 95 per person.

Although it is a pricy package, the itinerary for this tour just looks totally awesome.

Not only do you get to tour Lake Eyre, but you are also taken to other great Aussie locations such as Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges and Port Augusta just to name a few.

Our tip: go now while it's got water in it. Take a short flight from William Creek and stay at one of the outback's truly unique pubs.

Lake Eyre Flights

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