Scenic Flights Over Lake Eyre: 5 Things To Know Before Booking + My Experience

There are heaps of scenic flights over Lake Eyre-Kati Thanda, and every single one of them will be spectacular.

You’ll get breathtaking views regardless of the operator, but the experience can differ depending on things like the route, any additional landmarks (like Painted Hills), the departure location, etc.

But don’t worry, we’ll help you with that so you can make an informed decision and book the best scenic flight for YOU!

That said… know that the tour is life-changing. Tie your mother down if that’ll get you on a Lake Eyre flight!

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before booking this epic tour, what to expect the day of the flight, and all the mindblowing things you’ll see!

5 Things to consider before booking a scenic flight over Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Ara­bana and the Dieri peo­ples.

1) Season of your visit

Lake Eyre is dry part of the year, but it usually floods between April and October, depending on how rainy it is in summer. Peak viewing season is typically from May to September.

This means that some operators only offer scenic flights between April and October. Summer gets very, very hot (~50°C) so it might not be worth it, plus there won’t be any water in the lake.

2) Departure locations

The departure location usually depends on the tour provider.

We flew with Wrightsair and can’t recommend them enough. We departed from Coober Pedy, but they also offer scenic flights from William Creek and Wilpena Pound.

Other operators offer flights from Marree, Rawnsley Park, Port Augusta, and even Adelaide. You can pick whatever’s most convenient for your trip.

If you want to do what we did and fly from Coober Pedy, there are a few ways to get there:

• Road tripping from Adelaide, it’s an 8-9 hour drive so we recommend allowing for 5-7 days to drive there and back.

• Flying from Adelaide, it’s a 2-hour light with Rex Airlines. You can rent a car at Coober Pedy airport to move around.

3) Scenic flight routes

Lake Eyre is split into two parts, and some flights only cover one section. Make sure you know if you’re flying over the north, south, or both.

Many flights include additional sights like the Painted Hills, Anna Creek Station, and even Cooper Creek. Decide if you want to see just Lake Eyre or a broader outback experience!

Prices vary depending on duration, route, and aircraft type. Shorter flights are cheaper but you might miss out on key sights. Budget a bit more if you want a comprehensive flight covering more landmarks.

It’s 100% worth paying for more sights, though. To this day I still remember flying over Painted Hills, no regrets!

4) Flight Conditions

Flights typically range from 1 to 3 hours depending on the route and what you want to see. Consider how much time you want in the air and how long you’re comfortable flying.

Most flights don’t provide food, maybe a complimentary morning tea. If it’s a longer trip, eat beforehand or bring snacks. Also, bring water with you! Some operators offer it for free but not all.

These scenic flight tours have small aircrafts, which are more likely to have turbulence than bigger planes. Keep that in mind if you get motion sickness!

5) Cancellation policies and refunds

Weather is unpredictable in the outback, so double-check what the cancellation policy is. Flights may be delayed or cancelled if conditions aren’t suitable.

Some operators don’t offer refunds, only rescheduling at no extra cost if they have to cancel due to weather.

So book your scenic flight on the first day or two of your trip. This will give room for rescheduling if the provider can’t offer the experience!

Also, read the policies regarding cancellations from the customer. Generally, you’ll need to cancel within a specific time frame to receive either a refund, or rescheduling.

Last-minute cancellations (within 24 hours of the flight) typically result in losing the full payment unless there’s a valid emergency.

It’s crucial to read the fine print when booking to understand your options in case your plans change.

What to expect on the day of the scenic flight over Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre?

Wrightsair (the tour operator we flew with) offers several scenic flight options. We chose the “Coober Pedy Deluxe Flight”.

It’s the priciest of all the scenic flights they offer from Coober Pedy, but we don’t regret it one bit! It’s a half-day tour that includes:

• Fly over Lake Eyre north.

• Stop over at William Creek, where you’ll grab a bite at William Creek Hotel.

• Fly over Anna Creek Painted Hills as you return to Coober Pedy.

It was a small plane, a 13-seater. The seats weren’t really comfortable, but which plane seats are?

The tour guide welcomed us and matched people to seats, made sure our headphones were fully operational, and up we went!

Leaving Coober Pedy

After leaving Coober Pedy’s distinctive moonscape of mullock heaps behind, the first leg of the flight north-east to Lake Eyre North covered some spectacularly arid scenery.

The rolling rocky ranges in the rich outback colour palette of ochres, reds and greens unfolded far beneath, and massive dry riverbeds cut feathery patterns into the sand and rock far below. 

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre

We were completely unprepared for a volume of water so massive it merged with the horizon… More so after two days in the arid Coober Pedy and 90 minutes of flying over the dry and dusty desert.

The lake is larger than life… There are no words to describe how massive it is. But it’s really to be expected out here, where huge distances, huge landscapes, and huge skies are just the norm.

From Lake Eyre North, we flew south along the lake’s western edge where flocks of birds could occasionally be seen below.

The salt-encrusted lake’s edge contrasted with the colours of the water. It was a breathtaking array of coloured lines and patterns, as tiny vehicles came and went from the Halligan Bay Point camping area.

William Creek

A short time later we were touching down in William Creek for morning tea at William Creek Hotel while the plane was being refuelled.

Then the tour guide herded us back to the plane for the return flight west to Coober Pedy.

Now nearly noon, the day was warming up, and the flight over the little-known Anna Creek Painted Hills promised to be the most impressive part of the tour!

Anna Creek Painted Hills

The Anna Creek Painted Hills unfolded below in a symphony of colours and shapes. 

Only accessible by air and on a guided tour, I could see a lucky tour group exploring the area below and was consumed by jealousy.

Then in a flash we were flying over the distinctive landscape of Coober Pedy’s mullock heaps, mines, and rock formations again.

Top Tips

Small planes can be loud, and while you’ll get headphones for the commentary, you might still feel a bit overwhelmed by the noise if you’re not used to it.

A lot of people underestimate how long they’ll be in the air. It’s not a quick up-and-down flight – some trips last 2 to 4 hours. There’s usually a stop somewhere so the plane can refuel, but ask anyway so you can prepare accordingly.

Did you know?

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is Australia’s largest salt lake, and one of the largest in the world! It also has Australia’s lowest natural point at 15 metres below sea level.

It’s a sacred site for the Traditional Owners, as the lake’s cycles of flooding and drying are tied to their stories of creation and survival.

The Lake Eyre Basin is one of the largest internal drainage systems in the world, covering about 1.2 million square kilometres. It drains about one-sixth of Australia… but most of that water never makes it to the lake itself!

During a flood, Lake Eyre becomes a birdwatcher’s paradise, drawing massive numbers of waterbirds, including pelicans, black swans, and silver gulls.

The lake’s remote location and unpredictable water patterns make it one of the most fascinating ecosystems for birdlife.

It’s especially well-known for the massive influx of pelicans, which can number in the tens of thousands, migrating to feast on the abundant fish that arrive with the water.

FAQs

The bottom line

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, a scenic flight of Lake Eyre-Kati Thanda in Outback South Australia should be high on your list.

It’s one of those experiences that stick with you. It’s expensive, yes, but in time you’ll remember the views from the plane, but you’ll forget about the money.

Make sure you’re well-prepared for the flight – bring water, some snacks, and don’t forget to take in the breathtaking views without being glued to your camera the whole time.

And while you’re there, consider staying in Coober Pedy for a few days and get to know this opal mining town!