outback spirit tours lake eyre

Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre

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Lake Eyre’s Number 1 Tour Operator

Travel with the lake eyre experts.

When it comes to Lake Eyre, no-one can showcase this breathtaking natural phenomenon like Outback Spirit can. Our award-winning adventures are in a league of their own and feature exclusive highlights and attractions designed to give our guests the best adventure possible.

Since 2009, we’ve welcomed over 10,000 guests on our unique Lake Eyre adventures. Come aboard with us in 2024 and you’ll see why we’re Number 1.

Tour Highlights

• Witness the breathtaking spectacle of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre in flood
• Enjoy 2 mesmerising scenic flights aboard modern turbine aircraft
• Marvel at Goyder Lagoon and the Simpson Desert from the air
• Travel the infamous Oodnadatta Track to William Creek
• Visit Birdsville and enjoy lunch at the iconic Birdsville Hotel

Outstanding Value Inclusions

• Small Group Size - 26
• All meals including all breakfasts, lunches and dinners while on tour
• Excellent hotel, motel and lodge accommodation
• Two scenic flights aboard a modern Cessna Grand Caravan
• All attraction and National Park entry fees
• Travel aboard a 5-star all terrain Mercedes Benz Coach
• Services of a professional 2-person crew consisting of a Tour Driver and Tour Director
• Outback Spirit Explorer Pack featuring handy travel items

100% Refund Guarantee

Book with confidence for the last remaining seats of 2021 with our special 100% Refund Guarantee. If you are unable to travel due to government enacted border closures you can amend or cancel your booking with no fees up to 2 days before departure. If your tour is cancelled due to government enacted border closures you will also be entitled to a full refund. Find out more here

Lake Eyre Tours

Kati thanda–lake eyre & wilpena pound, 7 days | adelaide - adelaide fully accommodated tour.

Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre Spectacular

6 days | adelaide - adelaide fully accommodated tour.

*Prices advertised are per person twin share. Tours are subject to availability. $49 deposit is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment is due 30 days prior to travel. If you cancel your booking with us within 30 days of travel, the cancellation fee is 100% of total fare. If Outback Spirit do not operate these tours due to low water levels, a full refund of the deposit and fare paid will be provided.

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Lake Eyre and Outback Tours

Experience Lake Eyre and Outback South Australia on a Fabulous 5 Day Tour

The Best Lake Eyre Tour and Outback Experience in South Australia 5 Days

Lake Eyre is the largest salt lake in the Southern Hemisphere, situated half way along the Oodnadatta Track in Outback South Australia.

Equally spectacular  when in flood with surrounding wildflowers and birds or in drought with it’s brilliant white crust and desert lifes. 

Join our Lake Eyre Tour  and travel in a small group from Adelaide to Coober Pedy, Lake Eyre and Outback South Australia.

Our 5 Day Lake Eyre Tour  includes a visit to the Wadlata Outback Centre, the Arid Lands Botanical Gardens and the Woomera Rocket Range.

Meet the locals at William Creek  and explore the fascinating tiny settlement of Marree.

Walk to the edge  of South Lake Eyre, fly over North Lake Eyre, see the endless horizon at Lake Hart and discover the pink salt lake of Lochiel- this is truly the best salt lake experience from Adelaide.

Lake Eyre Tour from Adelaide

Depart Adelaide and travel along the new Northern Express Way Connector passing the Port River Mangroves, the old Dry Creek Salt Fields, and Adelaide Plains Market Gardens to Lake Bumbunga in Lochiel. The lake is known to change colour from pink, to white, to blue, depending on the salinity of the water throughout the year. Enjoy morning tea and some fabulous photo opportunities.

After lunch we have plenty of time to explore the award winning Wadlata Outback Centre. Learn about fossils, minerals, wildlife, and the past of this region or check out the gift shop with its extensive range of books, maps, and souvenirs. Port Augusta is home to the fantastic Arid Lands Botanical Gardens. Admire the wildflowers, themed gardens, listen to the native birds and stroll past artistic outdoor sculptures at your own leisure. We check into our accommodation before a delicious group dinner. Day 1 – Lunch, Dinner, Port Augusta Standpipe Hotel overnight

Travel to Coober Pedy and marvel at the Kanku-Breakaways 

After a comfortable sleep and breakfast, we continue our journey further north to Coober Pedy. On route we stop at Woomera. Woomera was a hidden base for rocket and weapons testing, established back in 1947. It is still being used as a military testing site today. Listen to Len Beadell’s story as we make our way to the Woomera Rocket Park, home to several aircrafts, missiles, and other artifacts. Walk among the collection before continuing on the Explorer Highway.

Our next photo stop takes us to Lake Hart another fabulously looking salt lake. Enjoy a comfort stop in Glendambo before we reach Coober Pedy the opal capital of the world. Only here can you arrive with just a shirt on and leave as one of the richest people in the world! Take your first look at the unique moonscape and bizarre township from the rooftop at the Lookout Cave. Coober Pedy is known for underground living and an underground overnight stay is an experience on its own and most definitely part of our tour. 

After checking in at our hotel, we all have a try at Outback Golfing. Coober Pedy’s golf course is in the top 10 of the most unique places to play golf in the world. We then head out to the Kanku- Breakaways Conservation Park for some amazing photo opportunities. Kanku – Breakaways Conservation Park is Aboriginal owned, and the entire park is a registered aboriginal heritage site. We have permits to drive into the park and show off its amazing beauty. On route to our final lookout, we stop at the dog fence, a two meter high wire barrier stretching for over 5,300km across three States. Finish the day with a delicious dinner in town before retiring in your underground room. Day 2 – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Coober Pedy Lookout Cave overnight

Coober Pedy Tour and journey to William Creek 

Hard to know the sun is up when you sleep underground but trust your stomach will tell you it is breakfast time. Today we explore more of Coober Pedy and its surrounds. We start with an Opal Mine tour, learn about the qualities of opal, and look at some brilliant opal that has been found here. See how some of the locals lived and visit the stunning Orthodox Serbian underground church. The Big Winch sitting on top of a mound offers 360 – degrees views of Coober Pedy. Enjoy the lookout views and then immerse yourself in a 40-minute cinematic journey with stunning footage and sound. After lunch we try our luck in noodling, meaning we search for opal through mullock piles. Once you have found your first shiny piece, you will understand how easy it is to get opal fever.

Coober Pedy is a fascinating mining town with unusual attractions including the eccentric Crocodile Harry’s Nest and the unique gravestones of Boot Hill Cemetery. All great places to see. You have some time to stroll the main street. Buy your special piece of opal or visit one of the galleries in town. What was once a rocky, dusty desert plain has become a bucket list travel destination. All back on board we tour through South Australia’s outback to William Creek. It is not only the smallest town of Australia, but also situated on the largest working cattle station – Anna Creek Station. Finish the day with a tasty hotel dinner and mingle with the locals at the William Creek Pub. Day 3 – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, William Creek Cabins overnight

Lake Eyre Scenic Flight and Walk to the Edge of South Lake Eyre, tour to Marree and Leigh Creek

This morning take a scenic flight over North Lake Eyre. We fly from William Creek, the closest airstrip to the lake. Lake Eyre is the largest salt lake in the Southern Hemisphere and more often dry than not. But when soaking rain does fall or flood waters drain into Lake Eyre, this dry land fills with lives. Thousands of pelicans, banded stilts and gulls fly in from as far away as North Queensland, flowers bloom and plants grow at a breakneck pace. No matter if Lake Eyre’s status is dry or wet, a scenic flight over Lake Eyre gives you a true sense of the wilderness, remoteness, and the enormous size of it. Outback South Australia is home to some hidden treasures, and you have the option to witness the Anna Creek Painted Hills. These must-see sandstone hills are a stunning outcrop in the middle of nowhere and can only be reached by air. Get up a little earlier and join the optional scenic flight highlighting the wonderful colours of the area. In addition, we have permission to land and explore this incredibly unique and spectacular landmark on the ground.

We continue our road trip and discover the scenery and lives along the Oodnadatta Track. Our first stop brings us to the viewing area of South Lake Eyre. Take a short walk to the edge of the lake to get an up-close experience with Lake Eyre. Alternatively, enjoy the views from the information bay. Be amazed by the endless horizon and incredible nature. Back on the road we follow the Oodnadatta Track to Marree, a historic railway township located at the turn off to the Birdsville Track. Visit the Afghan Mosque, learn about Sir Sidney Kidman, the Great Northern Express and about old Tom Kruse the outback posty. Our next stop takes us to Farina, which was established as a railway town for passengers travelling on the Transcontinental North Line in 1878. Visit the ruins and some of the reconstructed buildings while learning about the important history. Not too many people are listed as one of their town’s visitor attractions. But then Talc Alf is a one off, a quirky and engaging outback character who has achieved near icon status. Over the past 40 years he has created an outside gallery, and we view some of Alf’s unique talc carvings in Lyndhurst. We continue our journey further south to Leigh Creek. Once supplying all the needs for the working families in the coal mining industry, the town is transitioning to a regional tourist hub. We stay the night and enjoy a delicious 2-course dinner. Day 4 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Leigh Creek Outback Resort overnight

Touring through Outback Town Hawker on route to Adelaide 

Lake eyre tour highlights & inclusions.

• Pickup from Adelaide City Hotel around 7 am
• All Meals from Lunch Day 1- Lunch Day 5
• Drinking Water and Fruit
• All Ensuited Accommodation Dbl/Twin Share
• 1x Night Standpipe Port Augusta
• 1x Night Underground Motel in Coober Pedy
• 1x Night Ensuited Cabins at William Creek
• 1x Night in Leigh Creek Outback Resort
• Lochiel and Loch Eel
• Arid Lands Botanical Gardens
• Wadlata Outback Centre
• Woomera Rocket Range

• Coober Pedy Town Tour
• Opal Mine Tour
• William Creek
• 1 hour Lake Eyre Scenic Flight 
• South Lake Eyre Walk
• Marree Sightseeing
• Leigh Creek
• Fully Guided Activities
• Drop Off Adelaide City Hotel or Adelaide Airport

A special thanks for a truly inspiring journey. I am in awe of the detailed organisation in the portage of equipment, supply and food preparation. Accommodation was great as were the many side attractions on-route to feature the trip. A very versatile team of gals with a great sense of humour and efficiency. The sharing of your knowledge was much appreciated. a super package! Thank you for a memorable holiday Lucy and Ken

Email Feedback

Loved every minute of our 5 day tour with Flick and Rita! These guys are such fun, and couldn’t do enough for us. All our attraction visits were great! We loved seeing the opal mine in Coober Pedy, and staying at the William Creek Hotel grounds including flying over Lake Eyre and the Painted Hills! This was such good value, and we would love to tour with them again! They even give you ‘Frequent Flick Points’ on your next tour! Do yourself a favour and give these guys a go!

Tripadvisor

My husband and I have just returned from the 5 day Lake Eyre tour. The personalised service provided by the team was exceptional. In addition to good meals, we had an ample supply of fresh fruit and water on board – a great idea! Accommodation was good – loved our overnight stay underground at the Coober Pedy Lookout Cave. There are many highlights – our favourites were the Arid Lands Botanical Gardens (Port Augusta), Woomera Rocket Range, Coober Pedy opal mine tour, the flights from William Creek to the Painted Hills and over Lake Eyre, walking to the edge of Lake Eyre and last but not least, a pleasurable wine tasting session at Claymore Wines, Clare Valley. The chance to experience these remote, magical places has been a dream of ours for years. This tour exceeded our expectations.

5 Day Lake Eyre Tour

3rd April – Departed

27th May – Fully Booked

17th September – Fully Booked

26th October – Seats Available

$2695 per person – 5 Day Lake Eyre Tour

You can add the fabulous Painted Hills Flight with a remote landing for ground explorations, $380 per person.

Upcoming 2025 Departures: May 1st, September 23rd

For a longer tour with a flight over Lake Eyre Channel Country and an overnight stay in Birdsville, you might like to join our 6 Day Lake Eyre Channel Country Tour . Departures are June 11th, June 18th, August 20th and October 8th.

Great affordable small group tour. Standing on Lake Eyre as well as seeing it from the air was awesome. Tour guide Flick was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble. Another highlight was Coober Pedy. Incredible. Outback touring at its best.

Thank you very much for the kind words and pics- very thoughtful.  Our trip was beyond magnificent largely due to your attention to details and passion!! It was perfect and we lament we are no longer away but back on the ‘rats wheel’. However, we look forward to our next trip with you guys; been thinking about it today! We hope you guys are well as with the rest of the team.

Take good care.

Thank you for having us.

Need to travel on a different date? Our Lake Eyre 4WD Tours might be what you are looking for.

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Outback Spirit - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

• +61 1300 763 188 or 0417 244 600

Lake Eyre Tours Flights

Our Lake Eyre Tours and Flights from 2024 include 4WD access to the lake shore, latest bird viewing, and optional spectacular flight choices over Lake Eyre and surrounds viewing the Warburton Groove (major inflow) Elliot Price Conservation Park, (Donald) Campbell Point, Jackboot, Halligan & Belt Bays, Lake Eyre South, major islands & landmarks. Longer flights extension options available – please ask ) to the northern extreme of the lake and the Warburton & Macumba Rivers and southern Simpson Desert region of Lake Eyre North. The longer flights can view the Warburton River, Warburton Groove, Goyder Lagoon Marree Man giant sculpture, or a landing in Birdsville for lunch !!

FULLY ACCOMMODATED IN LOCAL OUTBACK HOTELS

Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre Tours Flights 2024  from Adelaide, Sydney, Broken Hill, Melbourne or Alice Springs –   3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 days

FLIGHT OPTIONS INCLUDES SPECTACULAR  2+ hour flight over Lake Eyre FLOODS & CHANNEL COUNTRY, + EXTENDED FLIGHT OPTION FOR BIRDSVILLE LUNCH, SIMPSON DESERT, CHANNEL COUNTRY, GOYDER LAGOON FLIGHT  * – See details at extras when booking 

Here are dates and availability by month ….. CLICK BLUE ARROW to MOVE MONTHS HERE >>>> …

LAKE EYRE 2024

Lake Eyre region has recently witnessed massive floodwaters from northern rains this year. These waters travelled down the Neales, Macumba, Frome, Cooper Creek, Georgina, Diamantina and Warburton Rivers to fill Lake Eyre and nearby lakes to a level not seen for many years.

You can see a recent satellite image here – https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=132.52769971831015,-30.223839999999992,145.79873971831012,-23.743839999999995&l=MODIS_Aqua_CorrectedReflectance_Bands721

Our tours aim to show you the best this unique region has to offer, including the amazing Mound Springs, iconic landmarks and Old Ghan and pioneer history. Lately our travellers have been impressed with their Lake Eyre flight also incorporating the Painted Hills, a nearby desert region with awesome multi coloured ochre hills. This opportunity will be offered to your group on the tour and availability depends on a consensus to spend approximately half the flight time on Lake Eyre, and half on the Painted Hills. This option only for flights from William Creek. 2024 flights will mostly operate from Marree unless William Creek is included in your itinerary ie usually tours including Coober Pedy and / or  Alice Springs

We look forward to seeing you on your journey soon. Please contact us if you have any questions

Video showing Lake Eyre Tour flights and floods highlights – more details below ….

Below Lake Eyre tours flights map shows 3 options from Marree base Red – 1.5 hour flight – Marree man, Lake Eyre Blue – 2 hour flight – to north of Lake Eyre and Warburton River inflow (where many birds are gathered and nesting). Green – 4.5 – 5 hours with Birdsville lunch stop and to north of Lake Eyre and Warburton River inflow (where many birds are gathered and nesting).

Our Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre Tours and Flights in 2024 include new options for flights including a spectacular 2 hour flight over Lake Eyre viewing the Warburton Groove (major inflow) and Tirari Desert and depart from William Creek . This flight views also Elliot Price Conservation Park, (Donald) Campbell Point, Jackboot, Halligan & Belt Bays, Lake Eyre South, major islands & landmarks. Longer flights extension options available – please ask ) to the northern extreme of the lake and the Warburton & Macumba Rivers and southern Simpson Desert region of Lake Eyre North . The extended flight will view the Warburton River. Learn of the Marree Man giant sculpture.

Next Lake Eyre Tours and Flights in 2024

We aim to find where the best water and wildlife viewing experiences are considered to be at the time, so your guide may visit Lake Eyre South shoreline and lookout, and Oodnadatta Track highlights , such as Mound Springs ( including “The Bubbler”) in the Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park and the old Afghan created palm grove of the old Ghan town of Coward Springs with great railway heritage and a chance for a swim in the warm springs.

A Painted Hills flight is available on some tours if booked. All Lake Eyre tours include Flinders Ranges, Parachilna, Ochre Pits, Oodnadatta & Birdsville Tracks , flight over Lake Eyre.

Lake Eyre Tours and Flights 2024

Following are other Lake Eyre tours that can be tailored for your group or dates

• 3 day Lake Eyre Tours and Flights – See or Book Here
• 4 day Lake Eyre Tours and Flights – See or Book Here

Next 8 day Lake Eyre and Corner Country tour –

• Corner Country tour 8 days via Coober Pedy, Arkaroola, Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges, Birdsville & Lake Eyre – From Adelaide to Birdsville, via Strzelecki Track, Arkaroola, Wilpena Pound, Lake Eyre (flight included), Flinders Ranges to Adelaide or Broken Hill. Cooper Creek, Lake Eyre, Moomba, Innamincka, Birdsville, Burke & Wills Dig Tree, Flinders Ranges to Adelaide. B ook Here

Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

Discover the magic of Lake Eyre in flood with a scenic flight over the main water inflow and travel in genuine small group luxury 4WDs for best bird watching and wildflower viewing.

NEXT TOURS – BOOK NOW

3 or 4 Day tours depart on demand – Longer tour of 5, 6, 8 & 9 days available – please ASK 

Lake Eyre Tours Flights  –  TOURS/ EVENTS

• 4 days – Lake Eyre Tours Flights with Wilpena Pound Coober Pedy via Flinders Ranges, Bunyeroo & Brachina Gorges, Sacred Canyon, Coober Pedy, William Creek . Including 2 Hour Flight option over Lake Eyre and Warburton Groove, lake shore visits and walks, Birdwatching and Lake Shore drive by 4WD, Wetlands bird’s area walk, luxury 4WD transport. Follow the Overland Telegraph Line & Old Ghan Railway Track and visit historic Coward Springs & Curdimurka Railway Sidings and history plus much more. Includes all fees, flight, meals, except 1 at restaurant for ensuite accommodated at Wilpena Pound Resort, Marree & Coober Pedy . Consider also the Wilpena Pound Flinders Ranges flight option. Tour Code LCP4. Connection options to Sydney, Broken Hill or Melbourne  Book NOW
• 3 days Lake Eyre Tours and Flights – Depart from Adelaide return to Adelaide (or Broken Hill options) via Lake Eyre – Includes 2 hour low level flight option over Lake Eyre, lake shore by 4WD, birds areas, see the Old Ghan Railway, Tom Kruse Outback Mailman from “Back of Beyond” truck & history, Oodnadatta Track, Birdsville Track, Marree, Leigh Creek, Copley, Lake Eyre National Park, Flinders Ranges. Connection options to Sydney, Broken Hill or Melbourne LEA3  Book NOW
• Lake Eyre Tours Flights with Wilpena Pound Coober Pedy via Flinders Ranges, Bunyeroo & Brachina Gorges, Sacred Canyon, Coober Pedy, William Creek . Including 2 Hour Flight option over Lake Eyre and Warburton Groove, lake shore visits and walks, Birdwatching and Lake Shore drive by 4WD, Wetlands bird’s area walk, luxury 4WD transport. Follow the Overland Telegraph Line & Old Ghan Railway Track and visit historic Coward Springs & Curdimurka Railway Sidings and history plus much more. Includes all fees, flight, meals, except 1 at restaurant for ensuite accommodated at Wilpena Pound Resort, Marree & Coober Pedy . Consider also the Wilpena Pound Flinders Ranges flight option. Tour Code LCP4. Connection options to Sydney, Broken Hill or Melbourne  Book NOW
• 3 days – Lake Eyre Tours & Flights from Uluru or Alice Springs to Adelaide – Includes 1 hour flight over Lake Eyre flood inflows and lake Eyre shore visit by 4WD for lake shore walk and best birds viewing. Travel the Oodnadatta Track, following the Old Ghan railway & Overland Telegraph Line, Coober Pedy (sleep underground), William Creek, 3 days/ 2 nights. Luxury 4WD transport, fully accommodated for 2 nights, all fees, meals except 1 at restaurant. Tour Code ESA3.  Book NOW
• 4 days – Lake Eyre Tours Flights with Wilpena Pound Coober Pedy via Flinders Ranges, Bunyeroo & Brachina Gorges, Sacred Canyon, Coober Pedy, William Creek . Including 2 Hour Flight over Lake Eyre and Warburton Groove, lake shore visits and walks, Birdwatching and Lake Shore drive by 4WD, Wetlands birds area walk, luxury 4WD transport. Follow the Overland Telegraph Line & Old Ghan Railway Track and visit historic Coward Springs & Curdimurka Railway Sidings and history plus much more. Includes all fees, flight, meals, except 1 at restaurant for ensuite accommodated at Wilpena Pound Resort, Marree & Coober Pedy Consider also the Wilpena Pound Flinders Ranges flight option. Tour Code LCP4. Connection options to Sydney, Broken Hill or Melbourne  Book NOW

Longer tours of 5, 6, 8 & 9 days available – please ASK

More Tours & Dates available in April May and beyond – please ask

3 days tour From Adelaide return to Adelaide includes

Our Lake Eyre tours include a spectacular 2 hour flight over Lake Eyre , (or extension options available – please ask ) to fly over the optimal site for bird sighting , currently being the northern extreme of the lake and the Warburton & Macumba Rivers and southern Simpson Desert region of Lake Eyre North. The extended flight will view the Warburton River, Warburton Groove (major inflow) and Tirari Desert and depart from William Creek. View also Elliot Price Conservation Park, (Donald) Campbell Point, Jackboot, Halligan & Belt Bays, Lake Eyre South, major islands & landmarks. Learn of the Marree Man giant sculpture.

PLUS 4WD with wildlife & bird spotting to lake shore. We aim to find where the best water and wildlife viewing experiences are considered to be at the time, so your guide may visit Lake Eyre South shoreline and lookout, and Oodnadatta Track highlights, such as Mound Springs ( including “The Bubbler”) in the Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park and the old Afghan created palm grove of the old Ghan town of Coward Springs with great railway heritage and a chance for a swim in the warm springs.

A Painted Hills flight is available on some tours if booked. All Lake Eyre tours include Flinders Ranges, Parachilna, Ochre Pits, Oodnadatta & Birdsville Tracks, flight over Lake Eyre.

4 day tour Includes 

• 2 Hour Flight option over Lake Eyre plus water inflow and Warburton Groove
• Fly over Simpson Desert wildflowers , Neales, Macumba & Warburton Rivers
• 3 lake shore visits and walks at ABC Bay, Belt Bay & Lake Eyre South (4 day tour )
• Birdwatching and Lake Shore drives by 4WD
• Wetlands birds area guided nature walks
• Wildflower viewing
• Follow the  Old Ghan Railway Track and visit historic Coward Springs & Curdimurka railway sidings plus much more
• View Tom Kruse “Outback Mailman” from “Back of Beyond” mail truck & history
• Lake Eyre Yacht Club & Marree museum
• PLUS Oodnadatta Track, Birdsville Track, Marree, Leigh Creek, Copley, Lake Eyre National Park, Flinders Ranges. Connection options to Sydney, Broken Hill or Melbourne  Book NOW

Our 4 day Lake Eyre tours include a spectacular 2 hour flight over the Neales  and Warburton Rivers, the Birdsville Track, the & view Cooper Creek over Lake Eyre (north) OR extended Lake Eyre North flight with Warburton River, Warburton Groove and Tirari Desert.

This  includes viewing Cooper Creek, Warburton Groove (the major inflows), Elliot Price Conservation Park, Campbell Point, Jackboot, Halligan & Belt Bays, Lake Eyre South , major islands & landmarks. Learn of the Marree Man giant sculpture.

PLUS 4WD with wildlife & bird spotting to best vantage points at the time of your visit. This may be ABC Bay or Belt Bays. Alternatively at Level Post Bay & Donald Campbell Memorial at Lake Eyre National Park on Lake Eyre shore via Muloorina Station.

Alternatively , depending on where best water and wildlife viewing experiences are considered to be on the day, your guide may visit Lake Eyre South shoreline and lookout, and Oodnadatta Track highlights, such as Mound Springs (including “ The Bubbler” ) in the Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park and the old Afghan created palm grove of the old Ghan town of Coward Springs with great railway heritage and a chance for a swim in the hot springs .

A Painted Hills flight is available on some tours if booked. All Lake Eyre tours include Flinders Ranges, Parachilna, Ochre Pits, Oodnadatta & Birdsville Tracks , flight over Lake Eyre flight .

4 Day Lake Eyre Tours Flights via Coober Pedy William Creek from Adelaide to Adelaide – 4 days / 3 night Tour including Lake Eyre flight, all meals, luxury 4WD transport, 2 Hour Flight over Lake Eyre water inflow and Warburton Groove, 3 lake shore visits and walks at ABC Bay, Belt Bay & Lake Eyre South, Birdwatching and Lake Shore drives by 4WD, Wetlands birds area walk. Follow the Old Ghan Railway Track and visit historic Coward Springs & Curdimurka railway sidings plus much more. Tour Code LCW4  Book NOW

4 Day via Coober Pedy &/or William Creek –

3 Days via Marree –

6 Days –  Arkaroola Wilpena Flinders Ranges Lake Eyre Tours – 6 days/5 nights tour – includes 4WD to Lake shore walk, wetlands walk birds area, spectacular Arkaroola walks and Ridge Top Tour (optional), spot endangered rock wallabies as we drive through Brachina & Bunyeroo Gorges , incredible rock art at Sacred Canyon & Chambers Gorge . Experience the Old Ghan Railway, Tom Kruse “Outback Mailman” from “Back of Beyond” mail truck & history, Oodnadatta Track, Birdsville Track, Marree, Lake Eyre National Park, Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Wilpena Pound walk & optional Wilpena flight.

Available Lake Eyre Tour & Flights –

• 8 Day Corner Country tours, via Birdsville Track, Birdsville, Cooper Creek, Strezlecki Track, Innamincka, Arkaroola & Lake Eyre – From Broken Hill or Adelaide to Birdsville, Cooper Creek, Lake Eyre via Strzelecki Track, Arkaroola, Wilpena Pound, Coongie Lake wetlands area (now need to bypass due to road damage), Outback NSW, Moomba, Innamincka, Birdsville, Burke & Wills Dig Tree, Lake Eyre (flight included), Flinders Ranges to Adelaide or Broken Hill. Price is for comfy camping OR for 7 nights accommodation (with hotel meals selection) upgrade available per person. Rooms are in local hotel or ensuite cabins. https://www.spiritsafaris.com/cornercountrybirdsvilletracklakeeyretours
• 4 Day NSW / QLD Corner Country 4WD Tour FROM Broken Hill to Broken Hill tour via Tibooburra, Milparinka, Cameron Corner, Moomba, Innamincka – 4 Day Corner Country from Broken Hill to Alice Springs via Tibooburra, Milparinka, Cameron Corner, Moomba, Innamincka, Birdsville, Boulia – Explore in the footsteps of Burke & Wills (visit the Dig Tree) this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders. 5 days from Broken Hill (or Sydney, Adelaide or Melbourne by rail, fly or coach options available) Explore in the footsteps of Burke & Wills (visit the famous Dig Tree & historic reserve) this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders, known as Cameron Corner. Travel through giant sheep stations from 100 years ago, witness the Moomba oil fields & mighty Cooper Creek at Innamincka. Travelling in our luxury 4WD Landcruisers, you can stand at the famous Cameron Corner, and stay overnight at the “corner store”. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art sites and hear the tales of the great Cattle drives as we travel the Strzelecki Track – pioneered by Captain Starlight as he stole 1000 cattle from Queensland QLD in 1870. Later, Sidney Kidman & Co and many others made their fortunes on the track pioneered by Starlight. https://www.spiritsafaris.com/NSW-Cameron-Corner-Country-Outback-4WD-Tours

•   5 day Alice Springs to Ayers Rock / Uluru via MacDonnell Ranges & Mereenie Loop Track – via Simpsons Gap, Palm Valley, Hermannsburg, Kings Canyon, Gosse Bluff & MacDonnell Ranges Tours – Arrive Alice Springs day prior departure, includes welcome to country, 2 Uluru sunsets, 1 sunrise, 2 nights Uluru, 1 night Kings Canyon, 1 night Glen Helen, ends Uluru after breakfast day 5 in time for flights. Tour Code MAU5 – Please ASK
• Alice Springs OR Uluru to Adealide via Lake Eyre & Coober Pedy – Includes flight over Lake Eyre, travel the Oodnadatta Track, following the Old Ghan railway line, visit Marree, Coober Pedy opals, William Creek, Coward Springs, Leigh Creek, Copley – 3 or 4 days. Tour options to connect to Uluru & connection options from Sydney (Ghan/Indian Pacific Railway) or Melbourne. Tour includes Scenic flight over Lake Eyre. Flinders Ranges, Oodnadatta Track, Marree, William Creek, Coober Pedy, optional Painted Desert Scenic flight, ASK about other dates
•   4 day NSW / QLD Cameron Corner Country 4WD Tour via Broken Hill to Broken Hill tour via Tibooburra, Milparinka, Cameron Corner, Moomba, Innamincka –  v   – Explore in the footsteps of Burke & Wills (visit the Dig Tree ) this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders. Ask about from Sydney or Adelaide options  Book Now
•   6 day Alice Springs to Ayers Rock / Uluru via MacDonnell Ranges & Mereenie Loop Track – via Simpsons Gap, Palm Valley, Hermannsburg, Kings Canyon, Gosse Bluff & MacDonnell Ranges Tours – Arrive Alice Springs day prior departure, includes welcome to country, 2 Uluru sunsets, 1 sunrise, 2 nights Uluru, 1 night Kings Canyon, 2 night Glen Helen, ends Uluru after breakfast day 5 in time for flights. Tour Code MAU6 – same as 5 day with exdtra time for Glen Helen area gorges (Redbank and Ross) – Please ASK
• June – 8 Day Corner Country tours, via Birdsville Track, Birdsville, Cooper Creek, Strezlecki Track, Innamincka, Arkaroola & Lake Eyre – From Broken Hill or Adelaide to Birdsville, Cooper Creek, Lake Eyre via Strzelecki Track, Arkaroola, Wilpena Pound, Coongie Lake wetlands area (now need to bypass due to road damage), Outback NSW, Moomba, Innamincka, Birdsville, Burke & Wills Dig Tree, Lake Eyre (flight included), Flinders Ranges to Adelaide or Broken Hill.  Rooms are in local hotel or ensuite cabins. https://www.spiritsafaris.com/cornercountrybirdsvilletracklakeeyretours

Call us for details 1300 763 188 or + 61 417 244 600 or Book Now

OTHER Lake Eyre region tours WE OFFER and available ..

• Darling River Run 4 days – Sydney to Broken Hil l – Departs Sydney to Nyngan, Bourke, Louth, Tilpa, White Cliffs, Broken Hill. Travel down the mighty Darling River from Bourke to Wilcannia then Broken Hill, with a visit to White Cliffs opals fields & miners stores.
• NSW / QLD  Cameron  Corner Country 4WD Tour via Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Milparinka, Cameron Corner, Moomba, Innamincka  – Explore in the footsteps of Burke & Wills (visit the Dig Tree) this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders. 4 days from & return to Broken Hill (or Sydney, Adelaide or Melbourne by rail, fly or coach)
• From Sydney – Macquarie Marshes, Menindee Lakes & Broken Hill  –  3 days to Explore Outback NSW Rivers and Wetlands after rejuvenation floods. Explore Macquarie Marshes NP, before Kinchega National Park and Menindee Lakes and 1 or 2 nights in Broken Hill. Return by train or plane, or  Cameron’s Corner Country tour  optionally continue with us to Lake Eyre. Connection options to Sydney, Broken Hill or Melbourne.
• Darling River Run & Mungo National Park – Broken Hill to Adelaide via Menindee Lakes, Darling River to Mungo National Park (overnight), Adelaide — Please ask
• Wilpena Pound, Chambers Gorge, Arkaroola & Lake Eyre Tours & Flights from Adelaide or Wilpena Pound – 6 days/5 nights tour – includes 4WD to Lake shore walk, wetlands walk birds area, spectacular Arkaroola walks or Ridge Top Tour (optional), spot endangered rock wallabies as we drive through Brachina & Buyeroo Gorges, incredible rock art at Sacred Canyon & Chambers Gorge. We also experience the Old Ghan Railway, Tom Kruse “Outback Mailman” from “Back of Beyond” mail truck & history, Oodnadatta Track, Birdsville Track, Marree, Leigh Creek, Copley, Lake Eyre National Park, Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Wilpena Pound walk & optional Wilpena flight. Overnights Marree 2, Arkaroola 2, Wilpena 1. Cost including all meals, 1.5 hr Lake Eyre flight & accommodation in hotel / motel / chalet from Adelaide or Broken Hill option.
• Darling River Run – Departs Sydney to Broken Hill   via Nyngan, Bourke, Louth, Tilpa, White Cliffs, Broken Hill.  Travel down the mighty Darling River from Bourke to Wilcannia & Bourke & Wills camp at Menindee Lakes then Broken Hill, with a visit to White Cliffs opals fields & miners stores. Join this small group 4WD tour from Sydney (or reverse from Broken Hill or Adelaide to Sydney) via the Blue Mountains, Bathurst, Dubbo (the Hub of the West), Narromine (soaring capital of Aust.) and Nyngan (1990 flood town) to overnight in Bourke (with paddle boat cruise). Next day enjoy Gundabooka National Park (scenic walks & Aboriginal rock art), and travel the banks of Australia’s longest, the Darling River to Wilcannia and White Cliffs opal fields, then on to Menindee lakes wetlands birds areas Broken Hill. Return by train or plane, or continue to Lake Eyre or Cameron Corner Country & Tibooburra.  From Sydney to Broken Hill or Adelaide options. This tour meets optional tours to Lake Eyre, Innaminka, Dig Tree, Corner Country) All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure.

•   April 21- 25 –  Sydney to Alice Springs – Join this small group 4WD tour from Sydney via the Blue Mountains, or Mungo NP & Darling River Run option),   Bathurst, Dubbo (the Hub of the West), Narromine (soaring capital of Aust.) and Nyngan (1990 flood town), Enjoy a delicious dinner at the famous Palace Hotel in Broken Hill. Then Visit Lake Eyre & Coober Pedy via Oodnadatta Track – via Flinders Ranges, Marree, Lake Eyre National Park, lake shore walk, Oodnadatta Track, Coward Springs, Old Ghan Railway towns & history, William Creek, Coober Pedy (opal mine visit & sleep underground). From Adelaide (or Broken Hill option) to Alice Springs. 3 days/2 nights from Adelaide or 5 days from Sydney –  see calendar above

8 Day Corner Country tours, via Birdsville, Cooper Creek, Strezlecki Track, Innamincka, Arkaroola & Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre Flights from Broken Hill   via Lake Eyre, William Creek, Flinders Ranges –

Lake Eyre Tours & Flights – From Adelaide, Broken Hill, or Alice   Springs includes a lake shore walk, spectacular Lake Eyre flight (longer flights available) over Lake Eyre from Marree, which includes Warburton Groove (the major inflow), Elliot Price  Conservation Park, major islands & landmarks. PLUS 4WD with wildlife & bird watching to Level Post Bay & Donald Campbell Memorial at Lake Eyre National Park on shores of Lake Eyre via Muloorina Station. A Painted Hills flight (from William Creek) is available on some tours if booked.

Lake Eyre Flights from Marree – flight path options Map – Click to enlarge

All our Lake Eyre tours include Flinders Ranges, Oodnadatta Track, Marree, flight over Lake Eyre – Summary below Options include Scenic flights over Lake Eyre, flight over Painted Desert, Flinders Ranges, Oodnadatta & Birdsville Track, Marree, William Creek, Coober Pedy, Scenic flights, Alice Springs.

NEW Tours added – Check Regularly to see Updates or Join Mailing List  

Ask Now:  1300 763 188   or  Book here

Extra Frequent departures available – please ASK

Book EARLY & SAVE

To ensure you receive the latest updates and booking availability

Photos –  Wilpena Pound Tour

Photos – Lake Eyre Tours & Flight

Lake Eyre Facts see – Lake Eyre

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See Kati-Thanda Lake Eyre

Call 0886 707 962 or email [email protected]. Come and see our backyard! 

Current Lake Status

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Call us today to discuss scenic flight options from William Creek, Coober Pedy or Wilpena Pound:

(08) 8670 7962.

Connecting the Australian Outback and beyond 

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Our three Cessna Grand Caravans are ideally suited to carry 13 passengers in comfort.

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Our twin engine Piper Aerostar is perfect for short and long distance charter. Its cruise speed is higher than any other twin in its category, providing an extremely fast and cost effective mode of transport for both passengers and freight. 

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2016, 2017 & 2018 SA Tourism Award Winner

Wrightsair is proud to be the winner of the 2016, 2017 & 2018 Award for "Major Tour and Transport Operator & to have been inducted into the S.A. Tourism 'Hall of Fame'.

Our Top Flights

Experience our most popular flights

Anna Creek Painted Hills

The Anna Creek Painted Hills is a spectacular landmark apart of the pristine Breakaways country, only accessible by a Wrightsair aircraft. 

Flights from $350pp

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre

Wildlife on Lake Eyre - A spectacle not to be missed!

Coober Pedy

Discover the Opal Capital of the world from the air!

Flights from $930pp

Wilpena Pound

In the heart of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

Flights from $225 pp

• Canoeing/Kayaking
• Outback Flights

Brief Itinerary

The flight to lake eyre.

Tours available April, May, June, July and August.

“An unforgettable experience in one of the World’s great arid regions, and to witness something quite spectacular”

“….the scenery was fantastic-how do you describe the colours and sights to people who haven’t seen it?” Sue Ridgewell July, 2009.

“…..we enjoyed our two day flight to see Lake Eyre, the colours and views from the plane were so wonderful and words can’t describe… Thank you and Ralph for the experience…Millicent & Bruce…… May 2010.

..We had an amazing trip with you this time as Nathan was a great pilot giving us good views of the highlights! The green around Birdsville after the flood was terrific to see & I was most impressed with the flight over the Goyder Lagoon and the colours and contrasts of Lake Eyre… H.N ‘19

• 2 days / 1 night

7 :00 am Arrive at Shepparton Airport ( AIR CHARTER TODAY ) and get to know everyone, cuppa. 7 :30 am Take off for Broken Hill, gateway to the great outback. 10:00 am Broken Hill, morning tea (own expense). 1.30 pm “Dig Tree” Burke & Wills history – most famous tree in Australia. 2.00 pm Innamincka, lunch 4:00 pm Sunset Cruise on the Cooper, bird life and refreshments.

7:00 am Day break, bird watching on the creek (optional) 7:30 am Breakfast in hotel dining room 8:30 am Take off for the spectacular flight over the deserts, rivers and the vastness of Lake Eyre and then across to William Creek. 11:00 am Lunch in William Creek Pub. Marree Man, Leigh Creek. 4:30 pm Mildura, via the rugged Flinders Ranges. Afternoon tea (own expense) 6:30 pm Return to Shepparton. Tour ends. Price valid to 31/12/24

Max. 8 PAX $3100.00 p.p Bookings Essential

We also have a flight to Birdsville, which is the same as the Itinerary except on this particular trip we haven’t got time to land in Innamincka and do either the cruise or Burke tree

In August 1841, an expedition led by the famous explorer Charles Sturt, left Adelaide to find out if there was an Inland Sea in the interior, and to discover the country’s geographical centre. Sturt’s expedition headed north into some of the country’s most inhospitable territory, across the great gibber plain now known as Sturt’s Stony Desert, and then into the Simpson Desert. The lack of water finally took its toll, and the expedition turned back.

A year earlier a drover turned explorer, Edward Charles Eyre, was the first European to see the region surrounding Lake Eyre. Lack of water and a severe dust storm welcomed the party. Before returning Eyre did chart large areas of the unexplored country in the hot, dry and arid interior. Writing later he described the region as “Hell on Earth”.

In the warm, humid climate that existed between 20,000 and 40,000 year ago, Lake Eyre was a massive freshwater lake brimming with life. This ancestral lake, called Lake Dieri after the Aboriginal tribe that once inhabited the region, was three times the present size, at least 17 metres deep. The luxuriant tropical vegetation that grew on the shores was grazed by many animals, including the ‘herbivorous diprotodon’, which resembled a giant wombat.

About 20,000 years ago, the climate became drier, the rivers and streams that fed the huge lake petered out and it began to shrink. Strings of much smaller, salty lakes gradually assumed their present shape as they were left scattered across the flat plain. Lake Eyre is both a great salina, or dry salt lake, and a great playa lake, a lake that occasionally floods. The contrast between the dry and wet is staggering. When the rivers run in torrents and the lake fills with this water, it becomes Australia’s largest lake. When it is dry it is the biggest salt pan in the world.

Fish washed down the feeder streams attract vast numbers of water birds to feed and breed in this rare smorgasbord. The birds have been known to breed up to three times in a big flood year.

At the lowest point the land is 16-metres below sea level, making it the lowest part of Australia. When dry the salty crust is thick enough to take the weight of vehicles. In 1964, Sir Donald Campbell set a new land speed record of 403.1 miles per hour in his famous jet powered “Bluebird”.

Lake Eyre National Park covers 1,225,000 hectares of arid desert wilderness, including all of Lake Eyre North, and the adjoining Tirari Desert, this is one of the world’s great arid regions.

3 day Spectacular Flight to Ceduna Whales

“Spectacular Flight tour to Ceduna in South Australia to see the massing of Southern Right Whales at the Head of the Bight”

Easy paced quality tour, fully escorted with accredited Tour Operators. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars.

• 3 days / 3 night

10:00am Arrive at Shepparton Airport ( AIR CHARTER TODAY ) ​10:30am take off, We follow the Mighty Murray to Mildura. lunch available at Mildura Airport (own expense) Mildura to Port Augusta – see the Flinders Rangers to the north. Arrive at Ceduna, and check into Foreshore Hotel/Motel accommodation. Tour of town followed by dinner in the hotel (own expense)

Breakfast in Dining Room and prepare for tour to see the Southern Right Whales. Fly to Nullarbor, drive to head of Bight. Many whales with young may congregate in the sea adjacent to the Bunda Cliffs. Picnic lunch enjoyed at the Yalata Resort. Plenty of time to see the whales. World class viewing of these magnificent gentle animals. Dinner in either hotel dining room, (own expense). Order oysters to be delivered in the morning (own expense).

Breakfast in Dining Room. Prepare to depart, follow coast to Port Lincoln, may see more whales. Lunch in Port Lincoln Spectacular flight over Adelaide. Refuel at Horsham, view the rugged Grampians. 5:00pm Approx Arrive back in Shepparton.

Min. 8 PAX $3,650.00 p.p. Bookings Essential

The first camels into Australia were brought in especially for the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition in 1860. The 25-camels and their 3-handlers were quarantined at Vectis near Horsham in Western Victoria. The camels were then brought to Melbourne for the Great Northern Expedition which set off in August 1860.

​Robert O’Hara Burke, an Irish born policeman, led the party with William John Wills, an English born surveyor and meteorologist, became second in charge. It took the group over 6-weeks to travel through the goldfields of Victoria and they were treated like modern day movie stars with their camels which most of the diggers had never seen before.

Burke, Wills, King and Gray with 6-camels and a horse set off into the unknown from Menindie leaving the remainder of the camels in the care of William Brahe. In February 1861 Burke and Wills reached the marshland near the Gulf of Carpentaria, thus becoming the first people to cross the continent from south to north. Gray died on the return trip to Cooper Creek, the other three reached base at Cooper Creek on April 21, 1861 only to discover that Brahe and his party had left only hours before. Both Burke and Wills perished in the harsh outback but King was found alive in September 1861 after being looked after by the aborigines. Burke and Wills remains were returned to Melbourne for a public farewell however later the Victorian Government inquiry into the tragedy were very critical of Burke and several others.

During this well organized flight tour to Innamincka the modern traveler will discover the difficulties confronting the early explorers, we will be taken to the famous Dig Tree and to the place that Burke died and the actual spot where the rescue party found King as well as many other most interesting facts.

ABOUT ADVENTOURS

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Home Eyre Peninsula, South Australia – From the outback to the ocean

Eyre Peninsula, South Australia – From the outback to the ocean

AT A GLANCE

What to expect.

Experience the untouched and remote beauty of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. From the wildly beautiful outback to the spectacular coastal landscapes, and the wildlife that call them home, you’ll revel in the diversity of this genuine outback-to-ocean tour.

Unsurpassed in its beauty, this region also teems with another truly special quality – genuine hospitality from its colourful characters. You’ll meet a host of locals during your visit to Port Lincoln, the seafood capital of Australia, and the stunning, ancient and geologically fuelled Gawler Ranges.

Each day you’ll enjoy memorable and unique wildlife, geological, culinary, photographic and educational experiences, including a 4WD safari through massive sand dunes, swimming with Australian sea lions and dolphins at the same time (the only place in Australia where you can do this), visiting arguably Australia’s best native koala experience, seeing landscapes that only a few ever see from the raw, rugged and natural coastline to the extraordinary colours of the red sands, blue skies and glistening white salt lakes of the Gawler Ranges.

Accommodation is in the outback at Kangaluna Luxury Bush Camp and then at Port Lincoln’s foreshore looking over Boston Bay.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Arguably the best place for viewing wildlife in their natural habitat – spot koalas, kangaroos and wallabies
• Swim with Australian sealions and dolphins at the same time at Baird Bay – the only place in Australia where you can do this
• Marvel at the beauty of the colourful outback landscapes of Gawler Ranges National Park and spectacular Lake Gairdner with fascinating natural history
• Adventure 4WD through massive sand-dunes, explore secluded rockpools, crevasses and 2643 million year-old caves and rock formations
• Travel with specialised knowledgeable guides from expert bird watchers, conservationists and naturalists who appreciate the distinctive and remarkable diversity of this region

Day 1: Port Lincoln to Kangaluna Camp

Fly from Adelaide Airport with Qantas Airlines arriving at Port Lincoln at 08:45am to be met by your local guide (domestic flights are not included).

Travel through the Kopio Hills and wheat farming lands, taking a coffee break before arriving at Corrobinnie Rocks east of Wudinna. Walk through the stunning formations overlooking the canopy of virgin bush land.  We will pass Wudinna Rock while returning to Wudinna for a lunch stop before continuing into the outback to Kangaluna Camp. After a rest at Kangaluna there is an afternoon tour to begin our wildlife experience – outback animals thrive in this environment. We expect to see three species of kangaroos as well as emus and many birds, returning to Kangaluna after sunset drinks at Kolay Mirica Rocks (organ pipe formations). 

Accommodation: Overnight at Kangaluna Camp with dinner (L,D)

DAY 2:  Lake Gairdner

Breakfast at camp. The area has an extraordinary range of wildly beautiful outback country boasting contrasting colours of red sands and rocky gorges, blue skies and the glistening white of massive Lake Gairdner. It is one of few places that three large species of kangaroos can be seen together, and in amazing numbers.

Today you’ll visit spectacular Lake Gairdner with its glistening white salt pan set in a red landscape. The dunes along the lake yield many animal tracks, flowers in spring, interesting vegetation and birds with endless photographic opportunities. You may see emus and red, western grey and euro kangaroos as we drive through the ancient outback range.

The night sky is an absolute treat. You can enjoy the stars with a computerised telescope after dinner with some astronomy lessons!

Accommodation: Overnight at Kangaluna Camp. (BLD)

Day 3: Gawler Ranges National Park

Breakfast at camp. This morning is leisurely and allows plenty of time to walk through the bush near the camp. Later on you will walk on Lake Sturt in the Corrobinnie Depression and see the array of colours and patterns in the bed of the old lake. This is a geological marvel, with many interesting subjects. Continuing around the lake to Mt Sturt, taking short walks in the nature, you observe a diversity of plants and trees. Visit amazing Pildappa wave rock en-route to an early arrival back to Kangaluna which gives the extra chance to spot some of the 110 species of birds we have observed here and the visiting animals, or relax in the stunning surrounds. Sunset drinks will finish the day at Sturt’s Lake.

Accommodation: Overnight at Kangaluna Camp (BLD)

Day 4: Swim with Australian sea lions and dolphins, Baird Bay to Port Lincoln

An early morning drive to Baird Bay we will board the boat for an unforgettable wildlife experience. On the 5 kilometre journey to a lagoon at Jones Island near Cape Radstock (at 160 metres, it is one of the highest sheer points on the southern coast of Australia) you can watch Bottlenose dolphins ride the bow wave of the boat, and join these magnificent mammals in shallow water. Cross the bay to visit a resident colony of rare Australian sea lions and experience playing face to face with these agile and friendly mammals as we wade in protected shallow lagoons. You may very well be smooched by these animals. After lunch on the beach we leave Baird Bay and visit Venus Bay, Elliston and enjoy magnificent coastal scenery on the journey to Port Lincoln.

Accommodation: Overnight at Port Lincoln Hotel (BL)

Day 5: Hiking, Birds and Koalas

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning meet your Port Lincoln local guide who will greet you at the Port Lincoln Hotel before viewing the small coastal hamlet of Tulka where waders, swans and sea birds can be seen from the bird hide. This is another known location for southern emu-wrens near a historical well, first dug by Captain Matthew Flinders when he explored the area in 1802, which saved his expedition. From here, we take you to Lincoln National Park and the Spalding Cove area, where we follow Matthew Flinders Journey and his hike (although we now have hiking tracks) up Stamford Hill to see spectacular views of Boston Bay, Port Lincoln and the National Park. In this area, there are 130 species of birds listed in the National Park as well as many western grey kangaroos, emus and lizards.

Lunch is picnic style in amongst nature & from here, we take you out to beautiful Mikkira Station, arguably one of Australia’s very best habitats where koalas can be found in the wild. Visit the restored original homestead and go for a stroll under the beautiful old eucalypt trees and come face to face with the cuddly icon of Australia as they laze in the manna gums where you’ll see koalas at eye level. Wild but placid kangaroos casually hop around in this historical setting, where in 1842 Scotsman Adam Borthwick and his family made their home as one of the very first settlers of the region.

Part of today’s activities is to join local organisation, Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board’s (EPLB) citizen science programs. These programs aim to record rare species of animals, birds and reptiles such as the Rosenberg’s goanna, echidnas, malleefowl and iconic birds like the white bellied sea eagle, osprey, bush stoned curlew & the Australian bustard.

Emus roam around amongst mobs of sheep and there is astounding native birdlife, some of which are rare including Port Lincoln (Australian ringneck) parrots, black-faced cuckoo-shrikes, pallid cuckoos, golden whistlers and an occasional scarlet robin. As the sun settles for the evening, we will relax with a platter of local produce, wine and listen to the sounds of nature. It’s beautiful!

Day 6: Oysters and Conservation

Breakfast at the hotel. First up is an introduction to the city from one of the best vantage points in South Australia – Winters Hill. From here you’ll enjoy vistas over Boston Island, Boston Bay and all the way out to stunning Port Lincoln National Park. Next stop is at Big Swamp Wetland, a highly valuable ecosystem that helps with water purification, groundwater replenishment, and water storage and flood control. The wetland is actually three, seasonal freshwater lakes with a large and ancient red gum forest, creating a unique habitat for rare wildlife, bird species, threatened plant species, freshwater tortoise, native fish and invertebrates.

From here we head further up the coast to the beautiful region of Coffin, Kellidie and Dutton bays, which are known for their world-famous oysters, highly prized marron (closely related to the crayfish) and yabbies, as well as a variety of important species of flora and fauna. There are no other comparable systems of bays and inlets in such compact form anywhere on the coast, which is why this area is classified as a maritime wilderness area.

We take a 1.5-hour tour with a Coffin Bay oyster farmer on his oyster cruise. You will be shown and educated about the Pacific and the Native Angasi Oyster from a picturesque oyster-lease in the bay of Coffin Bay. This is a typical operation that contributes to the 60 tonnes of oysters that are trucked out of Coffin Bay every week with the farmer explaining and showing you the whole Oyster growing process. Fresh out of the rack, you get to sample these magnificent Oysters proving why they end up in the top restaurants around the world. 

A gourmet seafood lunch and then our afternoon highlight, that will educate and inspire you with an appreciation of the natural environment in a ‘critically endangered ecological community’. Learn about ‘bushtucker’, listen to the sounds of the didgeridoo, experience water divining and check out Australia’s cutest animal, the native pygmy breeding program. 

Next we meander out to the Coffin Bay National Park, which offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in South Australia, ranging from ancient granite, limestone and sandstone cliffs to long beaches bordered by white sand dunes. Wildlife is plentiful throughout the 31,000 ha National Park with Western grey kangaroos, emus, goanna’s and snakes and dolphins in the bays. There are plenty of stops for photographic opportunities and you get to breathe in the fresh aromas of sea air and stretch out on one of Eyre Peninsula’s best and picture perfect, golden sandy beaches.

Day 7: Seafood and Art

Breakfast at the hotel and then get to know Port Lincoln.

This morning you’ll visit the MFV  Tacoma , the first purpose-built purse seine fishing boat and tuna clipper, which ultimately changed the course of pelagic fishing in Australia. After that you’ll tour the Fresh Fish Place, where you’ll see the full process a fish goes through, from ocean to plate. Meet local fisherman as they drop off the catch of the day from all over the Eyre Peninsula. At the end of the tour, you’ll sample a tantalising selection of in-house smoked fish and pickled seafood. Next we take you on a guided walk with a former local fisherman, through the Marina Wharf to learn about the largest professional fishing region in the Southern Hemisphere.

Meet Ken Martin, a master sculptor in bronze and wood. His artwork comes in the forms of busts, full figures, animals, humans and abstract. He’s most famous for his Makybe Diva statue in Port Lincoln and the newly revealed The Tuna Poler on the town’s foreshore.

Day 8: Coastal Geology

After breakfast at the hotel we 4WD through Lincoln National Park to learn about the caves, rockpools, ancient rock formations, crevasses and more. A major highlight are the massive wind-sculpted sand dunes, pounding surf and spectacular limestone cliffs along the 14km Sleaford-Wanna 4WD-only track.

Visit Sleaford Mere Conservation Park, a shallow permanent saline lake that is notable as a bird habitat and a large land-locked population of skates. Species of conservation significance include the fairy tern and southern emu-wren. Our expert guide explains the historical, geological and hydrological significance of the lake and the remarkable stromatolites that line the lake’s edge.

Next we head to Whalers Way, an ancient rocky coastline with a series of natural bays and headlands. Each stop along the dusty track is another superb photo opportunity, as the coastline and native wildlife inhabiting the area are truly spectacular. Further along is Cape Wiles, named after the botanist James Wiles who sailed with Flinders in 1802. Dozens of fur seals splash around the base of the two golden sandstone islands just off the point, protected on one side from the harshness of the Southern Ocean. Next we stop at Cape Carnot. The south-westerly tip of the Eyre Peninsula, it was named in 1802 by French explorer Nicholas Baudin. Theakstone’s Crevasse is the final stop along Whaler’s Way before the journey back into Port Lincoln. The crevasse is a deceptively deep fissure along a fault line, formed over millions of years. For the record, the gully is 13m deep with 9m high walls and extends 30m underground!

Make sure you bring your bathers as we might find some hidden picturesque rock- pools to explore.

Day 9: Departure from Port Lincoln

Breakfast at the hotel. Tour ends after breakfast, transfer to Port Lincoln airport or stay longer and have some time to explore, ask our friendly team for suggestions.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Private professional, local and experienced guides
• Fully guided in luxury Toyota Landcruiser 4WD vehicle/s
• 8 nights accommodation at Kangaluna Camp and Port Lincoln Hotel
• Meals as outlined in the itinerary
• Selected beverages, water, morning or afternoon tea/snacks
• All daily activities, permit and entry fees

COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE

• Domestic or international airfares
• Pre-registration, late check-out or day use at hotels other than specified above
• Guide services other than specified
• Meals/beverages other than specified, alcohol
• Tips and gratuities Optional tours/services.

Trip testimonials and reviews

“ The trip was a thoroughly wonderful experience. Port Lincoln and the surrounding national parks were fascinating. The coastal scenery from Port Lincoln north was spectacular and a total contrast to the dramatic inland landscapes we experienced in the Gawler Ranges. The staff looked after us exceptionally well, in addition to being great sources of information about all aspects of their respective territories. It is hard to pick highlights from such a quality trip but high on the list would have to be swimming with the sea lions and the Kangaluna bush camp. We can’t suggest any improvements. We were very happy with the itinerary and the organisation of the whole trip AND we were so grateful to have been able to travel at all.” – Priscilla & Peter, NSW

Until further notice: from 1st October 2021 we will require that all participants on our tours must be fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved vaccine against Covid-19 with the final dose administered no later than two weeks prior to departure. See terms and conditions for more details.

Want to know more or register your interest?

Send us an email to  [email protected]  or call 1300 241 141. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Lake Eyre Tours

Lake eyre tours: there’s so many, how can you choose the right one.

Travelling down to Lake Eyre over Easter this year, we were stunned at the number of Lake Eyre Tours that were available. (We were also absolutely stunned by the number of tourists at William Creek, but that’s another story!)

People were coming in via bus, small charter plane, via 4WD, and even as part of luxury tours with 5 star meals. Although most of the city slickers weren’t opting for the 5 million star accommodation like we did (that’s camping in a swag!).

There’s a huge range of choices! If you’re thinking about going, now (2011) is the time to do it whilst the lake is nearly full.

People often ask us for recommendations about Lake Eyre tours and Lake Eyre accommodation , as well as about camping and road conditions.

We’re advocates of slow travel in the outback with your own car/4WD, and as we don’t know everyone’s personal tastes, it’s sometimes hard for us to recommend one tour over another.

After all, in the 20 years we’ve lived here, we’ve driven to most off-the-beaten-track places in our own vehicles and camped.

However, as Gary has very close dealings with the tourism industry and sits on a couple of important outback tourism boards, we do get to know a lot about tours and tour operators.

As a ranger, he also deals with tour operators firsthand ­ approving their permits and making sure they do the right things in national parks!

No, we don’t know everything -and we don’t pretend to- but we can give you a few pointers!

There are two popular options here that we can suggest . As we’ve said above, this isn’t meant to be the last word on Lake Eyre tourism , just our suggestions.

Be warned, no Lake Eyre Tour is cheap! Most start at around $1500 AUD and go upwards.

The first option is a Lake Eyre air tour . This is where you get on a flight in a capital city, and spend 3, 4, or even 5 days flying to some pretty amazing places around the outback.

Some tours stay in simple outback ‘donga’ style accommodation or outback pubs, and offer ‘luxury’ inclusions like great food and wine.

Other tours give you the ultimate outback experience: camping in a swag under the stars.

Watch this short clip to see what a tour to Lake Eyre is really like.

Some Lake Eyre air tours give you an exclusive stop-over and accommodation on an outback cattle station where the public isn’t always allowed.

If you’re looking for the tour of a lifetime, and live in Sydney or Melbourne (or Adelaide or Brisbane), then you could take an air tour. You don’t have to worry about off road driving, your food and accommodation is taken care of, and you can fly in and out in as little as 2 days.

The kind of tour I’d take would:

• have a maximum of 6 people
• visit places that the public don’t get to
• focus on nature, Aboriginal culture and European history
• be slow paced, so you get to look around, do some walking, photography and birdwatching
• offer camping rather than just donga or pub accommodation

In other words, I’m looking for something that’s not really like a tour, but more like my own independent style of travel.

Looking around at the options, I haven’t really found anything that’s like this! Most of the Lake Eyre air tours I’ve seen fly Sydney-Broken Hill-Marree-William Creek and back again.

They don’t offer the option of camping at all, and I’m not really certain how much time you’d spend actually at the Lake itself (although all of them fly over the Lake).

So it’s really hard for me to recommend any one tour company here!

Combined Air/4WD Tours of Lake Eyre

My second option would be to join a combined air/4WD tour.

Now this is much more my style! These tours generally start in the capital cities and fly you to either Marree or Coober Pedy. You then transfer into a 4WD bus or vehicle, and off you go.

Lots of these tours combine a short flight over Lake Eyre with side trips that focus on history, visits to Aboriginal communities, walking and birdwatching opportunities. And you get to camp, with all meals included.

No doubt, you’ll have to help out a bit on some of these tours with cleaning up or collecting firewood, but for the camaraderie of drinking billy tea around the campfire, what’s a few dishes?

If I had to recommend any of these tours, I’d recommend Spirit Safaris.

They specialise in culture and history, and have access to places like Kalamurina Station , which is a private conservation reserve run by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy .

This short clip was taken in November 2011. It shows what you’ll see on a Lake Eyre tour with Spirit Safaris:

How awesome is this clip? Can you see why I recommend Spirit Safaris so highly?

What’s more, they take their time, and don’t cram too much sightseing and too many destinations all in one short space.

Choosing The Best Lake Eyre Tour

I know we’ve said it elsewhere on our site: one of the biggest mistakes people make when visiting the outback is trying to see everything all at once in three days! This is one way to guarantee the worst possible experience of the outback that you could imagine!

The same needs to be said for Lake Eyre Tours. Choose your tour wisely. Whilst a flight over the Lake to take a few snaps or video might be your ultimate aim, ask yourself: is that the experience you really want?

Could you ever say that you’d camped alongside the Lake, walked on it, smelled it (it has a unique smell!), or seen the incredible spectacle of the sun set, where sky and lake merge and appear to go on forever?

Obviously not. In our opinion, a quick fly-in-fly-out tour isn’t the best way to actually see the Lake or get a real appreciation of it.

Our other advice is to look for something different. Look for a small, family-run operation which will take you to places off the beaten track, and let you sit down and chat with outback locals, rather than just do the Marree-Coober Pedy-William Creek loop.

Remember, this is the trip of a lifetime, so you might as well make it an experience that gives you quality time and lets you get a feel for Lake Eyre and its surrounds.

And if it’s not a full tour that you’re after, but just a flight over the Lake whilst you’re staying at William Creek or Marree, then please check our Lake Eyre Flights page .

You’ll find our account of an actual flight over the lake and information about all of the companies who do short, scenic flights.

I really hope you’ve enjoyed reading about Lake Eyre tours as much as I have enjoyed writing it (I am absolutely BLOWN AWAY by Lake Eyre, in case you haven’t guessed!)

If you have enjoyed this page then please leave a comment below, and help me out by sharing this important information using the ‘Share this page’ button below.

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Amanda is an adventurer, archaeologist & anthropologist. She is a runner, insatiable reader & believes a bushwalk is not a real walk unless it’s over 10km.

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It’s very helpful and humble advice/information. Thank you so much.

We have No 30 to Dec 4 2019 and would like to see Lake Eyre & Wilpena pound – what can you offer

Hi Margaret, we ourselves don’t offer tours. You would need to contact one of the companies mentioned on the webpage. Cheers Gary

Thanks for another fantastic post, I appreciate your efforts and I love that you do it.

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Our 8 Best Trans-Siberian Rail Tours of 2022

Come with us on truly... The Journey of a Lifetime along the world’s longest railway. See how the landscape and culture changes as you head West to East. See Moscow, Siberia, China and more. Our Trans-Siberian Railway tours are all customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular packages are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Trans Siberian rail tours using the form on the page. Feel free to also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists. Many travelers have found this to be the best way to together, create an unforgettable customized tour for you.

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Besides the below tours, we also offer a luxurious tour by a private train

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This is our shortest version of our Trans Siberian railroad tours but it covers some of the most interesting cities. The trip begins in Moscow, the capital of Russia, then continues on to Yekaterinburg, located in the Ural Mountains and at the edge of Siberia. The tour ends on the shores of Lake Baikal.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any day
• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Irkutsk
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Accommodation The following hotel options are available: 3 stars
• PRIVATE TOUR This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group

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This tour will take you along the full route of the Trans-Siberian railway to 3 of Russia's most interesting cities - Moscow with stunning Red Square, the Kremlin and Cathedrals, Irkutsk located in the heart of Siberia and home to the great Lake Baikal and Vladivostok - the King of the East with its harbor of the Golden Horn and Amursky Bay on the Pacific Ocean.

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• Route Moscow - Irkutsk - Ulan Bator - Beijing

The Great Journey - East to West

This trip lasts for 2 weeks and passes through 6 fascinating cities. Starting in Vladivostok with its harbour of the Golden Horn and passing through the Buddhist city of Ulan-Ude, then to Irkutsk - home of magnificent Lake Baikal and onto Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg - very dynamic Siberian cities, and finally ending in golden-domed Moscow.

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• Route Beijing - Ulaanbaatar - Irkutsk - Yekaterinburg - Moscow

Trans-Sib through Russia - Mongolia - China

This exciting Trans-Siberian tour takes you to three countries - Russia, Mongolia and China. From Moscow you will proceed to the Siberian cities of Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk, close to Lake Baikal. Then you will cross Mongolia with its endless steppes and the Goby Desert, and finally arrive in China with the Great Wall and more.

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The tour is a great opportunity to visit three countries on one trip. You will be delighted with the capital of Russia, see the border of Europe and Asia in Yekaterinburg, admire beautiful nature in Krasnoyarsk, see the world's largest lake Baikal, steppes of Mongolia and China's cultural heritage.

• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Krasnoyarsk - Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing

My wife & I have just completed the Journey of a Lifetime 16 day 15 night Trip as organised by Express to Russia. We also had a tour of St Petersburg & Moscow as well. The planning & execution of both trips was well above our expectations. The guides we had in all of our destinations were exceptional & the meet & greet & return to the stations went as smooth as clockwork. We had one minor hitch but that was through no fault of Express to Russia..a quick email from our Ipad had the problem resolved immediately We did have some misgivings at the start about doing the booking online ourselves but Elena was wonderful & answered all of our questions promptly & to our satisfaction. We felt comfortable with the whole process.The train trip is wonderful with Mongolia being a "special " place for us! We highly recommend Elena & her company. I am happy to answer any questions any body may wish to ask.

Thank you so very much for organizing our trip. Everything went wonderfully, and we really enjoyed our time in Russia. Moscow was beautiful, Lake Baikal was very cold, yet very fun to swim in, and the DPR Koreans that I met and made friends with in Vladivostok was beyond priceless. The guides you got for us did an exceptional job, and the drivers helped us out a lot as well. The hotels you got for us were great, and the room you got for us in the Vladivostok really made the long stay comfortable. The trains were also very enjoyable as was the Russian hospitality, although we really weren´t expecting people to be so generous or helpful. Overall, the trip was wonderful, and you arranged it magnificently. You really went out of your way to accommodate my schedule and help me with my schoolwork, so I really appreciate it; I couldn´t have done it without you. So once again, thank you for all of your efforts, and hopefully in the future you will be able to help us out again. Take care, and thank you for everything.

The Trans-Siberian Express is the longest train journey in the world. The route takes you from ancient Russian cities through deep forests and breathtaking mountains to Siberian outposts and into Asia. You will visit Buddhist temples , Lake Baikal , the Ural Mountains , Vladivostok or Beijing . Express to Russia is a specialist in travel for individuals and small groups along the route. We will make sure that you have an unforgettable journey on this incredible adventure. Choose basic packages below or contact us to arrange your own custom travel.

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Trans-Siberian Train

The main route of the Trans-Siberian Railway begins in Moscow and heads east to Vladivostok passing through Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Ulan Ude, Chita, Blagoveshchensk and Khabarovsk. The length of the route is 9259 km or 5753 miles. The train travels through 7 time zones and takes 8 days to complete without making overnight stops. The Trans-Siberian splits off into a few other fascinating directions as well:

Trans-Mongolian Train

The Trans-Mongolian Line was built from 1940 to 1956 between Ulan-Ude at Lake Baikal’s eastern shore and the Chinese capital Beijing. From Ulan-Ude the tracks go south towards Mongolia, crossing the great Gobi Desert and finally ending up in Beijing. This route is a mere 7867 kilometers long (Moscow - Beijing).

Trans-Manchurian Train

The Trans-Manchurian Line runs on the same route as the Trans-Siberian as far as Tarskaya, which is a few hundred miles east of Baikal. From Tarskaya, the line runs southeast into China near Zabaikalsk and makes its way down to Beijing. This route is a 9001 kilometres long (Moscow - Beijing).

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Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

Where does the trans-siberian railway start and where does it end.

The Trans-Siberian Railway starts in Moscow and extends all the way to Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean. This route connects the European part of Russia, the Ural region, Siberia and the Russian Far East.

Are Beijing and Ulan Bator stops along the Trans-Siberian railway?

Beijing and Ulan Bator are parts of Trans-Mongolian railway - an offshoot of the main Trans-Siberian Railway. There are many options to arrange your travel: to visit Ulan Bator and or follow the Trans-Siberian railway to or from Vladivostok. 

Can I use the hop-on hop-off principle when traveling by Trans-Siberian train?

Unfortunately, that is not possible. Train tickets in Russia are not open, so you will need a separate ticket with a particular date for each leg of your trip - for example, you may go all the way from Moscow to Vladivostok, but you will only be able to leave the train for short stops at the railway stations. In case if you would like to explore different cities on the way, you will need separate tickets, for example Moscow – Yekaterinburg, Yekaterinburg – Irkutsk, Irkutsk - Vladivostok. We offer carefully planned private tours that will allow you to visit several cities on your way.

Are there showers aboard Trans-Siberian trains?

Most of the Trans-Siberian trains do not have showers, and there are two WCs per each carriage. Please consider it while planning your trip. We recommend to choose shorter distances (that is, to plan more overnight stops in the cities along the way) to avoid the inconvenience of not showering. Another option is to choose the trip on board a more luxurious train which has all the on-board amenities that one might need.

Are meals included on the board of Trans-Siberian express train?

When traveling with RZD regular trains meals are not included. You can easily buy your meals in the restaurant car.  Another option is to buy local specialties from “babushkas” (grandmothers, or simply Russian old ladies) on the short train stops along the way. This is a very authentic way of getting your meals.

What is the most comfortable way to travel on the Trans-Siberian railroad?

There are luxurious trains on the Trans-Siberian railway that are quite different from regular RZD trains and can be described as 5* hotels on wheels. We offer this type of accommodation on the Imperial Russia train where you can enjoy a full board menu, a shower and a comfortable compartment.

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