Departing from ALBURY, WAGGA, BATHURST, CANBERRA and BANKSTOWN

The Lake Eyre basin is one of the largest internally draining systems in the world and covers about 1.3 million square kilometres. The main river systems on the east side of the basin are the Cooper, the Diamantina-Warburton and the Georgina, which arise in the humid sub-tropics and discharge towards Lake Eyre, about 1,000km away in the inwardly draining centre of the continent.

Cooper Creek spreads out into a vast area of meandering ephemeral channels, making its way roughly south into the far south-west corner of Queensland, before turning due west into South Australia and on towards Lake Eyre. In most years, the Cooper is absorbed into the earth, goes to fill channels or permanent waterholes, or simply evaporates without ever reaching Lake Eyre.

In wet years like 2010 and 2011, the Cooper manages to flood the entire Channel Country and reaches Lake Eyre after flowing through several dry desert areas. Typically, during floods, the rivers expand to extraordinary widths, resulting in sheets of water up to 70km wide on the Cooper below Windorah and up to 500km wide on the Diamantina and adjacent channels above Birdsville.

The rainfall of the Lake Eyre basin is exceedingly erratic, and catastrophic droughts and floods tend to be the normal state of affairs throughout this region. Historically, Lake Eyre has a 1.5m flood every three years; a 4m flood every decade and a fill or near fill, four times a century. After our recent extraordinary weather patterns, this could be the last year for some time that we see the lowest point of Australia filling with water. So come and see it while you can!

Your tour includes:

• All flights and transfers
• Tour of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum in Broken Hill
• Dinner, bed and breakfast (twin share) at Rawnsley Park Station in the Flinders Ranges in a fabulous 4* Eco-Villa
• Sunset viewing tour of Wilpena Pound from Chace Range
• Dinner, bed and breakfast (twin share) at the historic (but basic) Royal Hotel, Bedourie
• Private vehicle tour of waterways, birdlife and other local attractions around Bedourie with a life-long resident of the area whose local knowledge is unsurpassed
• Experiences of either the Dig Tree or Innamincka on the Cooper Creek, depending on ground conditions at the air strip.

Tour price:
From $3199 per person departing from Albury.

From $3249 per person departing from Wagga Wagga and Bathurst.

From $3299 per person departing from Canberra and Bankstown.

Pricing is subject to departure point and confirmation of itinerary. NB: the per person prices are based on 6 people travelling together.

Please specify if you would prefer the private use of the aircraft or are happy to share with others.

A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking and the balance is payable 14 days prior to departure.

How to book:
Phone (02) 6021 2929 or email Smartair to book, or call into our office at Albury Airport. We'll forward you a booking form, and when we receive this with your deposit, we'll send a confirmation letter and receipt, and you'll receive an email reminder or update just prior to departure. Please ask if you would like assistance booking accommodation before or after your air tour.

Cancellations:
Sorry but we cannot accept cancellations less than
21 days prior to departure. Prior to that you will be charged a percentage of the fare if you cancel.

Luggage & weight:
Please make sure you travel with a small, soft bag weighing a maximum of 7kg. Don't pack a rucksack or hard case. When booking, let us know your approximate weight.

The fine print

• Itinerary is subject to variation if deemed necessary for operational reasons such as bad weather.
• Dinner (in the restaurant) and breakfast (in your room) are included. Lunch, snacks and alchohol are not included and are at your own expense.
• You are travelling to the outback and the standard of food and accommodation in Bedourie is basic, but it's clean and comfortable, and we love it!
• Car parking is available free of charge at Smartair and we can transfer you to Smartair on request. Complimentary drink bottle and hat provided.