SCENIC FLIGHTS
FROM PARACHILNA
Photograph courtesy of Birdsville Aviation
Some parts of the outback are only truly understood from the air.
Departing from Parachilna, our collaboration with BIRDSVILLE AVIATION offers a curated way to experience Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre and the Channel Country - vast, remote and constantly changing.
With access from the north currently limited, PARACHILNA IS A GATEWAY TO THIS PART OF AUSTRALIA, allowing you to arrive via sealed roads and step straight into landscapes that are rarely seen like this. It’s a chance to experience the Flinders, the outback, and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre in one of their most remarkable states - without the long drive north.
HALF DAY KATI THANDA – LAKE EYRE SCENIC FLIGHT
Departing from Prairie Hotel, Parachilna
This half-day Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre flight places you in the middle of a rare outback moment.
From above, you’ll watch water move through the lake system, the vast salt pan transform, and the Flinders Ranges refreshed after recent summer rains.
Track north over Lake Torrens and the northern Flinders Ranges before crossing the Oodnadatta Track and into Lake Eyre South. Continue to Belt Bay, the deepest point of the lake and the lowest place in Australia, before heading west to William Creek for a short break and morning tea.
Back in the air, follow the Warburton River system as it feeds the lake, tracing the eastern shoreline to the Cooper Creek inlet and across Madigan Gulf. The return journey takes you south over Lake Eyre and the Willouran Ranges before touching back down at the Parachilna airstrip.
You’ll return to the Prairie in time for sundowners and dinner, available to enjoy on arrival, the perfect full stop to a day that begins and ends in one of Australia’s most iconic outback pubs.
Tour Details
CESSNA 210 AIRCRAFT
minimum 2 - maximum 4 passengers
4.5 hours total
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3.5 hours flying
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1 hour at William Creek
Inclusions
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Scenic flight with informative commentary
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Landing at William Creek
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Morning tea
Pricing
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4 passengers - $995 per person
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3 passengers - $1195 per person
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2 passengers - $1295 per person
OUTBACK PUB PILGRIMAGE
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre & Birdsville Overnight flight, departing from Prairie Hotel, Parachilna
Start your journey at the Prairie.
From here, take to the air and experience the outback at its most expansive and alive, from the Flinders Ranges to Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre and deep into Channel Country.
Track north over Lake Torrens and the northern Flinders Ranges before crossing the Oodnadatta Track and into Lake Eyre South. Continue to Belt Bay, the deepest part of the lake and the lowest point in Australia, before heading west to William Creek for a short break and morning tea.
Back in the air, follow the Warburton River system as it feeds the lake, tracing its path north into the vast wetlands of the Goyder Lagoon. From here, continue along Eyre Creek, crossing into Queensland and over Big Red before arriving in the iconic outback town of Birdsville.
You’ll spend the night at the legendary Birdsville Hotel, with time to settle in and experience this remote and storied place.
No visit to Birdsville is complete without Big Red, famous for being the tallest dune at the gateway to the Simpson Desert. Join a sunset tour to this remarkable landmark, drinks and nibbles are included.
Back at the hotel, enjoy dinner from a menu and wine list that consistently surprises, or take a seat in the front bar with the locals.
After a comfortable night and a hot breakfast, day two begins with a flight south following the Diamantina River back through Goyder Lagoon and across the Sturt Stony Desert to meet Cooper Creek. From the air, witness the creek as it crosses the Birdsville Track and the historic Cooper Barge crossing, before continuing south.
The final leg takes you back over the northern Flinders Ranges and Leigh Creek before touching down at Parachilna.
You’ll return to the Prairie Hotel, where the story continues over a cold drink and a memorable dinner, available to enjoy on arrival.
Tour Details
CESSNA 210 AIRCRAFT
minimum 2 - maximum 4 passengers
1.5 day over-night tour
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5.5 hours flying time
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1 hour at William Creek
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Over-night Birdsville
Inclusions
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Two nights accommodation (1st & 3rd nights) at the Prairie Hotel in a King or Twin Outback Room
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Scenic flight with informative commentary
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Morning tea at William Creek
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Big Red Sunset Tour
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Overnight accommodation at the Birdsville Hotel in an ensuite Queen or Twin room
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Cooked Breakfast daily
Pricing
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4 passengers - $2,340 per person
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3 passengers - $2,800 per person
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2 passengers - $3,800 per person
BOOKING YOUR FLIGHT
To ensure each experience is carefully curated, from group size to timing and conditions, all bookings are confirmed personally by our team.
Submit your details here and we’ll be in touch to finalise your journey.
You can also contact us directly via -
phone: +61 428 882 020
Looking for a alternative scenic flight? We can tailor an experience for you!
LOOKING FOR YOUR OWN ADVENTURE?
Start your journey at The Prairie Hotel, where comfort meets the outback.
Prefer to explore at your own pace? Our self-guided adventure itineraries are the perfect companion to your stay at the Prairie Hotel. Scenic drives, rewarding walks and iconic Flinders landscapes, all mapped out for you. Your outback adventure, your way.
Photograph courtesy of South Australian Tourism Commission