Taste of the Outback (3 days)

Birdsville to Arkaroola via Lake Eyre ( B,L,D)

Once you’ve devoured a hearty Birdsville breakfast, take a low-level flight down the Diamantina River, Goyder Lagoon and the Warburton River, before experiencing a spectacular journey over Lake Eyre North.

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, traditional home to the Arabana and the Dieri People, is an incredible destination, magnificent whether in its usual dry, flat, salt-plain state, or during those rare periods when rains in the gulf have filtered down to create an oasis in the desert.  At Muloorina Station, take in the vista of an enormous sea of white on a private part of the lake not available to the public.  In 1963-64, Donald Campbell stayed at Muloorina Station during his attempt at, and eventual nabbing of, the land-speed record in his jet-powered Bluebird car.

Back in the sky, it’s a short flight over the Flinders Ranges, where the late afternoon sun exposes the vibrant palette of colours on the mountains.  Then, a 30-minute drive to Arkaroola Wilderness Resort.

Reg Sprigg bought Arkaroola in 1968 in order to protect its diverse minerals and rock types.  Sir Douglas Mawson, who was a geologist in addition to being a noted Antarctic explorer, was Reg’s mentor.  They believed there was a geological similarity between Antarctica and the area around Arkaroola.  Ahead of his time, Reg practised eco-tourism at Arkaroola long before the word was invented, returning the pastoral land to its natural state and placing strict conditions on access to the area.  Doug Sprigg, Reg and his wife Griselda’s son, is the current owner, and has inherited his father’s passions for geology, astronomy and wildlife protection.

After dinner, enjoy awesome views of the stars and constellations in the clear night sky at the resort’s observatory.

Overnight: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Mawson Room

Arkaroola to Melbourne (B,L,D)

Begin the last day with the famous Ridgetop Tour in an open-air 4WD vehicle to Siller’s Lookout where you’ll experience the ruggedness and beauty of the Northern Flinders Ranges.  Home to over 160 species of birds and the shy and endangered yellow-footed rock-wallaby, along with craggy mountains, towering granite peaks, magnificent gorges and mysterious waterholes.

In the afternoon it’s time to head home.  Fly over Lake Frome en-route to Melbourne, arriving at Moorabbin Airport at around 6.00pm.