South Australia: 5-Day Small-Group Luxury Air Tour with Lake Eyre, Wilpena Pound & Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
Trace your way through South Australia’s contrasting landscapes, from bustling metropolis to the wild and rugged outback, on this five-day, small-group tour (max. six travellers) that will leave you in awe, travelling on a private charter plane throughout.
Kick things off with a memorable stay at the recently unveiled Oval Hotel, a boutique property nestled within the walls of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks – Adelaide Oval. Then, take off in your private charter plane to uncover the soul-stirring beauty of the South Australian outback via Innamincka and Cooper Creek before reaching the iconic frontier town of Birdsville. Watch the scenery transform before your eyes as you continue to Big Red, the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert, and soar above the length of the iconic Lake Eyre to Marree. Venture deep onto the otherworldly landscapes of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and Wilpena Pound, and immerse yourself in the historic landscape on a 4WD full-day adventure, before returning to Adelaide via private charter plane.
This unforgettable air tour features four nights of handpicked accommodation, including Adelaide’s brand-new Oval Hotel and Rawnsley Park Station at the edge of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. You’ll also be treated to gourmet dining throughout, with a lunch at the iconic Praire Hotel in Parachilna, where fine dining is sharing a Flinders feral feast with your group. Get ready to see South Australia through new eyes on this unforgettable journey like no other.
Your tour includes:
- Four nights of handpicked accommodation, with two nights at Adelaide’s Oval Hotel, one night at the iconic Birdsville Hotel and one night at Rawnsley Park Station, located at the edge of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
- Private charter flights between Adelaide, Birdsville and Rawnsley Park Station, as per the itinerary
- Daily dining as per the itinerary, including lunch at the iconic Prairie Hotel
- Embark on 4WD adventure to Big Red, the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert
- Soar above Cooper Creek and glistening Lake Eyre
- Marvel at the natural beauty of Wilpena Pound and Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
- The services of an expert guide and all national park entry fees
- Transfers on Days 1, 2 and 4
- Comfortable air-conditioned transport throughout
Your journey takes you to: Adelaide – Innamincka – Cooper Creek – Birdsville – Big Red (Simpson Desert) – Lake Eyre – Marree – Rawnsley Park Station – Wilpena Pound and Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park – Parachilna – Adelaide.
Book with 100% Confidence: If you are unable to travel as a result of Government travel restrictions, Luxury Escapes will assist you with a date change, provide you with a credit or process a refund for your booking less any non-recoverable costs. See Fine Print for details.
Covid-19 health and safety practices: Our expert Tours team is working hard to ensure the highest health standards at every point of your journey. Find out more.
Private Charter Flights — Fly from the cosmopolitan capital into the depths of the South Australian outback
Offering guaranteed forward-facing window seats for all passengers and a maximum capacity of six guests per departure (or fewer if you choose a private tour), this small-group luxury tour will take you to new heights.
Leave the energetic city of Adelaide behind you and soar above the soaring skyline to reach the outback town of Innamincka to refuel, before tracing your way along the magnificent Cooper Creek to reach the frontier town of Birdsville, located deep in the heart of the wild and isolated country.
Then, following the Diamantina River and Warburton from above, prepare for arresting scenery as you soar over Lake Eyre to Marree. Continue with a short flight to Rawnsley Park Station – a functioning sheep station sitting on the edge of Wilpena Pound – before returning to Adelaide, where it all began.
The Accommodation — Stay in the heart of Adelaide, at an iconic outback property and on the fringes of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
A memorable stay awaits at the recently unveiled Oval Hotel, a boutique property nestled within the walls of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks – Adelaide Oval. Wrapping across the eastern façade of the iconic Adelaide Oval, Oval Hotel offers an experience like no other. With a location that boasts sweeping heritage-listed parkland views on one side and the glittering city skyline on the other, an escape here offers a welcome dose of tranquillity – without having to miss out on the lively atmosphere that South Australia’s capital is known for.
Spend the night at The Birdsville Hotel – an iconic outback escape steeped in history. First built in 1884, the hotel and pub offers a stay like no other.
Nestled on the fringes of the ancient Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, set at the foot of Rawnsley Bluff near the magnificent Wilpena Pound, the iconic Rawnsley Park Station is about as close as you can get to the National Park without actually being in it, and is the perfect place to relax in the outback.
Your tour begins and ends at Adelaide Airport (ADL).
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Please do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed.
Please book your flights to arrive anytime on Day 1 and depart any time after breakfast on Day 5.
Transfers are included in Day 1, 2 and 4 only, as per the itinerary. You MUST complete your booking form within 48 hours of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements. Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information: South Australia
Time zone: AEST GMT +10:30
Telephone: +61
Currency: AUD
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.
Language: English
Climate: Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers (December to February) and mild winters (June to August).
Day 1: Adelaide
Arrive in the city of Adelaide, where the day is yours to spend as you wish. From Adelaide Airport (ADL), you will be transferred to your accommodation for a memorable stay at the recently unveiled Oval Hotel, a boutique property nestled within the walls of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks – Adelaide Oval. On arrival, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink in the hotel lounge, overlooking Adelaide Parklands and St Peter’s Cathedral.
Perfectly positioned just moments from the endless urban delights found within the city, the location lends itself to days spent wandering through premier retail precincts including Rundle Mall, afternoons admiring ever-changing exhibitions at the acclaimed art galleries and museums, and evenings sampling regional delights at the city’s lively restaurants and bars.
Want to know more about Adelaide? Our insider travel guide includes handpicked places to eat and drink, the best activities in the area and special experiences to make your trip memorable.
Accommodation: Oval Hotel
Day 2: Adelaide – Innamincka – Cooper Creek – Birdsville
Be ready in the hotel reception before 7.30am for your included private transfer to Adelaide Airport (ADL), where you will enjoy a private charter flight. Find yourself in awe of the striking landscapes as you venture deep into South Australia’s most incredible outback wilderness to reach your first stop for lunch and a chance to refuel – Innamincka. This surprising oasis in South Australia’s rugged outback acts as the gateway to the vast Innamincka Regional Reserve.
Then, watch the ground disappear below as you take off to trace Cooper Creek to reach the Burke and Wills Dig Tree. Later, land in the frontier town of Birdsville, situated between the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert, the vast gibber plains of Sturt’s Stony Desert to the south and rich Channel Country to the north, where you’ll spend the night and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Birdsville Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Birdsville – Big Red (Simpson Desert) – Lake Eyre – Marree – Rawnsley Park Station
Leave Birdsville behind you as you rise with the sun for a 4WD tour of Big Red, a famed sand dune that marks the symbolic edge of the Simpson Desert. Standing over 30 metres tall, Big Red is the ultimate destination to watch the sun ascend above this breathtaking landscape.
Then, it’s time to board the aircraft for a flight over the Diamantina River and Warburton, soaring across the length of Lake Eyre to reach the town of Marree for lunch. Afterwards, you’ll be whisked away to Rawnsley Park Station. Overlooking the southern side of the stunning Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park Station provides the perfect base for exploring South Australia’s beautiful Flinders Ranges. A hugely significant Indigenous cultural site, this magnificent natural amphitheatre is the centrepiece of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and the backdrop for this unique outback retreat.
As you sit down to dinner at The Woolshed Restaurant (or similar), marvel at the tranquil surrounds of the outback and recap of your adventures from the day.
Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Rawnsley Park Station – Wilpena Pound and Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park – Parachilna – Adelaide
Take a moment to inhale the fresh outback air while listening to the unique sounds of the Australian bush and prepare for a full-day tour of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and Wilpena Pound – one of South Australia’s iconic destinations. Then, lunch will be at the Prairie Hotel, renowned for its Flinders feral feast and heralded as South Australia’s favourite outback pub. Later, you will board the plane back to Adelaide Airport (ADL), before you’re transferred back to Oval Hotel.
Accommodation: Oval Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Adelaide
After breakfast, the day is yours to explore Adelaide or make your own way to the airport (ADL) for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast