Lake Eyre is in flood — see Kati Thanda from the air, 2026 season.
Water levels at Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre are the best locals have seen in a generation. One of central Australia's wettest years on record has filled the Channel Country and pushed the inland sea back to life — a sight only a handful of generations ever get to see.
Why 2026 is exceptional
A full flood of Lake Eyre happens only a handful of times per century. This year, sustained rainfall across Queensland's Channel Country has driven enormous inflows down Cooper Creek and the Diamantina, transforming the Simpson Desert margins and filling Kati Thanda to levels that locals describe as the best they have ever seen.
Pelicans, banded stilts and silver gulls have arrived in their tens of thousands. The salt pan has turned to pink and turquoise water. By 2027 or 2028, it may all be desert again.
How to see it
Lake Eyre is bigger than most countries' lakes combined — more than 9,500 km² when full. Most of the water cannot be reached by road. The only way to take in the scale, colour and birdlife in one trip is from the air, low and slow.
Our 5-day private air safari takes a maximum of three guests in a private Cessna 172. We depart Swan Hill or Mildura, route via Broken Hill, Birdsville and William Creek — the gateway to Kati Thanda — then close the loop through the Flinders Ranges. Fully hosted: aircraft, pilot, accommodation, transfers and meals.
5-day itinerary at a glance
- Day 1 · Swan Hill or Mildura → Broken Hill
- Day 2 · Broken Hill → Birdsville
- Day 3 · Birdsville → William Creek (Lake Eyre)
- Day 4 · William Creek → Flinders Ranges
- Day 5 · Flinders Ranges → Home
Frequently asked
Where is Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre?
Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre lies in the far north of South Australia, about 700 km north of Adelaide, inside Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park. It is Australia's largest lake and the lowest natural point on the continent.
How often does Lake Eyre fill?
A full flood of Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre is rare — only a handful of times per century. The 2026 inflows from the Channel Country are among the strongest locals have ever seen, and water levels are exceptional.
What's the best way to see Lake Eyre in flood?
From the air. The lake is enormous and most of the water cannot be reached by road. A low-level scenic flight is the only way to take in the colour, scale and birdlife in one trip.
How do I get to Lake Eyre on this tour?
Our 5-day private air safari departs Swan Hill or Mildura in a private Cessna 172 with a maximum of three guests. We fly via Broken Hill, Birdsville, William Creek (the gateway to Lake Eyre) and the Flinders Ranges — fully hosted, accommodation and transfers included.
Don't wait for the next flood.
The 2026 season is limited. Send Peter and Wendy a note — we'll usually reply personally within 24 hours.
Enquire about 2026 & 2027 →