Outback Air Tours 2011
Images © Chris Whitelaw
Capital Travel Manuka in conjunction with Brindabella Airlines are proud to present our exclusive 2011 Outback Air Tours. If you missed out on our stunning tour series last year or simply wish to come back for more, then here's your chance!
Your personal pilot will have you soaring over the Great Outback's amazing landscape and savouring some seriously breathtaking views from the panoramic windows of our private aircraft.
From the vast expanse of Lake Eyre to the rocky gorges, billabongs and profusion of wildlife hosted by Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and Wilpena Pound – it's yours to enjoy for three unforgettable days.
So what makes this experience so great? Well the awe inspiring greatness of Lake Eyre for starters. Measuring 1.2 million km sq in area (we're talking Germany, France and Italy combined!), recent flooding has seen this natural phenomenon approach capacity – an event scientists have tipped to occur this year with Queensland flood waters and the rains from Cyclone Yasi working their way towards the basin.
Normally a brittle, salt crusted landscape, Lake Eyre has only filled thrice in the past 150 years. When it does, it’s spectacular! Cormorants, terns, brine and shield shrimp are among those to emerge - seemingly from out of nowhere - when the waters hit.
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and Wilpena Pound offer a profound contrast to the wide open plains of Lake Eyre. An earthy masterpiece created by Mother Nature herself, this rugged terrain is awash with colour and rich with wildlife. From the rich red of the rocky gorges to the vibrant display of birds that feather their nests here – some 160 bird species – it's a visual spectacular that will leave you spellbound.
Tour Wilpena Pound on foot and brace yourself for the multi-award winning 4WD Ridgetop Tour operated by Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Undertaken in a customised open-top 4WD, this top notch ecotourism operation takes in some of the most spectacular terrain to be seen with Sillers Lookout the jewel in the crown. While it takes some ‘getting to’ with plummeting slopes and steep ascents navigated by the expert tour guides, it's safe and well worth the adventure…even if it's a little white knuckled along the way!
Come see what all the excitement is about and let us whisk you away for this unique outback encounter.
| Arkaroola Resort |
Fully serviced motel-style rooms with private ensuite. |
| Wilpena Pound Resort |
Fully serviced units featuring queen-sized beds, private ensuites, tea and coffee-making facilities, refrigerators, air conditioning and satellite television. Swimming pool also available. |
| 4WD Ridge Top Tour |
Explore Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in a custom-designed open-top 4WD. Boasting steep ascents and dramatic descents, spectacular scenery and a 1600 million year old geological history - you are sure to have the ride of your life. In safe hands of course! |
| Muloorina Station |
Venture out to Muloorina Station. Set amidst stunning wetlands with an abundance of bird species, this is the ideal starting point for your Dry Edge tour of Lake Eyre complete with picnic lunch. |
NEW! 5 Day Tours
Due to strong demand, special 5 day tours departing 25th-29th July and the 26-30th of September are now available. These tours incorporate:
- Broken Hill
- Arkaroola (with 4WD Ridge Top Tour)
- Muloorina (with Ground Tour to Lake Eyre)
- Aerial flight over Lake Eyre
- Birdsville
- Innamincka (possible trip to Dig Tree or Geodynamics)
- White Cliffs (including accommodation at Underground Motel and tour of an opal mine)
Please contact us for further information.
3 Day Tours
Day 1
- Depart Canberra
- Arrive Broken Hill (morning tea and aircraft refuel)
- Depart Broken Hill
- Arrive at Balcanoona Airstrip and transfer to Arkaroola Resort
- Arrive Arkaroola Resort
- Lunch in Arkaroola Resort restaurant
- 4WD Ridge Top Tour (pickup from Arkaroola Resort)
- Return to Arkaroola Resort for overnight stay
- Dinner at Arkaroola Resort with complimentary beer, wine, spirits, coffee or tea
- * An optional night observatory tour can be taken after dinner at $40pp
Day 2
- Breakfast in Arkaroola Resort
- Depart Arkaroola Resort for Balcanoona airstrip
- Depart Balcanoona airstrip
- Scenic flight over Lake Eyre (approx 1 hour)
- Arrive Muloorina Station
- Trip to Dry Edge of Lake Eyre with picnic lunch
- Depart Muloorina Station
- Arrive Wilpena Pound Resort for dinner and overnight accommodation
- * Optional Champagne & Shadows Tour can be taken after dinner at $50pp
Day 3
- Breakfast at Wilpena Pound Resort
- Tour into Wilpena Pound
- Lunch at Wilpena Pound Resort
- Depart Wilpena Pound Resort
- Arrive Broken Hill (afternoon tea and aircraft refuel)
- Depart Broken Hil
- Arrive Canberra
Tour Cost
3 Day Tour
Main tour $3325 per person.
NEW! 5 Day Tour
$4250 per person.
Booking Conditions
To reserve a place, please call Tour Reservations on (02) 6218 2970 between 8.30am-5.00pm Monday to Friday.
All sales are then through Capital Travel Manuka (02) 6295 2733 and the following applies:
A deposit of $500 per person applies when confirming your booking with full balance due 6 weeks prior to departure. All cancellations will forfeit this deposit regardless of the circumstances. No refund will be issued under the following circumstances:
- failure to join the tour
- abandoning tour after departure
We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance.
Note: We are able to tailor itineraries for group bookings.
Please contact Brindabella Airlines directly on (02) 6218 2970 for information and dates for our 2012 tours.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Brindabella Airlines Bookings:
1300 668 824
or Through Qantas:
13 13 13
