Aerial view of salt patterns on Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre

South Australia · June 2027

Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre aerial photography tour.

Four doors-off charter flights over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre and the Painted Hills, limited to two photographers per plane. Based at William Creek, led by an aerial photographer with more than 50 hours of flight time over the lake.

  • 4 days, 3 nights
  • Max 4
  • Winter
  • All skill levels

Tour overview

Four doors-off charter flights over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre and the Painted Hills, limited to two photographers per plane. Based at William Creek, led by an aerial photographer with more than 50 hours of flight time over the lake.

Dates and pricing for June 2027 are released to the waitlist first.

When
June 2027
Length
4 days, 3 nights
Group
Max 4
Flights
4 doors-off charters
Start/finish
Olympic Dam, SA
Base
William Creek, private ensuite rooms

Why this tour

Built for aerial photographs, not sightseeing.

01

Doors off

Unobstructed shooting on every flight, planned for low sun and long shadows.

02

Two per plane

Every photographer gets a window seat and the pilot's attention.

03

50+ hours overhead

Your leader has photographed the lake from the air for years, in wet and dry seasons.

04

Editing built in

Midday sessions turn raw aerials into finished images while the light is harsh.

Itinerary

Day by day.

Itineraries may change with weather and conditions to put you in the best light.

  1. 01

    Day 1 · Olympic Dam to William Creek

    Into the outback

    Charter flight from Olympic Dam to William Creek over outback South Australia. Check in, then photograph the historic pub and surrounds at sunset.

    • StayPrivate ensuite room, William Creek
  2. 02

    Day 2 · William Creek

    Lake Eyre South

    Dawn flight over Lake Eyre South with doors off for unobstructed views. Midday image review and editing, then a golden-hour flight.

    • StayPrivate ensuite room, William Creek
  3. 03

    Day 3 · Anna Creek Station

    The Painted Hills

    Morning flight over the lake, afternoon flight over Anna Creek Station to the Painted Hills with a landing to photograph on foot. Farewell dinner.

    • StayPrivate ensuite room, William Creek
  4. 04

    Day 4 · William Creek to Olympic Dam

    Last light

    Optional sunrise shoot around William Creek, breakfast, and the charter back to Olympic Dam.

Itinerary map

Where we go.

Flights leave from the base and return each day, following the light.

  1. 1Olympic Dam
  2. 2William Creek
  3. 3Lake Eyre South
  4. 4Lake Eyre North
  5. 5Painted Hills
Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre Aerial itinerary map Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre 1Olympic Dam2William Creek3Lake Eyre South4Lake Eyre North5Painted Hills N 50 km

Gallery

Salt crust patterns from the air

Dates & booking

Reserve your place.

Once dates are released, places are reserved with a deposit through our secure online store, right here on the site.

DepartureLengthGroupPriceStatusBook
June 20274 days, 3 nightsMax 4On releaseWaitlist openJoin the waitlist

Included

  • Three nights in private ensuite rooms at William Creek
  • Four tailored doors-off flights, two photographers per plane
  • Charter transfers between Olympic Dam and William Creek
  • Tuition, pre-flight briefings and editing sessions

Not included

  • Flights to and from Olympic Dam
  • Accommodation before and after the tour
  • Travel insurance (required)

Tour FAQ

Good to know.

What skill level do I need?
All levels are welcome. Tuition is adapted to you, from camera settings to advanced composition and editing.
How fit do I need to be?
Each tour is graded. Most involve short walks on uneven ground, stairs and carrying your own camera gear.
What travel insurance do I need?
Travel insurance is mandatory and must be in place when you book, with at least US$200,000 cover for accident, medical and repatriation.
What if I need to cancel?
Payments are non-refundable. If you cancel within three months of the tour and your place can't be filled, the fee may be forfeited. We always try to rebook your place first.
Is my camera gear insured?
You're responsible for your own equipment. We recommend it's covered by your home or travel insurance.

Limited places

Be first for June 2027.

Four photographers, two per plane, doors off. Join the waitlist to hear first.