Frequently Asked Questions
Image Credit: Grant Hunt, South Australian Tourism Commission
Still thinking about visiting Lake Eyre?
Now’s the perfect time to turn that “maybe” into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
From breathtaking aerial views to ancient fossil discoveries and rugged outback landscapes, Lake Eyre is calling—and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Australia’s Hidden Wonder, Revealed by Air
Where do we depart from?
2 and 3-Day Tours depart from Adelaide Airport. We’ll meet you at the Atura reception (near the billiard table) at approximately 6:00am. You'll meet your fellow travellers, and we’ll all head to collect your boarding passes, (your photo identification will be needed at this point). Then through security, and — if time permits — we'll grab a quick coffee before heading to your gate for departure.
4 and 5-Day Tours depart from Adelaide CBD so to make your Sunday morning's departure as smooth as possible, your guide will call you on Saturday to say hello and provide a more precise pick-up time.
We begin collecting passengers from various locations starting around 6:30 am on Sunday, so depending on the route, your specific collection time will be between 6:30 am and 7:00 am. - Ideally getting out of town by 7:00 am.
After that, you'll get to meet your fellow travellers as we head toward the Clare Valley Wine Region for a mid-morning coffee break.
You're going to see South Australia's outback’s best-kept secret – when it shows itself at its best!
Do I need insurance?
Regarding travel insurance, even for trips within Australia. While many of us associate travel insurance primarily with international travel, it can offer valuable peace of mind and protection for domestic journeys too.
Consider the unexpected: trip cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, lost or delayed luggage, or even damage to a rental car. Domestic travel insurance can provide coverage for these situations, helping to mitigate financial losses and stress. For instance, policies often cover :
Trip Cancellation/Interruption: If you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness, injury, or other covered events.
Lost or Damaged Luggage: Protection for your belongings if they are lost, stolen, or damaged during your travels.
It's a small consideration that can make a big difference if things don't go as planned. Many providers offer affordable domestic policies tailored to various needs.
Just something to keep in mind for your adventure!
Can I get online while travelling?
Internet cafes are plentiful within metropolitan Adelaide, however as the tours hit the country roads, Telstra is the main mobile data provider. Therefore, if you have a 'smart' phone, you may have access to the internet.
Will my mobile work while on tour?
If you want to take your phone with you, there is a good chance that it will work in most major places. Check with your service provider before you go if they have mobile phone towers in the places you are travelling to.
How many people can join a tour?
We keep our group sizes low so you have the freedom to move around and get involved with your surroundings. This intimate size ensures that our group won't crowd your experience. You can expect anywhere from 4-12 travellers on a trip. Check individual tour pages for maximum group sizes.
How is Lake Eyre Tours able to offer such competitive prices?
Our unique style of face-to-face travel and small groups is the only way to really experience a destination, but it also serves to keep the costs down. We spend your money providing an authentic experience, instead of on lavish hotels and expensive western-style meals. We pass these savings on to you with our low prices.
How fit do I need to be?
Our tours are designed to be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. However, some trips visit remote areas. On all tours, physical preparation is useful and a flexible, open-minded approach is essential. There are some other factors to consider: bumpy roads, dust, traffic, and delays. See the trip overviews for each of the tours for details of the fitness required or contact us about a particular question.
Accommodation and Room Details
Lake Eyre Tours prioritises comfort and authenticity. The accommodations selected for these tours are typically the best available in their respective remote locations, offering a mix of modern motel units and unique regional stays.
All tours include high-quality outback accommodation. While these stays reflect the remote nature of the South Australian outback, they are selected to ensure a high standard of comfort.
Feature Standard Provision
Room Type Predominantly modern, air-conditioned motel-style units.
Ensuite Private ensuites are standard for the rooms used on these tours.
Climate Control Reverse-cycle air conditioning (heating and cooling) is provided in all rooms.
Bedding Full linen and bedding are provided; no sleeping bags are required.
Accessibility Most units are ground-floor with parking directly outside the room.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
Never. At all our accommodation places, bedding is provided.
How much luggage can I take?
As a general rule, pack light, but bring all the essentials. Leave some space in your luggage - you'll no doubt want to bring home some souvenirs from the communities and towns you visit.
We kindly asked that each passenger on the 2 or 3-Day tours travels with no more than 7kg of luggage in a soft bag (such as a backpack or duffle). This makes stowing gear on the small aircraft much easier and ensures a safe, comfortable flight for everyone.
Here's my favourite tip for 2 or 3-Day adventurers - keep your luggage to cabin size and take it on board with you on your flight from Adelaide. When you fly into Olympic Dam Airport, you’ll see your plane waiting for you right on the tarmac!
Flights to Olympic Dam can be busy with FIFO mine workers, so waiting for checked luggage can take some time.
By having your luggage with you, you can meet your pilot at the gate and be ready to fly away on your adventure immediately.
If you selection is a 4-Day Tour the luggage allowance for your return flight from Coober Pedy to Adelaide is 7kg for carry-on and15kg checked baggage per person.
5-Day Tours the luggage can be a little more flexible
Can you hold my luggage while I'm on tour? (2 and 3-Day Tours)
We get asked this one quite a bit, and we completely understand why — nobody wants to be lug a full suitcase around the outback!
Unfortunately, we're not able to hold luggage on your behalf during your tour. Our tours operate out in the field, we don't generally return to the airport after your departure, so there's no practical base for us to store bags and reunite you with them at the end.
There are a couple of handy options to keep your luggage safe while you're out exploring:
Luggage storage is available at the airport, so you can safely leave any extra bags there for the duration of your tour.
If you're staying at the Atura Hotel at the airport, they may be happy to hold your luggage for the 1 or 2 days you're away — just check with them directly when you check in or out, as this is subject to their availability and discretion.
Either way, you'll be free to enjoy the outback without the extra weight!
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
Travellers who take regular medication should take an appropriate supply. Asthma sufferers should ensure that they have an adequate supply of their routine medicine, as with some of the walks/hikes, you may need your medication. We recommend you carry personal medical items for managing common minor ailments such as colds, diarrhea, blisters and sore throats etc.
What are the age restrictions on your tours?
To tour independently, you must be at least 18 years of age. There are no upper age limits on the tours.
Can I bring my children?
Yes, you are more than welcome to tour with your children.
I'm a single traveller; will I be charged a single supplement?
We encourage single travellers to tour with us as it is a great way to meet new people. However, if you are travelling on your own, there will be a single supplement.
Can I join a tour late or leave it early?
It's exceptionally difficult, if not unfeasible and complicated to join a tour after it has begun. Yet it is possible to leave a tour early, however, you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you choose to leave the tour. You will also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book your tour with us.
Does the tour vehicles have air-conditioning?
Yes.
What type of ground transportation is used on your tours?
We depart Adelaide in a Toyota Coaster vehicle, which is usually driven by Tom, or one of his very experienced drivers.
Can I fly over Lake Eyre in just one day?
Great question — and it's one we hear a lot!
The short answer is: South Australia is enormous, and Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) deserves more than a rushed flyover.
To put it in perspective, Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre itself covers up to 9,500 square kilometres when full — making it the largest lake in Australia.
Factor in the sheer distance from most departure points, the time needed to reach the region, and the incredible landscapes you pass over along the way, and a single day simply doesn't do the experience justice.
A one-day trip would mean spending the majority of your time in transit, leaving only a fraction of the day actually over the lake — and you'd be heading home before you've had a chance to truly take it all in.
That's exactly why we offer our 2-Day and 3-Day tours. They're designed to give you the time and space to absorb the scale and beauty of this extraordinary part of Australia — not just tick a box.
You'll fly over the lake, explore the surrounding outback, and come home with memories (and photos) that genuinely reflect what makes this place so special.
Do you work with Travel Agents?
Yes! We love working with Travel Agents, please contact us for our current pricing and commission rates.
What to Pack
Here’s a quick guide to help you pack appropriately for the outback’s unique conditions.
Daytime
Lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirt
Long pants (for sun and fly protection)
Wide-brim hat
Sunglasses
Fly net for face (recommended in warmer months)
Comfortable walking shoes
Light scarf or neck buff (for sun/dust)
Evening & Overnight
Warm jacket or fleece
Long pants (warmer fabric for the evening)
Beanie and gloves (especially in cooler months)
Sleepwear or thermals (it can get cold overnight)
Extra socks and underwear
Extras
Light rain jacket (just in case)
Toiletries & any personal medication
Torch or headlamp (optional but handy)
Camera or phone for photos (there will be so many opportunities!)
Travel light, especially if your tour includes a flight back, as weight restrictions may apply.
From one of SA’s best-kept secrets
When is the best time to visit?
That depends on what kind of experience you're after — dry salt flats or water-filled wonders — but in general, the ideal months are May to September.
May to September (Cooler Months) — Best Overall Experience
Mild weather: Temperatures are pleasant for outback travel, typically ranging from 10°C to 25°C — great for scenic flights, walks, and photography.
Clear skies: These months have crisp, blue skies, enhancing visibility for aerial views and photography.
Wildlife & wildflowers: If there's been rain or water in the region, you may see pelicans, banded stilts, and flowering desert plants around the edges of the lake.
Best conditions for touring: Unsealed roads are drier and more reliable, and many tours are scheduled during this window.
When There’s Water in the Lake (Rarer, Unpredictable Events)
Spectacular aerial views: When water flows in (usually from Queensland floods), Lake Eyre becomes Australia’s largest lake, with colours ranging from pinks to silvers to blues.
Best seen from the air: Scenic flights offer a once-in-a-lifetime view of patterns, colour shifts, and birdlife.