Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is about to flood for the first time in years

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is rising – and so is demand to see it.

It’s the kind of natural phenomenon that has Australians dropping everything and booking a seat on the next flight to the outback. After years of shimmering silence, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is coming back to life – in a spectacular, once-in-a-decade kind of way. Fed by floodwaters caused by heavy rain across outback Queensland last month from Diamantina River and Cooper Creek, the usually bone-dry salt lake in outback South Australia is transforming into a vast inland sea, and travellers are racing to see the magic unfold.

Don’t miss this rare flooding event. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The rare flooding event is already being called one of the most significant in recent memory. Water is making its slow and steady journey across thousands of kilometres of arid inland, eventually pooling in the basin of Australia’s largest lake – a place so vast and flat you can see the curve of the Earth. But when the rains do come, the desert doesn’t just bloom – it explodes with life.

Birds flock in from thousands of kilometres away, wildflowers erupt in bursts of colour and locals brace for an influx of visitors all eager to see one of Australia’s most remote and remarkable landscapes at its absolute peak.

Outback Spirit South Australia Lake Eyre

Heavy rain and floods across outback Queensland last month are expected to fill the lake. (Image: Outback Spirit)

“This is nature at its most awe-inspiring," says Cher Lontok, head of product and operations – Australia at APT, which has just expanded its 2025 Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre touring program in response to soaring demand.

“We’ve launched a brand-new tour and added departures to make sure more Australians have the chance to see it before it’s gone."

APT’s new eight-day Lake Eyre and Painted Hills tour (from $7395) includes scenic flights over the lake and the surreal outback landscapes of the Painted Desert – a region that’s usually off-limits to the public. Also on offer is the seven-day Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges tour, which visits ochre-hued escarpments, ancient gorges and outback towns, with expert guides and luxury stays along the way.

Seeing Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is a surreal experience. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Another operator, Outback Spirit, is also taking expressions of interest for small-group expeditions to coincide with this year’s event.

The Ghan is in on the action as well, offering a scenic flight that sweeps over Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, the Painted Hills and Coober Pedy as an optional upgrade on its iconic Darwin to Adelaide rail journey.

For many, it’s a pilgrimage. For others, a chance to witness what scientists call a “hydrological miracle". For everyone lucky enough to see it – it’s an unforgettable glimpse at Australia’s wildest beauty.

Outback Spirit is taking expressions of interest for tours. (Image: Outback Spirit)

But there’s a ticking clock. Flood events like this don’t last forever. And while Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre hasn’t filled just yet, experts say the incoming waters could make this one of the most impressive inundations in at least six years since the 2019 mark of 8.15 metres. But based on rainfall in south-west Queensland, it’s looking like levels will surpass 2019 and should be similar to 2010 when it almost filled completely.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the desert flood, flocks of pelicans soaring over mirrored salt pans and a landscape reborn, this is your sign. Seats are selling fast, and once the lake dries up, it could be years before the show returns.

This is Australia’s ultimate ephemeral experience – and the curtains are just about to rise. As the old saying goes, when it rains, it tours.

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is Australia’s largest lake. (Image: Grant Hunt Photography)

Hit the hay at these incredible stays.

Stretching 430 kilometres from Crystal Brook in South Australia’s mid-north to the glittering salt lakes on the edge of the Simpson Desert, the Flinders Ranges is a vast and alluring region that simply begs to be explored. One of the most accessible parts of the Australian outback, it’s a land of sun-bleached river reds towering over arid plains, ancient mountain ranges that light up with a fiery glow every evening and a night sky illuminated by millions of stars.

But settlements are few and far between in this vast wilderness, so it’s vital to do a little planning when deciding where to stay. Whether you’re looking for five-star luxury, a family-friendly caravan park or a remote campsite to share with the local wildlife, read on and you’ll find the perfect Flinders Ranges accommodation option for every type of trip.

1. Arkaba Homestead

Price: $$$$$

If you want to get a taste of outback life without roughing it in the slightest, start saving up to visit this former sheep station that’s been transformed into a 25,500-hectare wildlife conservancy.

the Arkaba Station in the Flinders Ranges

Arkaba Homestead is formerly a sheep station. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

There’s only room for ten guests at a time in the 1851 Arkaba homestead, and they have the run of the property with included activities including guided bush walks, 4WD safari drives and birdwatching excursions.

an aerial view of the luxury lodge in Arkaba Homestead

Go off-grid at Arkaba Homestead. (Image: Isaac Forman)

Add in meals prepared by a chef who makes liberal use of the onsite garden, an inviting outdoor pool and an extensive wine selection and this eco-retreat boasts everything you could want (except wi-fi, because the owners want guests to get out and explore).

the luxury lodge in Arkaba Homestead, Flinders Ranges

There’s only room for ten guests at a time. (Image: Isaac Forman)

2. Rawnsley Park Station

Price: $-$$$$

You could spend weeks exploring the 12,000-hectare property at Rawnsley Park Station, and almost as long checking out all of the accommodation options.

the Rawnsley Park Station in the Flinders Ranges

Immerse yourself in nature at Rawnsley Park Station. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

A well-vegetated campground and budget cabins are perfect for families travelling on the cheap, while the comfortable holiday units are a step up and include decks so you can enjoy views of the weathered sandstone ranges that encircle the property.

the deck at Rawnsley Park Station accommodation

Enjoy outback views from your deck. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

But once you greet the day with mobs of roos and brilliantly coloured ringneck parrots circling the roomy decks outside the premium eco-villas, you won’t want to leave.

a woman standing in the outdoor pool area at Rawnsley Park Station

Cool off after a busy day. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

3. Prairie Hotel

Price: $$$$

More than simply a place to stay while visiting the region, this legendary pit stop is a destination in itself.

an aerial view of the Prairie Hotel in the Flinders Ranges

The Prairie Hotel is a destination in and of itself. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Thousands of travellers make the pilgrimage to the onsite restaurant every year to sample a smorgasbord of native proteins, but it’s worth sticking around until sunset to see nearby ranges glowing bright red like a giant ember.

an al fresco seating and dining at Prairie Hotel, Flinders Ranges

Relax with a drink in hand. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Once night falls, relax with a drink in the stylish private lounge before retiring to one of the Prairie Hotel’s country chic rooms decorated with cowhide rugs and contemporary artwork.

a top view of the Prairie Hotel, Flinders Ranges

Prairie Hotel is a legendary pub and accommodation. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

4. Wilpena Pound Resort

Price: $$$

Love the idea of camping but not so keen on long drops and creepy crawlies? Then the circle of 15 glamping tents at Wilpena Pound Resort has your name on it.

a woman relaxing inside her tent at Wilpena Pound Resort

Go glamping at Wilpena Pound Resort.

Each safari tent includes a kingsize bed, ensuite bathroom, fridge and aircon so you can relax in comfort, but the private deck and firepit keep you connected to the natural environment.

a couple sitting by the fire outside their tent at Wilpena Pound Resort

Sit by your private firepit.

You’ll also find a bricks-and-mortar resort and campsites at the only accommodation located within Ikara (Wilpena Pound), and a range of guided tours run by the Adnyamathanha traditional owners help you to take in both the sublime natural beauty and the rich cultural history.

Join a guided tour around the scenic Ikara (Wilpena Pound).

5. Jacka Brothers Brewery Guesthouse

Price: $$$

Founded in 1840, Melrose is the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges and it’s no surprise that it also housed the region’s first brewery. After lying vacant for some 90 years, the bar in the fortress-like four-storey brewery recently began pouring beers again and the former bottling plant next door is also being put to good use. Now functioning as a boutique B&B, Jacka Brothers Brewery Guesthouse has four spacious bedrooms arrayed around an enormous common area that’s ideal for entertaining. And while original elements including giant timber trusses and solid masonry have been preserved, a thoroughly modern kitchen and ensuites allow guests to enjoy a very comfortable stay.

6. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

Price: $-$$

At the far northern end of the Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is the main hub of the breathtakingly beautiful Gammon Ranges.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is the main hub of the Gammon Ranges. (Image: Matthew Storer)

A caravan park with powered sites and bush camping gives you front-row views of the 60,000-hectare property, while those who prefer a roof over their heads can choose from a range of suites, incredibly well-priced motel-style rooms and several self-catering cottages.

camping under the stars at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

You can sleep under the stars. (Image: Matthew Storer)

Just don’t expect to spend a lot of time inside: days are spent tackling the 4WD tracks that cross this formidable landscape and nights are devoted to starwatching at one of three onsite astronomical observatories.

Under The Stars Tour at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

Stargaze at one of three onsite astronomical observatories. (Image: Matthew Storer)

7. Leigh Creek Outback Resort

Price: $

One of the last stops before the tarmac gives way to the Strzelecki and Birdsville Tracks, the former coal mining town of Leigh Creek once boasted a population of 5000 but is now home to fewer than 100 permanent residents. The upside of that is that guests at the Leigh Creek Outback Resort can access the local swimming pool, gym and tennis and squash courts.

Less a traditional resort than a collection of ’70s-era motel rooms and cabins spread over several streets, it also has an affordable restaurant and is located near the supermarket and shopping precinct.

the bedroom at Leigh Creek Outback Resort

Rest your head at the budget Leigh Creek Outback Resort.

8. Flinders Ranges Motel

Price: $

Quorn is one of the first major towns you’ll encounter as you approach the Flinders Ranges from the south, and the grand two-storey pubs lining the main street give a sense of its former importance. A dozen motel rooms located behind the town’s former mill are basic but spacious, and the location at the end of the main street means it’s a short walk to all the main sights. Friendly owners Paul and Kylie can point you in the right direction if you want some local tips, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself tempted to stay in and play with Fez the friendly house cat instead.

For more inspiration and itinerary tips, read our travel guide to the Flinders Ranges.

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is about to flood for the first time in years

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is rising – and so is demand to see it.

What makes Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary so special

7 Flinders Ranges tours that will enrich your experience

Skip the roadhouse pies at these Flinders Ranges restaurants

Rawnsley Park Station: A true Flinders Ranges icon

The 8 best Flinders Ranges accommodation for any budget