Record-breaking rainfall is sending water toward one of Australia’s most extraordinary natural spectacles – and tours are already selling fast.
Australia’s largest salt lake is on the verge of a once-in-a-generation event. Following record-breaking rainfall across the interior, experts suggest Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre could reach full capacity for the first time in decades – and only the fourth time in its 160-year recorded history.
Vast volumes of water are currently moving steadily toward the South Australian lake, with forecasts indicating levels could surpass those of previous major flood events. When the normally bone-dry landscape fills, the transformation is total: rivers, channels and floodplains converge across Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre National Park, drawing prolific birdlife to a desert that bursts into colour and life.
“Words can’t describe how beautiful Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre really is during flood years," Journey Beyond executive general manager, touring Cesar Piotto, said.
Seeing Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is a surreal experience. (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)
Journey Beyond’s small-group touring arm, Outback Spirit, has opened bookings for a new 2026 season to coincide with the flood event. The operator launched a brand-new seven-day itinerary specifically in response to this year’s extraordinary conditions. The all-inclusive tour departs 13 times between May and August 2026, travelling aboard a five-star all-terrain Mercedes-Benz coach with a maximum of 26 guests.
Highlights include two scenic flights over the lake and surrounding stations, including Clifton Hills Station, Goyder Lagoon and the Simpson Desert, a guided walk into Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges, travel along the historic Old Ghan Railway Line and Oodnadatta Track and a closing night at Monarto Safari Resort with a dawn wildlife safari.
Outback Spirit has opened bookings for a new 2026 season. (Credit: Outback Spirit)
A maximum of 26 guests will be on each tour. (Credit: Outback Spirit)
On average, a one-and-a-half-metre flood occurs every three years, a four-metre flood every decade, and a fill or near fill a few times a century. Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre completely filled in 1950, 1974 and 1984. Journey Beyond executive general manager, sales and partnerships, Alicia Triggs, said you never truly know when it will be a flooding year.
“We were fortunate last year to witness fantastic water levels, and 2026 is already proving even more remarkable. It presents a truly exceptional opportunity for travellers, and we’re proud to offer guests a front‑row seat to this extraordinary natural phenomenon," she said.
Travellers eager to witness the spectacle are urged to act quickly. Previous special flood seasons have sold out well in advance, and with a limited number of departure dates available, places are expected to go fast.
Details
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is Australia’s largest lake. (Credit: Grant Hunt Photography)
Tour name: Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre & Flinders Ranges Price: From $6490 per person twin share Length: 7 days Where: Adelaide to Adelaide via Port Augusta, Wilpena Pound, Lyndhurst, William Creek and Monarto Safari Resort Dates: 13 departures on 18 May, 26 May, 3 June, 11 June, 19 June, 26 June, 4 July, 12 July, 20 July, 28 July, 5 August, 15 August and 23 August 2026 Website:Outback Spirit
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Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.
When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)
Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.
1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)
Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.
Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.
Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.
Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.
One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.
Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.
3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)
What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?
Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.
Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.
You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.
Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.
4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)
In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.
Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.
Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.
5. Newcastle nightlife
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.
