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
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.
The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.
Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.
Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.
Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.
1. Alice Springs
See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)
Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary, there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.
Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park. Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.
Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary. You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.
Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co, tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27.
2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park
Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)
Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.
Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.
Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.
3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)
Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.
Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.
For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.
4. Tennant Creek
See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)
Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.
For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre, which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.
Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.
5. Mataranka
Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)
A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs, within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.
Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.
6. Nitmiluk National Park
Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)
Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.
One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.
Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise, discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.
Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)
Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.
Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.
8. Darwin
Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)
This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival, one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.
Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct, an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.
