South Australia & Outback Queensland - A Private Luxury Air Safari

Depart Melbourne by private jet to Coober Pedy, Australia’s opal capital, with a sun-baked lunar landscape.  This quirky town, known for underground living, opals and spectacular sunsets, is unlike anywhere else. Be left in awe on a guided tour on foot through Anna Creek Station, neighbouring Australia’s smallest town William Creek, and take to the skies for an aerial admiration of Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest Salt Lake. A short flight on you’ll visit Mount Eba Station, renowned as the geographical centre of South Australia with time for lunch and a wander to admire the old homestead and shearing shed.

Take to the air again for a bird’s-eye view of the Anna Creek Painted Hills, an extraordinary rocky outcrop, before landing for a guided walk through the spectacularly contrasting landscapes hiding ancient fossils. Return by air to Coober Pedy for a welcome 3 course dinner at Umbertos Restaurant, within your extraordinary Desert Cave Hotel. Bed down in your spacious underground room ahead of another day of adventure.
Desert Cave Hotel (Underground Room) | Meals: LD

After breakfast depart on a half-day private Desert Cave Experience. Tour Coober Pedy, hearing about its history, and venture down a former working mine to see opal trace embedded in the sandstone. Admire the breathtaking Breakaways, a kaleidoscope of colourful exposed sandstone, and savour some refreshments as you drink in spectacular views over the Moon Plain – once an inland sea. See the famous Dog Fence (dingo fence) – stretching 5,300 km across Australia.  Be awed by the Serbian Underground Church, an icon of traditional Serbian Orthodox architecture and fascinating sandstone carvings.

After your tour, jet off to Birdsville. With a local guide, gain an insight into the Aboriginal dreamtime and the town artwork, in between exploring the resilient buildings and their history.

Make your way to the edge of the Simpson Desert toward ‘Big Red’ the sand dune that marks the border to this expansive otherworldly wilderness, enroute being taught stories about the early explorers, Tom Kruise and Captain Midnight. 

Drive to the top of this majestic monument, towering 30 metres into the sky and enjoy the spectacular sunset with a celebratory drink. Return to the Birdsville Hotel for a 3-course dinner. 
Birdsville Hotel (Hotel Room) | Meals: BD

After breakfast depart by private jet to Longreach, the largest town in central Queensland., and be met by Outback Dan, a fifth-generation farmer who will lead you on a tour of this resilient town. . Uncover the story of Australia’s national airline at the Qantas Founders Museum, then take a seat for the new Stockman Hall of Fame Cinematic Experience, for an immersive look into the world of the Aussie Stockman.  Afterwards, travel to your glamping base at, Mitchell Grass Retreat, with some time to relax on your private deck and take in a stunning outback sunset before returning just on dark to experience Luminescent Longreach. Stand in awe as you are surrounded by historic aircraft doubling as the canvas for an amazing lightshow paying homage to Australia’s aviation history.  Enjoy an outback barbeque before retiring to your glamping retreat for the evening. 
Mitchell Grass Retreat (Glamping Tent) | Meals: BLD

After a leisurely breakfast, fly onward to Century Mine, and transfer by road to Adels Grove, nearby to the World Heritage Riversleigh fossil fields that document a spectacular history of Australian flora and fauna. Your guide will lead you on a half-day discovery of these ancient icons and the evolution of our unique Australian wildlife.

After lunch, jump aboard the Adels Grove state-of-the-art solar powered pontoon boat for a guided cruise along the Lawn Hill Creek. Drink in stunning views of the Lawn Hill Gorge, its soaring gorge walls and the natural spa bath at the Indarri Falls whilst your guide shares their local knowledge. Return to your aircraft with time to freshen up before flying onward to the historical centre of Cooktown. On arrival settle in at Sovereign Resort Cooktown, a luxurious base from which to explore the surrounding wonders.
Sovereign Resort Hotel (Deluxe Resort Room) | Meals: BLD

Today be immersed in Indigenous history as you join Balnggarrawarra traditional owners on a full day private tour to their homelands. Journey to Normanby Station, rich in cultural heritage and historic sites, boasting a diverse natural and cultural landscape. Take a guided interpretive walk to discover rarely seen rock art. Learn about traditional bush food and medicine. Cross the Normanby River and travel remote bush tracks. Visit the old Laura Railway line to get an insight into pioneer life.

Led by your guide, discover the contemporary life of the traditional owners through the current ranger programs, with insight into the significant projects aimed at protecting and sustaining the local landscapes.
Sovereign Resort Hotel (Deluxe Resort Room) | Meals: BLD

After breakfast, fly by private jet to Horn Island where on arrival you will be whisked to your awaiting helicopter. Soar over Thursday Island before landing on the last pearl farming bastion, Friday Island.  Take a deep dive into the region’s pearling history at Kazu Peals, learning more about the cultivation, seeding and harvesting of the oyster followed by a 9-course degustation-style Japanese seafood feast.

Re-board your helicopter and enjoy a scenic flight to the northernmost point of the mainland, the iconic Tip of Australia.

From a unique aerial perspective view deserted white beaches, low lying wetlands, volcanic rainforest-covered peaks and seasonal waterfalls that flow out to fringing reefs bathed in warm tropical waters that teem with wildlife.

Between July-September keep an eye out for migrating humpback whales that visit from the northernmost fringes of the Great Barrier Reef. Return to Horn Island and fly onward to the tropical haven of Hamilton Island.

On arrival at the Great Barrier Reef airport you will be greeted and whisked to the indulgent hideaway that is qualia.
qualia (Leeward Pavilion) | Meals: BL

Today is at leisure to relax in the beautiful surroundings of the resort or to indulge in one of the many activities on offer. Some of the signature experiences at qualia include an exclusive beach drop off with picnic lunch and snorkel gear, a mouth-watering culinary class hosted by the Executive dining team, teeing off at Hamilton Island Golf Club on the picturesque Dent Island, or exploring the reef by scenic sea plane.
qualia (Leeward Pavilion) | Meals: B

This morning is at leisure before you farewell your incredible adventure. You will meet your island representative in the resort lobby and transfer to Hamilton Island airport for scheduled flight home.
Meals: B