8 Aussie land and sky adventures you never knew existed

Australia’s vast land can prove difficult to explore in a timely manner with a mere set of wheels, so why not take to the skies?

There’s no journey quite as efficient (or as consistently beautiful) as BFC Air Safaris. With tailored tours spanning multiple states around Australia, getting to and from your bucket list destinations via air cuts down the travel time, giving you ample time to explore the places that pique your interest.

With tours that take you through New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory in one fell swoop, you’ll be ticking off that bucket list in no time and exploring hidden gems scattered through the lesser-known parts of Australia.

Explore the hidden gem of Wallaroo.

1. Stay at Wallaroo Outback Retreat

A comfy 430-kilometre flight overlooking the sprawling cliffs of Carnarvon Range begins the  Wallaroo Station and Carnarvon Gorge Air Safari. You’ll then arrive at your home away from home – Wallaroo Outback Retreat.

Relax in your luxurious glamping tent after a day of exploring. (Image: TEQ)

For two to three days, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the geological wonders of Wallaroo and the surrounding Carnarvon Ranges. End the day relaxing in your luxurious glamping tent after a day spent exploring the historic rock art of local Aboriginal peoples and making those Kodak moments as you watch the sun set over Queensland’s central highlands.

Exploring the historic rock art of local Aboriginal peoples (Image: TEQ)

2. Discover Carnarvon Gorge with a naturalist

There’s a lot to learn about the spectacular landscape and wildlife of Carnarvon Gorge, more than you could ever learn on your own – so join an expert.

As part of the Wallaroo Station and Carnarvon Gorge Air Safari, you’ll be guided by your very own naturalist through the sandstone cliffs of Carnarvon Gorge to get well-acquainted with the local flora and fauna.

There will be little discoveries made along the way that would go unnoticed if you were left to your own devices, so keep an ear tuned in as the naturalist opens your mind to a whole world of secrets tucked away in the gorge’s ecosystem.

Join a naturalist to make the most of Carnarvon Gorge. (Image: TEQ)

3. Morning tea on top of Big Red, Birdsville

Why settle for a cup of tea in your kitchen when you can sip your Earl Gray on top of an iconic 30-metre-high sand dune?

Join the Lake Eyre and Outback Air Safari for six days’ worth of scenery and spectacles, including an unforgettable afternoon spent atop the iconic Big Red sand dune in Birdsville, Queensland – the tallest and symbolic gateway to the Simpson Desert. Take a four-wheel drive up over 30 metres to the top of the dune, and enjoy the stunning vista with a cuppa in hand.

Other highlights of this tour include a live show at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame museum four-wheel driving through Arkaroola, a wholesome interaction with wallabies and star-gazing at skies untouched by man-made light pollution.

Enjoy the stunning vista with a cuppa in hand. (Image: TEQ)

4. Fly over Lake Eyre

It goes without saying that the real star of the Lake Eyre and Outback Air Safari is Lake Eyre itself – you truly can’t comprehend the magnitude of this natural beauty until you’ve witnessed it from above.

As part of the safari, you’ll be able to see Lake Eyre dazzle under sunset and sunrise – it’s strongly recommended you see it at both times of the day to experience the colour-shifting effects as the sun moves through the sky.

Fly over Lake Eyre at sunset.

5. A trip to Thursday Island

Visiting the most northern point of Australia is an accomplishment few can boast, even more so a trip to the picturesque Thursday Island sitting 39 kilometres north of the Cape York Peninsula. But this is exactly where the Cape York and The Tip Air Safari tour will take you.

Be taken on a guided tour to learn the unique culture of the island. History buffs will be particularly excited to learn the backstory behind the tunnels and military bases found throughout this idyllic haven.

Other highlights on this tour to Cape York and Pajinka include historic sites left behind from WWII, wandering through the ancient Daintree Rainforest and viewing the hidden rock art of Laura on the cliffs of the Atherton Tableland.

Immerse yourself in the unique culture and history of the island. (Image: TEQ)

6. Fly over Cobbold Gorge for sunset drinks

From above, Cobbold Gorge looks like a collection of cobblestones forming a larger-than-life pavement through the wilderness, however, nestled in those seemingly narrow gaps are dozens of channels flowing with turquoise water.

If you opt for the Cape York and The Tip Air Safari, you can spend a good part of the day floating down those channels in a custom-made guided tour boat. If tranquillity had a home base, it’d be found in Cobbold Gorge.

Marvel at a bird’s-eye view of Cobbold Gorge. (Image: TEQ)

7. Take an Uluru astronomy tour

The most stunning pictures of Uluru still fall short of doing it justice – there’s a reason it attracts visitors from around the globe.  As a haven from light pollution, this iconic part of the world shines just as bright at night, which is why a trip to Uluru isn’t complete without an Astro Tour.

Experienced guides will take you on a journey through the universe as part of the Ultimate Uluru Air Safari. Not to mention you’ll get a unique perspective of Uluru and Kata Tjuta from above as you fly in and out that most don’t get to see.

Be blown away by the skyscape over Uluru at night. (Image: Steven Wei)

8. Fossick for opals at Coober Pedy

Coober Pedy has to be one of the most unique towns in Australia, and possibly the world. Named after the Aboriginal phrase Kupa Piti, meaning white man’s hole, heat and opals drove much of the town underground.

Known as the opal capital of the world, Coober Pedy’s landscape is dotted with shafts and dirt piles from opal mining activities – and you can join in the fossicking fun on the Ultimate Uluru Air Safari.

Along with investigating Coober Pedy’s glorious opal fields, you’ll stay overnight in a former opal mine, which has since been transformed into accommodation unlike any other hotel you’ll encounter.

Have a go at finding your own opals.

About BFC Air Safaris

Perhaps the most advantageous aspect of travelling with BFC? Everything’s sorted for you, from the moment you get to the airport until the very last day of your journey. Removing the planning aspect of a tour can improve your stress levels tenfold, and you can’t put a price on that.

Not to mention that during your tour you’ll get to know your pilot and pick their brains for the best views, and you may even get a chance to sit beside them in the cockpit and feel the full thrill of helicopter travel.

As well as the set tours, BFC Air Safaris also offers Custom Air Tours, so you can pick and choose where you want to go and for how long. Regardless of what route you go down, there’s no other way of travelling that will be as comfy and convenient. As an added perk, you also have access to places that prove to be quite tricky to get to via road.

Get to know your pilot.

For bookings and more tour info, visit bfcairsafaris.com.