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? South Australia and The Kimberley.
Monarto Safari Resort’s new Safari Lodge delivers so much more than a memorable stay; it’s packed full of unforgettable moments.
Just a year after the 78-room Monarto Safari Resort opened, the new Safari Lodge brings a more intimate and exclusive overnight African safari experience to Australia just outside of Adelaide. But just how similar is it to an African safari?
Consider these pinch-me moments I had during my stay and decide for yourself.
1. Cheetah sightings at check-in
Spot cheetahs before you even check in.
Safari Lodge is set within the Wild Africa precinct of the expansive, open-range Monarto Safari Park. I expected to see animals, but I didn’t expect to see two cheetahs stalking the fenceline just behind my tent at check-in.
I cross the paddock to get a closer look. Both are now perched like a sphinx on a hill overlooking the 20 premium tents that make up Safari Lodge. I stand here, locked in place, waiting to see if they make a move. After 10 minutes like this, I turn to get settled into the tent but throw a final look in their direction; they’ve slinked back down, now barely visible in the grass. I’m sure I’ll be dreaming about this encounter later tonight.
2. Sipping champagne as a giraffe sips from a waterhole
Enjoy champagne while meeting the locals. (Credit: Katie Carlin)
The all-inclusive stay includes a 2.5-hour Sunset Safari that takes guests into the Wild Africa precinct onboard a purpose-built Safari Land Cruiser for a chance to see free-roaming herds of African animals up close.
The safari drive culminates in a champagne and canapé stop in a fenced and sheltered viewing area of the precinct. A chance to watch the sun set as animals gather around one of the many waterholes. And we’re in luck! Two giraffes are stripping leaves from a nearby tree as three white rhinos graze to my right. One giraffe starts galloping, in that funny head-bobbing way giraffes do, to the water’s edge. It splays its legs and bends its long neck down to start slurping up water. I find giraffes endlessly entertaining, and sipping champagne while watching the scene play out is the icing on the cake.
3. A rain shower with views of a waterhole where African animals gather
Enjoy views from the King Safari Tent.
I am staying in tent 17, one of the best positioned tents for animal encounters, due to its proximity to the waterhole. Not only does the spacious 71-square-metre King Safari Tent feature a king bed, lounge area, separate dressing room with kitchenette, coffee machine, kettle and fully stocked mini bar, and ensuite bathroom. But you can even glimpse the waterhole from the rain shower. It’s thoughtful details like this that keep you connected to the safari experience no matter where you are located.
4. Feeding lions from within a caged dome
Step into the Lion 360 experience. (Credit: Katie Carlin)
Monarto Safari Park isn’t a zoo. Set across 1500 hectares of South Australian bushland, it’s an expansive safari experience. It’s been designed to support complex social groupings, natural behaviours and long-term species management. Entry is included for guests, but I’ve decided to upgrade my experience with tickets to Lion 360.
Senior Keeper Rachel Hemming herds 15 of us into a domed cage for the unique lion feeding experience. She leads Monarto’s care and conservation breeding programs for their iconic big cats. “Make sure you don’t get too close to the edge of the cage; the lions like to mark their territory,” she warns.
She starts making cat-like calls to Kubwa, Kashka and Kito, the three male lions lazing somewhere out of sight behind the tree line in the distance. The promise of food eventually lures the lions over. I’m in awe of their size as they pace back and forth, pausing to take the meat as it’s fed to them via tongs.
In her excitement, one lady has inched too close; a lion takes aim and hits his mark before she realises her mistake. I see her leaving the gift shop with a new jacket not long after the tour ends.
5. A swim in a private plunge pool with a floating charcuterie board
Tuck into a poolside treat. (Credit: Katie Carlin)
The Safari Lodge reception is also home to a restaurant and bar, heated swimming pool and several private plunge pools available to book. After a morning spent at Monarto Safari Park, a dip in one of the private plunge pools sounds too good to skip.
I change into my swimmers and make my way to the lodge. A generous charcuterie board arrives shortly after I slip into the pool. I’m told floating trays are already on order, but picking at the selection of cheeses, meats, nuts and fruit while perched on the edge sipping champagne is just as indulgent as it is having it float in the water. I never make it to the gym or pickleball court beside the lodge, but I have no regrets.
6. A front-row seat to a male rhino rejected by two females
Watch a rhino’s unlucky day. (Credit: Lucas Alexander)
Louis Tonkin, our Wild Africa Tour host, is giddy with excitement when he spots the three white rhinos on our Sunset Safari drive. He has an inkling that we’re about to get a show.
He pulls to the side and tells us what terrible eyesight white rhinos have, struggling to spot a motionless animal or object even from a short distance. However, they make up for it with acute hearing and an incredible sense of smell. Which explains why the larger male rhino is methodically creeping towards the two disinterested females grazing metres in front of him, then suddenly freezing on the spot. He’s hoping one will be open to mating with him. He takes another wary shuffle forward and suddenly the smaller of the two turns and charges towards him, butting him hard with her head. It’s a firm no. The male, denied, sheepishly backs away.
7. Watching a dazzle of zebra from the comfort of a luxury safari tent
Wildlife encounters abound.
Rain clouds loom, and the wind is howling, but thankfully it hasn’t deterred the zebras. I’m brewing a cup of Monarto’s Serengé-T – a vanilla rooibos blended with Daintree black tea and butterfly pea flower when I spot them. Six zebras are prancing across the plains for a drink at the waterhole. I watch their antics from the deck of my King Safari Tent, wrapped in a merino blanket made by Australian-owned Grampians Good Co. and marvel at the fact I get a front-row show to these wild animals.
After they disappear from view, I sit with the sketch pad and pencils I find in the cupboard and start drawing some of my most memorable animal encounters from the weekend – starting with the two hippos I saw ravenously munching on grass at dusk as we made our way out of the Wild Africa precinct last night. This really is as close to an authentic safari experience as you can get outside of Africa.
