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Media Release

Lake Eyre’s first complete fill in nearly 50 years

APT invites guests to witness Lake Eyre’s first complete fill in nearly 50 years

23 March, 2026

For the first time in nearly five decades, Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest inland lake, is on track to fill, creating a natural spectacle that has occurred only a handful of times in the past 160 years. Through its expert local partnerships, APT Luxury Travel is offering guests unprecedented access to witness this once-in-a-generation event, providing a perspective and depth of experience that independent travel cannot replicate.

As more Australians discover the magic of their own backyard, Lake Eyre stands as a testament to the nation’s world-class natural wonders. The rare full-fill transforms the arid South Australian outback into a striking showcase of the state’s extraordinary landscapes, wildlife, and ecological richness - an experience rivalling any on the globe.

“This is the kind of moment that defines a journey,” “From above, the scale and beauty of Lake Eyre is simply incredible. Experiencing this event in person allows guests to truly connect with the outback in a way that photographs or videos cannot convey.”

"Very few Australians will ever see Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre at full capacity,” said CEO, David Cox. “We have been pioneering outback travel for nearly 100 years, and it's that legacy of local relationships, expertise and genuine investment in this country that transforms a remarkable event such as this into a truly once in a lifetime experience from The APT Travel Group.”

APT Luxury Travel’s Small Group Tours offer exclusive access via either the 7‑day Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges itinerary or the 8‑day Lake Eyre and Painted Hills journey. Capped at just 24 guests, both tours deliver an immersive blend of 4WD outback exploration and breathtaking scenic flights over Lake Eyre and its surrounding waterways.

Highlights include:

  • Experiencing the outback come alive as the Georgina, Diamantina, and Cooper Creeks flood in unison, forming a shimmering inland sea.

  • Visiting iconic outback towns, including Port Augusta, Marree, and Birdsville.

  • Traversing the remote Oodnadatta Track and exploring the Painted Hills’ vibrant geological formations.

  • Witnessing a spectacular congregation of birds and wildlife from both ground-level and aerial vantage points, including an included scenic flight over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre.

  • Concluding the journey with a scenic drive through the Clare Valley.

Through decades of local partnerships, APT Luxury Travel ensures travellers experience the lake with both authenticity and expert guidance, enriching their understanding of the region’s history, ecology, and character.