Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre
Scenic Flights
From the Heart of the Outback
Flights are on hold until February 2027. Enquire now for the 2027 season.
Marree's Oldest and Most Trusted Aerial Tour Operator
There is nowhere on earth quite like Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre. Australia's largest salt lake stretches to the horizon in a vast, shimmering expanse of white and terracotta, an extraordinary landscape that can only be truly appreciated from the air.
Oasis Air Scenic Flights has been taking passengers above the South Australian outback since 1987. Our Lake Eyre scenic flights depart from Clayton Station on the legendary Birdsville Track, just 40 minutes from Marree and closer to the lake than any other operator, so these are scenic flights from Marree that put you above the salt flats faster.
Guests can also stay overnight at Clayton Station, with a choice of luxury self-contained units with a hot tub, or the relaxing public wetlands campground and its famous hot artesian spa.
Flights are currently on hold until February 2027, and we're now accepting enquiries for the 2027 season.
Choose Your Outback Adventure
Every flight departs from Clayton Station with guaranteed window seats and expert pilot commentary. Flights are on hold until February 2027, so use the buttons below to enquire about the 2027 season.
Clayton to Birdsville Day Tour
The ultimate outback day expedition. Take off from Clayton Station, track north along Lake Eyre's eastern coast and over famous creek systems into Goyder Lagoon, then land in iconic Birdsville for lunch before returning south over vast cattle country.
- Take-off from Clayton Station and track to Madigan Gulf
- Head north along the eastern coast of Lake Eyre
- Pass iconic creek systems (Cooper Creek and Warburton River)
- Fly inland over Goyder Lagoon to Birdsville for lunch
- Track south over cattle country and bypass Cooper Crossing, Punt and Lake Killamperpunna
- Return flight to Clayton Station
Flinders & Lake Eyre Escape
A streamlined two-day getaway combining the Flinders Ranges and Lake Eyre. Depart Adelaide for lunch at the Prairie Hotel in Parachilna, then enjoy a scenic flight over the Flinders Ranges to Marree for the night. The next morning, take your scenic flight over Lake Eyre.
- Depart Adelaide (10:00) by PC-12
- Lunch at Prairie Hotel, Parachilna
- Scenic Flinders Ranges flight to Marree
- Overnight in Marree
- 1.5 hr Lake Eyre scenic flight (08:00)
2-Day Adelaide Charter
Depart Adelaide by PC-12 and enjoy a scenic flight over the Flinders Ranges en route to the iconic Birdsville Hotel for lunch. Overnight in Marree, followed by a 1.5-hour morning flight over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre.
- Depart Adelaide (09:00) by PC-12
- Lunch at Birdsville Hotel
- Overnight and dinner in Marree
- 1.5 hr Lake Eyre scenic flight (08:00)
- Lunch at Prairie Hotel, Parachilna
Lake Eyre Tour
The perfect introduction to Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre. This 60-minute scenic flight takes you directly over the vast salt flats, vivid mineral colours and ever-changing patterns of Australia's iconic inland sea, with expert commentary and guaranteed window seats.
- Lake Eyre North and South
- Salt flat patterns and vivid mineral colours
- Outback desert landscapes
- Direct departure and return to Clayton Station
Cooper Crossing Tour
Trace the lifeblood of the outback. Depart Clayton Station for the historic ferry crossing, then follow the winding waters of Cooper Inlet and Hunt Peninsula before a direct scenic return.
- Take-off from Clayton Station (CYS)
- Historic Cooper Creek Ferry Crossing
- Cooper Inlet water channels and floodplains
- Hunt Peninsula aerial views
- Direct scenic return to Clayton Station
Cooper Crossing & Marree Man Tour
Our premier scenic experience. This tour combines the historic Cooper Crossing, Cooper Inlet and Hunt Peninsula with an extended flight over Lake Eyre South and the world-famous Marree Man geoglyph. If you're looking for Marree Man flights, this is the tour that takes you over it.
- Take-off from Clayton Station, then the historic ferry
- Cooper Inlet and Hunt Peninsula
- Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre South aerial tour
- Marree Man geoglyph (4.2 km desert figure)
- Scenic return flight to Clayton Station
Why Fly with Oasis Air?
Closest Departure to Lake Eyre
We depart from Clayton Station on the Birdsville Track, so our Lake Eyre scenic flights put you above the lake faster than operators flying from William Creek or Coober Pedy.
Operated Since 1987
Nearly four decades of outback flying experience. Safety, reliability and local knowledge you can count on.
Guaranteed Window Seats
Every passenger gets an unobstructed view. No middle seats, no compromises.
Expert Pilot Commentary
Our pilots know this country intimately. Every flight is a guided story of geology, history and wildlife.
Personal Headsets & Live Pilot Interaction
Every passenger is provided with their own aviation headset, so you can hear the pilot's live commentary and ask questions throughout the flight for a more personal, interactive experience.
Stay at Clayton Station
Disconnect from the high-tech distractions of city life and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the outback. Stay overnight right where your scenic flights begin.
Luxury Units
Luxury 2-Bedroom Units
Clayton Station now offers luxury self-contained accommodation. Relax in your private hot tub, or on the timber deck overlooking Clayton Creek, and watch the breathtaking outback sunset.
- Two fully equipped 2-bedroom luxury units
- Private deck overlooking tranquil Clayton Creek
- Relaxing hot tub for sunset and stargazing
- Complete outback serenity and privacy
Campground & Spa
Wetlands Campground & Artesian Spa
An oasis along the Birdsville Track. Unpowered camping suitable for all travellers, featuring our famous soothing hot artesian spa, hot showers and flushing toilets to wash away the red dust.
- Natural warm hot artesian spa bath / pool
- Flushing toilets and hot showers
- Accessible for caravans, camper trailers, 4WDs and tents
- Pet-friendly (unpowered camping sites)
Historic Waler Horses
Since the early 1990s, Clayton Station has bred and sold versatile Waler horses throughout Australia for endurance, hacking, showing and polocrosse.
Flora & Lake Harry Birdlife
Admire vibrant desert wildflowers in season and spot magnificent black swans gliding across nearby Lake Harry.
Pristine Night Skies
Experience zero light pollution, with brilliant star-filled southern skies right from your campsite or hot tub deck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our scenic flights and staying at Clayton Station.
Are scenic flights currently operating?
Our scenic flights are currently on hold until February 2027. We're now accepting enquiries for the 2027 season, so please call us on 0498 844 082 or use the enquiry button on this page.
What should I bring on the flight?
We recommend a bottle of water, sunglasses, light snacks and a fly net during warmer months. Small personal bags such as a purse or camera bag can come aboard. Larger bags can be securely left at the station.
What should I wear?
Comfortable casual clothing and sturdy closed-toe shoes are recommended. We suggest dressing in layers, as temperatures in the air can differ from ground conditions, particularly on early morning departures.
Are there age restrictions?
There are no minimum age restrictions for our scenic flights, making it a fantastic experience for all generations. Passengers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I bring a camera?
Absolutely! The aerial views of Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, Cooper Creek and the outback demand to be captured. Please make sure all cameras and neck straps are secured before take-off.
What happens if the weather is poor?
Guest safety is always our first priority. Oasis Air provides full refunds for any cancellations caused by adverse weather. If you'd like to reschedule, our team will gladly help you find the next best date.
Where do flights depart from?
All of our Lake Eyre scenic flights depart from Clayton Station, a working pastoral property on the Birdsville Track, approximately 40 minutes north-east of Marree in South Australia. That places you closer to Lake Eyre than any other operator.
Can I stay overnight at Clayton Station?
Yes! Clayton Station now offers luxury self-contained accommodation, with two 2-bedroom units featuring a private timber deck and hot tub overlooking Clayton Creek, as well as an unpowered public campground.
What amenities are at the campsite and spa?
The Clayton Wetlands Campground provides flushing toilets, hot showers and our famous soothing hot artesian spa bath. It is suitable for caravans, camper trailers, 4WD rigs and tents, and it's pet-friendly.
What wildlife and heritage can I see?
Depending on the season, visitors can see vibrant carpets of desert wildflowers and spot black swans swimming on Lake Harry. Clayton Station has also bred versatile Waler horses since the early 1990s.
Do I need to book in advance?
Advance bookings are highly recommended, particularly during the peak outback travel season from April to October. Flights are currently on hold until February 2027, but we're accepting enquiries for the 2027 season now. Please call us directly on 0498 844 082 to enquire about your preferred flight time and accommodation.
Getting to Clayton Station, Marree
Clayton Station sits on the legendary Birdsville Track in outback South Australia, approximately 700 km north of Adelaide. It is about a 40-minute drive north-east of Marree, the nearest township, along the track. Whether you're joining us for an unforgettable scenic flight over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, relaxing in our luxury 2-bedroom units, or pitching a tent at our wetlands campground and artesian spa, we're ready to welcome you to the heart of the outback.
Planning things to do near Marree, SA? Our scenic flights from Marree leave from Clayton Station, about 40 minutes up the Birdsville Track, and a night under the stars and a soak in the hot artesian spa are right there too.