Gulf of Carpentaria • 7 Day • Maximum 3 Guests
Gulf of Carpentaria Aerial Photo Workshop
7 Day Gulf of Carpentaria Aerial Photography Safari
An unforgettable aerial photography adventure across Australia's most spectacular wetlands and river systems
Discover one of Australia's most remote and visually striking landscapes on an exclusive aerial photography safari through the Gulf of Carpentaria. Flying above an intricate network of rivers, estuaries, wetlands and vast floodplains, you'll capture extraordinary abstract patterns, rich natural textures and ever-changing light from a perspective few photographers experience.
Designed for photographers of all experience levels, this immersive seven-day safari combines breathtaking scenic flights with hands-on tuition, image review sessions and opportunities to photograph the unique wildlife and landscapes of tropical north-west Queensland.
Throughout the safari, internationally award-winning photographer Scott Portelli will provide personalised guidance in aerial photography, composition, camera techniques and post-processing. Limited to just three participants, this intimate experience offers exceptional access to one of Australia's last truly wild frontiers.
Trip Details
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2027
May -
Burketown, Queensland
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Day 1:
Arrive in Burketown, transfer to accommodation and camera set-up sessionDay 2:
Morning scenic flight, followed by an afternoon photography lectureDay 3:
Morning scenic flight, followed by an afternoon photography lectureDay 4:
4WD excursion and/or boat trip, subject to seasonal conditionsDay 5:
Morning scenic flight and afternoon editing sessionDay 6:
Morning scenic flight, final workshop session and farewell dinnerDay 7:
Depart Burketown
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7 day
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Maximum 3 Guests
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AUD $12,550 per person
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AUD $1,000 per person (non-refundable)
Trip Highlights
Four scenic aerial photography flights over the Gulf of Carpentaria
Photograph spectacular wetlands, rivers, estuaries and abstract landscapes from above
Capture one of Australia's most remote and untouched wilderness regions
Learn aerial photography techniques with Scott Portelli
Photograph the region's unique wildlife, including birds, reptiles and tropical landscapes
Daily photography tuition and image review sessions
4WD and boat excursion to explore the region from the ground and water
Small group experience with a maximum of 3 participants
Personalised one-on-one photography guidance throughout the safari
Flexible itinerary designed to maximise weather and photographic opportunities
What’s Included
6 nights' accommodation in Burketown
Return airport transfers from Burketown Airport
Four scenic aerial photography flights
4WD excursions
Boat excursion (subject to seasonal conditions)
All meals throughout the safari
Photography tuition with Scott Portelli
Daily image review and editing sessions
Small group experience (maximum 3 participants)
What’s Not Included
International and domestic flights to and from Burketown
Travel insurance (essential)
Alcoholic beverages
Camera equipment and accessories
Personal expenses
Optional equipment hire (if available)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cancellation Period
Cancellation of a booking or part thereof will incur the following fees based on the notice period prior to any tour. Once travel has commenced, no refunds will be made for any unused services and clients will be responsible for their travel arrangements and insurance.A deposit for any tour is made upon booking to secure your place on the tour, this is non-refundable. By paying the invoice for deposit you accept these terms and conditions.
If a cancellation is made less than 1 month (30 Days) prior to the tour date, we will not reimburse the cost of the tour.
If a cancellation is made within 1-2 months (60 Days) prior to the tour date, we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 10% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.
If a cancellation is made within 3 months (90 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 15% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.
If a cancellation is made within 3 – 6 months (180 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 20% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.
Cancellations made by the organiser to a tour will be reimbursed in full (Not including the deposit which is Non-refundable).
Note: If the booking has been rescheduled and the cancellation is requested, this will be considered a new booking and subject to our standard terms and conditions.If for any reason weather or operational cancellation of a single day occurs during the tour, there is no refund provided if the circumstances are out of the control of the organiser.
Itinerary Disclaimer
The itineraries on our websites are correct at time of publishing and may differ slightly depending on changes to local operations, foreign policy and laws, availability of resources, flight schedules, and supplier cost. In the case of any changes, the organiser will endeavour to provide an alternative option to continue your itinerary.
Insurance Policy
Travel insurance is NOT included in the cost of your tour. We strongly recommend that passengers arrange their own travel insurance. Insurance is required before arriving at your destination to ensure you are covered for unforeseen situations that may arise to cause loss of luggage, cancellation of flights and tours or medical emergencies.
Scott Portelli and affiliates are not responsible for loss or damage of any equipment whilst participating in these activities. Appropriate travel insurance should be arranged prior to visiting your destination.
Release Forms/Waivers
While the organiser makes every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to events beyond our control. Wildlife tourism carries inherent risk as you are interacting with wild animals and a signed release form is required from all participants before tour departure. This is signed on the first day of departure or prior to arriving at your destination on each separate tour. Guests are encourage to download this liability waiver and return back to us prior to your tour.
Foreign Currency
As of October 2023, all general tour costs are quoted in $USD as suppliers and operations in the region move to a more stable currency for services rendered. Current exemptions are Norway (quoted in Euros), Falkland Islands (quoted in GBP Pounds), and Australia (Australian Dollars).
For local currency, please notice that Tongan Pa’anga is still the currency used while visiting the Tongan islands and will be the only accepted form of currency for tourist in Tonga. For other destinations, please check which local currency will be required. NOTE: Tour prices are subject to change year on year and will be reflected in the tour itinerary prior to each season.
Visas for Tonga
Please review the visa requirements for your country here
Visas for Norway
Norway’s visa requirements vary according to the traveller’s country of origin, the purpose of traveling and the period of stay. Please review the visa requirements for your country here
Visas for Australia
Please review the visa requirements for your country here
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This safari is suitable for photographers of all experience levels. Whether you're developing your skills or refining your aerial photography, Scott provides personalised guidance throughout the week.
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No. Scott will guide you through camera settings, composition and aerial shooting techniques to help you make the most of every flight.
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A mirrorless or DSLR camera with a range of wide-angle and telephoto lenses is recommended. A detailed equipment list will be provided before departure.
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Yes. The region is home to abundant birdlife, reptiles and other native wildlife, offering excellent opportunities alongside the spectacular aerial landscapes.
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The safari includes four scenic aerial photography flights over the Gulf of Carpentaria, with routes planned to maximise photographic opportunities.
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Yes. All meals are included throughout the safari.
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The itinerary is flexible, and flight schedules or activities may be adjusted to take advantage of the best weather and lighting conditions while ensuring safe operations.
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The safari begins and ends in Burketown, Queensland. Airport transfers are included.
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Yes. Daily photography tuition, image review and editing sessions are included to help you improve both your field techniques and post-processing workflow.
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Drone opportunities may be available during selected 4WD excursions where conditions and local regulations permit.
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Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all participants.
Designed by Scott Portelli
Every expedition reflects more than three decades of experience exploring and photographing some of the world's most remote environments.
Internationally recognised wildlife photographer, filmmaker and expedition specialist Scott Portelli has spent more than a decade working throughout Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic, developing an intimate understanding of the region's wildlife, landscapes and seasonal conditions.
His experience has shaped every aspect of this journey, from the itinerary and timing to the wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities, creating an experience that goes beyond simply visiting these extraordinary places.
Whether Scott is leading the expedition himself or working alongside a trusted expedition team, guests can expect the same commitment to immersive wildlife experiences, responsible travel and exceptional photographic opportunities that define the Scott Portelli brand.