Lake Eyre • 7 Day • Maximum 3 Guests
Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre – Aerial & Milky Way Photography Safari
7 Day Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre – Aerial & Milky Way Photography Safari
An unforgettable aerial photography adventure across Australia's most iconic outback landscapes.
Experience the vast beauty of the Australian Outback from a perspective few will ever witness. This exclusive aerial photography safari takes you above the immense landscapes of Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, Australia's largest salt lake, where ever-changing colours, intricate salt formations and remote desert landscapes create extraordinary photographic opportunities.
Designed for photographers looking to expand their creative skills, this immersive seven-day safari combines breathtaking aerial flights with landscape and astrophotography, capturing the Outback by day and the Milky Way under some of Australia's darkest skies by night.
Throughout the safari, internationally award-winning photographer Scott Portelli will provide personalised tuition, sharing his expertise in aerial composition, camera techniques, image processing and visual storytelling. With a maximum of just three participants, every guest benefits from individual guidance and exceptional access to one of Australia's most spectacular and remote landscapes.
Trip Details
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2027
April & May -
Coober Pedy, South Australia
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Day 1: Transfer from Coober Pedy to William Creek, welcome dinner, workshop briefing and camera preparation
Day 2: Sunrise aerial flight over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre and North Warburton Creek, afternoon preparation session, sunset and Milky Way photography
Day 3: Sunrise aerial flight over southern Lake Eyre, image editing session, evening astrophotography workshop
Day 4: Aerial flight over Madigan Gulf and northern Lake Eyre, followed by another Milky Way photography session
Day 5: Image editing workshop and afternoon aerial photography flight over Lake Eyre
Day 6: Editing workshop, optional aerial flight (weather dependent), Outback sunset session and farewell dinner
Day 7: Transfer from William Creek to Coober Pedy for departure
Please note: Flight times and locations are flexible and may be adjusted to maximise weather and photographic conditions.
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7 day
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Maximum 3 Guests
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AUD $12,950 per person
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AUD $1,500 per person (non-refundable)
Trip Highlights
Scenic aerial photography flights over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre
Photograph Australia's largest salt lake from a unique perspective
Capture the changing colours, textures and patterns of the Outback from above
Learn aerial photography techniques with Scott Portelli
Photograph spectacular Outback sunsets and landscapes
Master Milky Way and astrophotography under some of Australia's darkest skies
Daily image review and post-processing workshops
Exclusive small group experience with a maximum of 3 participants
Flexible itinerary designed to maximise weather and photographic conditions
Personalised one-on-one photography tuition throughout the safari
What’s Included
6 nights' accommodation in William Creek
Return transfers between Coober Pedy and William Creek
Multiple scenic aerial photography flights over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre
Outback sunset photography sessions
Milky Way and astrophotography workshops
Landscape and aerial photography tuition with Scott Portelli
Daily image review and editing sessions
Small group experience (maximum 3 participants)
Personalised one-on-one photography guidance throughout the safari
What’s Not Included
Flights to and from Coober Pedy
Meals and beverages (unless otherwise specified)
Travel insurance (essential)
Camera equipment and accessories
Laptop and photo editing software
Personal expenses
Optional equipment hire (available on request, subject to availability)
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 skill levels, from enthusiastic beginners to experienced professionals. Scott provides personalised tuition 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 itinerary includes multiple astrophotography sessions under the exceptionally dark skies surrounding William Creek, subject to weather conditions.
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The safari includes multiple scenic flights over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre and surrounding Outback landscapes. Flight routes and timings may vary to take advantage of the best weather and lighting conditions.
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The safari starts with a transfer from Coober Pedy to William Creek and concludes with the return transfer to Coober Pedy on the final day.
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Yes. Six nights' accommodation in William Creek is included.
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Yes. Scott provides hands-on guidance during shoots, along with image review and editing sessions to help improve your photography and post-processing skills.
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The itinerary is intentionally flexible. Flight schedules and photography sessions may be adjusted to maximise photographic opportunities and ensure safe flying conditions.
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Equipment hire may be available on request, subject to availability. Please enquire before booking.
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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.