Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre – Aerial Photography Safari 2025

Elevate your photography skills on Scott Portelli’s aerial safari and experience the unparalleled beauty of the Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre Basin from above. Capture breathtaking aerial shots of this vast landscape, the world’s largest internally draining river systems. Spanning 1.2 million km2, Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) is a wonderland for anyone who wants to explore the Australian skies. During the day, we soar above the basin, and at night, Ari Rex will reveal his secrets in astrophotography under the star-filled skies.

Hosts

Join Scott Portelli & Ari Rex, both award-winning photographers, for this 7 day workshop.  Scott is well known for his wildlife, nature and aerial photography, and has photographed Australian landscapes extensively from the air. Ari is best known for his visual storytelling in landscape and astrophotography. They will both be on hand to help you get the best results.

Scott Portelli

Scott Portelli Aerial

Scott Portelli is an international award winning wildlife, nature and underwater photographer. Scott has spent thousands of hours in remote locations across the globe filming and photographing nature, wildlife, the underwater environment and wild places.

Some of his recent accolades include:

Wildlife photographer of the year (single capture) at the Australian Photographic Prize 2024

Winner in the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2021 & 2024.

Highly commended at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the year in London in both 2016 & 2022

Winner of Diversity Portfolio in HIPA Awards 2023

1st  Place Winner as part of a team representing Australia at the World Photographic Cup 2021.

Winner at the GDT Nature Photographer of the Year 2021  in the ‘Other Animals’ category.

Ari Rex

Embark on an exhilarating journey into the realm of astrophotography alongside Ari Rex, an esteemed luminary in both the realms of nature photography and astrophotography.

Renowned as the Nature Photographer of the Year in 2020 and the recipient of the prestigious Astrophotography award at the International Photography Awards IPA in 2019, Ari’s accolades further extend to securing first place in the landscape category at APPA 2021 for his remarkable work in the “Manmade” division. Ari’s profound expertise and acclaimed achievements form the cornerstone of this transformative workshop.

Under his expert tutelage, you’ll delve into the intricate art of capturing the ethereal splendor of the cosmos, crafting images that evoke profound wonder and admiration. Elevate your nocturnal photography prowess to unparalleled heights as you join us on this extraordinary expedition.

Cost

$12,950 AUD

Deposit $1500 AUD (Non Refundable)

Dates:

  • 25th of April – 2nd of May 2025 – Limited spaces
  • 20th of June – 27th of June 2025 – Limited spaces

Duration:

7 Days, 6 Nights

Group Size

Maximum 5 people

Itinerary (Sample)

  • Day 1 – Transfer from Coober Pedy (approximately 2 hr drive). Arrive at William Creek, unpack, meet for dinner at 6pm – briefing and prepare cameras for aerial safari 
  • Day 2 – Morning flight over Lake Eyre, Springs/North Warburton creek (1) Lunchtime preparation session, Lake Eyre 4WD sunset session/Astro photography session
  • Day 3 – Morning flight over Lake Eyre South (2), Lunchtime editing session, Evening Astrophotography session
  • Day 4 – Morning flight to Lake Eyre, Madigan Gulf (3), Evening Astrophotography session
  • Day 5 – Lunchtime Editing session, afternoon flight over Painted Hills afternoon (4)
  • Day 6 – Editing Day (Flight alternate day if weather conditions change) afternoon 4WD sunset session. Farewell dinner.
  • Day 7 – Depart – Transfer to Coober Pedy

**Please note: all flights are subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Location

6 nights/7 Days in William Creek

Start: Coober Pedy – William Creek
Finish: William Creek – Coober Pedy

Maps

Accommodation

Ensuite cabin options for single, double or twin.

*Single supplement applies.

What to bring (full checklist will be sent prior to the trip)

  • Equipment – Camera, tripod, camera harness or straps for plane
  • Clothing – warm clothes, wind proof, gloves, neck buff, beanie, sunglasses
  • Fly nets, Mosquito repellent, water bottles

Inclusions

  • 4 x flights ranging from 1.5 – 2.5hrs each day
  • 2 x 4WD photo sessions to Lake Eyre and outback locations
  • 2 x Astrophotography workshop sessions with Ari Rex
  • All meals at the famous William Creek Hotel
  • Transfers from Coober Pedy to William Creek

Exclusions

  • Domestic and international flights
  • Alcoholic & other beverages
  • Additional activities
  • Travel insurance

Useful Links

SA detailed Map views – https://location.sa.gov.au/viewer/
Water Levels Lake Eyre – https://www.lakeeyreyc.com/Status/latest.html

Important Information

Contact Us if you’d like to join this adventure.

Please review our Terms & Conditions and Cancellation policy.

Download Liability Waiver

Download Booking Information Form

Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre – Aerial Photography Safari

Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre – Aerial Photography Safari

Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre – Aerial Photography Safari