Historic hot-air balloon crossing of Lake Eyre completed before weekend storms

Victorian adventurer Steve Timmis, prompted by a cancelled Europe holiday, assembled a team that included his son-in-law Ben, pilot Trevor Wright, and balloonists Ben Gowers and Kiff and Paterson Saunders. After a reconnaissance flight and a week of waiting for suitable conditions, the group launched two balloons from William Creek during a brief lull in 30-knot winds. The balloons covered 183 km at roughly 80 km/h, climbing to about 2,740 m and crossing most of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, even passing over the Marree Man.

The three-hour-forty-minute journey ended on the Oodnadatta Track, where the crew celebrated before driving toward Marree. Road closures have since left them stranded near Leigh Creek, where they await reopening. The team hopes the achievement will encourage others to explore the Australian outback.