Hi SKT
Unfortunately Puffy and I are headed that way on 17th October for 14 days. Our current "schedule" - rain, rivers, water crossings and GOD not withstanding - goes by Mildura, Hawker and Marree on the way out to the Birdsville Loop including Tiboburra and White Cliffs on the way home - approximately 4,200 kms all up
Sounds like we intend to do failry similar trips - yeaph we'll be camping most of the way as well !!!
Ditto the comments re a flight over Lake Eyre - remember to arrange in advance if you really want a specific time.
Damn pity we all couldn't have got the trip schedules right - would have been a great adventure
Did you sort out your racks and panniers yet ?