Ancient Wild Australia
Start your epic week in the Outback with an overnight that focuses on a true Australian Outback station experience. Immerse yourself in the landscape, appreciating a bush sunset with drinks before relaxing by a camp fire enjoying a home cooked dinner, under a star-lit sky. Cruise the Thomson River in Longreach and take in the history on display in the legendary Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Waltzing Matilda Museum and Qantas Founders Museum. In your private plane taxi to the front door of the Birdsville Pub and enjoy a pint before watching the sunset from the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert – ‘Big Red’. Fly to the centre of Australia to marvel at the changing colours of ‘the rock’ as you indulge in canapes and sparkling wine overlooking Kata-Tjuta National Park and experience the rural outback at Kings Creek Station.
You will love
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Mungo National Park
- 1,600 million-year-old Flinders Ranges
- ‘Flightseeing’ over Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre
- View Australia’s most iconic rock
- Rich exposure to Aboriginal culture
- Explore iconic outback towns, William Creek, Birdsville and Louth
Air Safari - Ancient Wilderness Escape
DAY 1 | SYDNEY - TRILBY STATION | 1 night
Our crew welcome you at Bankstown Airport (Sydney) before departing on this exciting Outback adventure. Take in the aerial views from our private aircraft as we head west towards Cobar and Louth. On landing at Louth, enjoy a drink at Shindy’s Inn, overlooking The Darling River. We take an Outback dirt track to Trilby Station, a family owned 320,000 acre sheep station. This overnight stop focuses on offering the true Australian Outback station experience, gaining insight into life on a remote sheep property. Immerse yourself in the landscape, appreciating a bush sunset with drinks and canapés. Over a home cooked dinner under the stars you will hear about life on the station from fifth generation farmers, The Murray Family.
Accommodation: Trilby Station
Flight times: 1h50 – 2 flights Flying from Bankstown to Cobar to refuel (1h20) then to Louth -Trilby Station (30min).
DAY 2 | TRILBY STATION - LONGREACH | 2 NIGHTS
This morning we board our private aircraft for Longreach – the town where Qantas commenced operations over 100 years ago. Flying north through Queensland’s Channel Country, with endless horizons filled with deep red sand hills and orange escarpments. Tonight we spend the evening amongst nature watching the sunset as we cruise the Thomson River. There are endless photo opportunities on this gentle sunset cruise before we go ashore for a traditional Outback dinner and show, under the stars – a night to remember.
Accommodation: Mitchell Grass Retreat, Longreach
Flight times: 3h20 – 2 flights Flying from Trilby Station to Cunnamulla to refuel(1h10) then onto Longreach (2h10).
DAY 3 | LONGREACH
Today we swap our wings for wheels and set off in our private transport for a day of exploring. Enjoy Outback big sky scenery as we head to the Age of Dinosaurs experience, painting a picture of what this area looked like 90 million years ago. Witness the monumental March of the Titanosaurs exhibition that was recently opened to the public.
Accommodation: Mitchell Grass Retreat, Longreach
DAY 4 | LONGREACH - BIRDSVILLE | 1 NIGHT
An exciting day to witness more mesmerising images as our private aircraft takes us on a journey through Channel Country and the Diamantina to the iconic Outback town of Birdsville. On arrival we can taxi right up to the front door of the pub, where else in the world can you do this? Experience the stunning sunset over “Big Red”, the tallest sand dune in The Simpson Desert, while enjoying a beer or wine.
Accommodation: The Birdsville Hotel
Flight times: 2h15 Flying from Longreach to Birdsville (2h15).
DAY 5 | BIRDSVILLE - ALICE SPRINGS & KINGS CANYON | 1 NIGHT
This morning we board our private aircraft for Longreach – the town where Qantas commenced operations over 100 years ago. Enjoy lunch surrounded by aviation history at the world class Qantas Founders Museum followed by a visit to the legendary Stockman’s Hall Of Fame. Tonight we spend the evening amongst nature watching the sunset as we cruise the Thomson River. There are endless photo opportunities on this gentle sunset cruise before we go ashore for a traditional Outback dinner and show, under the stars – a night to remember.
Accommodation: Kings Creek Station
Flight times: 3h20 – 2 flights Flying from Birdsville to Alice Springs (2h25) Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station (55min).
DAY 6 | KINGS CREEK STATION - ULURU | 1 NIGHT
This morning we have a chance to explore the area surrounding Kings Creek Station. Learn about the culture of the Luritja and Pertame (Southern Aranda) people on the Karrke Cultural Tour, as our guides share cultural knowledge on bush tucker and bush medicines used for spiritual and healing. We also have a chance to visit Watarrka National Park, home to the mighty Kings Canyon; a majestic destination featuring 300 metre high sandstone walls and palm-filled crevices. After a morning of exploring we make our way towards the Red Centre – Uluru. Get set for an evening of delight at the breath taking Sounds of Silence dinner. Admire the ever changing colour of the rock as the sun sets upon it. Indulging in canapés and sparkling wine overlooking spectacular Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, this evening will be one to remember.
Accommodation: Sails in the Desert, Uluru
Flight times: 30 mins Flying from Kings Creek Station to Ayers Rock Airport – Uluru (30mins).
DAY 7 | ULURU - WILLIAM CREEK | 1 NIGHT
With Uluru basking in the light as a new day begins, experience the sunrise with a guided drive around the base of the rock. Our guide will show us the area and the Mutijulu Waterhole, Rock Art and Cultural Centre. We then make our way into South Australia, as we set course for the remote Outback town of William Creek. Our flight path takes us to the north of the Great Victorian Desert and over some of Australia’s most remote towns. This evening we enjoy true Outback hospitality with drinks and dinner at the authentic bush pub, The William Creek Hotel. This pub, on the famous Oodnadatta Track, is loved by travellers from all around the world.
Accommodation: The William Creek Hotel
Flight times: 2h45 Flying from Ayers Rock Airport to William Creek (2h45) – possible refuel at Cadney Homestead.
DAY 8 | WILLIAM CREEK - ARKAROOLA | 1 NIGHT
Enjoy more mesmerising images as we fly over Lake Eyre and The Marree Man as we make our way towards the Flinders Ranges. This remarkable landscape is made up of ancient hills dramatically sculpted through seismic activity, accompanied by scattered watering holes. We land at Balcanoona Airstrip and then make our way to the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.
Accommodation: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Flight times: 1h20 Flying from William Creek to Balcanoona Airstrip near Arkaroola (1h20).
DAY 9 | ARKAROOLA - MUNGO | 1 NIGHT
Awaken to the peace and serenity surrounding us at the Wilderness lodge. Our local guide will take us through some of the most spectacularly rugged country on earth and share their knowledge of Arkaroola’s 1,600 million year geological history on the ‘Ridgetop Tour’. We then make our way to Mungo National Park via Broken Hill. Our flight path takes us over Lake Frome, a dessert-like melange of gold earth and swirling white salt pans, an amazing sight from above. This evening, our local guide at Mungo National Park will take us on a sunset tour walking the iconic Walls of China, where scientists have discovered artefacts dating back over 50,000 years.
Accommodation: Mungo Lodge
Flight times: 1h55 – 2 flights Flying from Balcanoona to Broken Hill to fuel and have lunch (1h) then Mungo (55min).
DAY 10 | MUNGO - SYDNEY
Back on board our aircraft we make our way east bound towards Sydney. We will stop briefly in Griffith on our journey back to Bankstown for a quick refuel. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery from this vantage point as we take you home.
Flight times: 3hrs – 2 flights Flying from Mungo to Griffith to fuel (1h10) to Bankstown (1h50).
PLEASE NOTE:
The content of this itinerary is based on a set departure, however if it provides the perfect inspiration for your very own journey we can tailor the content to suit your preferred style and pace. Please get in touch with us to design a bespoke flying safari for you, your friends or family.
This set departure itinerary may vary slightly should factors beyond our control arise.
NEED TO KNOW
Ancient Wilderness Escape by Air
9 nights/10 days
16 - 24 June 2023
9 nights/10 days
16 - 24 June 2023
AUD $14,515 pp twin share | AUD $1,215 single supplement
AUD $14,515 pp twin share
AUD $1,215 single supplement
START: Bankstown, NSW | Finish: Bankstown, NSW
Destinations: Louth – Trilby Station (Day 1), Longreach (Day 2 and 3), Birdsville (Day 4), Alice Springs, Kings Creek Station (Day 5), Uluru (Day 6), William Creek (Day 7), Arkaroola (Day 8 ), Mungo National Park (Day 9) – Griffith, Bankstown (Day 10)
Inclusions
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
- Wine included with dinner (only)
- Private chartered aircraft transportation, fuel & airport fees throughout
- Services of a qualified pilot/s and tour director
- All accommodation as listed in the itinerary – in twin share rooms (double beds on request and en suite is usually available, however cannot be guaranteed in all rooms in all properties)
- Excursions & activities as per the itinerary (and as detailed below)
- Services of qualified and/or indigenous guides on all excursions
- Private transportation provided to and from daily excursions & accommodation
- National Park Fees & Permits for daily excursions
- Bottled water onboard the aircraft
Exclusions
- Transport to and from Bankstown Airport
- Additional food and beverages other than specified
- Accommodation upgrades
- Any additional or optional excursions and/or transfers other than specified
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Items and/or purchases of a personal nature
- Any item not specified
Minimum – 10 travellers
Maximum – 11 travellers
CANCELLATION DUE TO COVID-19: If the air safari is cancelled due to Covid-19 Government imposed border restrictions, you have the option to receive a full refund or transfer your reservation to a future departure date. If you have to cancel your participation on an air safari due to your inability to enter NSW due to Government imposed travel restrictions, or you reside in a ‘locked down hotspot’, no refund is available; however 70% of the value of your confirmed air safari can be allocated toward a future air safari departure.
YOUR AIRCRAFT :
Travel is in a privately chartered Cessna Grand Caravan turboprop aircraft. Capable of landing on gravel and remote airfields, where other aircraft cannot, the Cessna Grand Caravan is a fast, reliable machine ideal for flying in the Australian Outback. The aircraft is operated by our trusted partners Outback by Air who hold an Air Operators Certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). All highly experienced Outback by Air pilots carry a Commercial Pilots License. The Cessna Grand Caravan is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and impressive safety features. The interior is comfortable, climate controlled and has large windows, making inflight viewing a joy.
THE PILOTS & GUIDES
The Owners - Phil Hines & Glenn McGrath
Phil Hines (Founder & director) - Phil has been flying since 1990 and holds licences for both fixed wing and rotary aircraft as well as a commercial helicopter licence. He has flown multi engine charters, scheduled Regular Public Transport flights, and also has agricultural ratings in both aero plane and helicopters. Outback and bush flying has been a big part of his aviation history and he has placed second in the Royal Flying Doctor Service Outback Air Race - twice! There’s barely a patch of our great land he hasn’t seen from the air. Safe to say he knows his stuff. On top of all that he’s just a bloody good bloke – a cheerful ‘salt of the Earth’ type from a farming background with plenty of tales to tell. A great host!
Glenn McGrath (Partner) - Former international cricketer star and McGrath Foundation co-founder and president, Glenn McGrath is born and bred in country NSW and has always had a passion for the Australian Outback. By joining the team at Outback by Air, Glenn can combine his passion for flying and travel throughout The Australian Outback. He believes the iconic destinations we offer on our trips should be on everyone’s bucket list.
The Crew
Outback By Air tours are operated by two experienced pilots who are there to take care of your entire journey through the Outback. From flying you to your destinations, to providing commentary, to taking you on ground tours, the crew provide the highest level of safety and customer service.
The team includes Phil Hines, Andrew Hines, Natalie Tierney, James Branch and Joseph Hallam. The crew have a combined total of over 50,000 flying hours and extensive experience flying throughout the Outback and across the globe, having flown a large range of aircraft and worked at major Airlines. They pride themselves on providing a professional, safe and enjoyable experience for the guests.
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth MackintoshJulia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford familyWe are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
Kim & Brad BalanceThe trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
Rowntree familyClassic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain JonesWe loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
Laurence & Remi CunninghamAn amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert TaylorThank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul CozziVery knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
Jane & Robert HappellEverything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.
Tim BradleyYou can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham FamilyThe trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
Emma JeffcoatAbsolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie AdamsClassic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
Ros WheelerTheir experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
Andrew & Pip StevensIf you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
Miriam & Joseph HarrisonClassic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
Ron & Alison GuthrieClassic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
Di & Kingsley YatesThe Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
Annette WhileyIt certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
Jo-anne & Dean MifsudWould do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan TribeAn absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williams
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