QUINTESSENTIAL AUSTRALIA
Experience travelling the Australian Outback in the safety and comfort of our own private aircraft. Your every need will be met by our experienced pilots. The Aircraft types we use are the Cessna Caravan, or Beechcraft King Air. Enjoy seeing Australia from an aerial perspective, with no security lines, boarding delays or crowded baggage carousels at airports. Maximum time spent in the air is two and a half hours per flight. Move fast with no time wasted. The aircraft type and seating configuration will be matched to the tour group size. A maximum of 12 passengers and two crew on all flights.
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 - Birdsville & Beyond
DAY 1 | SYDNEY - BROKEN HILL | 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 before a short stop in Griffith for morning tea. We sweep further west to the mining city, Broken Hill, where we will visit the interactive museum of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. After lunch we explore Broken Hill for the afternoon, and then visit the 12 sandstone sculptures created by a group of artists from all over the world. We have drinks as the sun goes down, before heading back into town for dinner and our overnight stay. FLIGHT TIMES: 3h30 – 2 flights
Accommodation: Royal Exchange, Broken Hill
Flight times: 3h30 – 2 flights – Flying from Bankstown to Griffith (1h40) to refuel, then onto Broken Hill (1h50).
DAY 2 | BROKEN HILL - WILLIAM CREEK | 2 NIGHTS
This morning we leave the The Silver City, and fly into South Australia. Marvel at the spectacular scenery as we fly past famous landmarks including Lake Frome, The Flinders Ranges, the Marree Man and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre to the remote town of William Creek (population 10) on the famous Oodnadatta Track. Enjoy true Outback hospitality with drinks and dinner at The William Creek Hotel .
Accommodation: William Creek Hotel
Flight times: 2h25 – Flying from Broken Hill to William Creek (2h25).
DAY 3 | WILLIAM CREEK
We spend the day in William Creek exploring the surrounding area and natural landscapes. Enjoy the epic night sky on our last night at this truly remote Outback location.
DAY 4 | WILLIAM CREEK - BIRDSVILLE | 1 NIGHT
An exciting day to witness more mesmerising images as our flight in our private aircraft takes us up through Lake Eyre to the iconic Outback town of Birdsvillle in Queensland, where 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: 1h40 – 1 flight – Flying from William Creek to Birdsville (1h40).
DAY 5 | BIRDSVILLE TO LONGREACH | 2 NIGHTS
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: Mitchell Grass Retreat, Longreach
Flight times: 2h00 – 1 flight – Flying from Birdsville to Longreach (2hrs).
DAY 6 | 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.
Accommodation: Mitchell Grass Retreat, Longreach
DAY 7 | LONGREACH - LOUTH | 1 NIGHT
We rejoin our private aircraft, flying south through Queensland’s Channel Country, with endless horizons filled with deep red sand hills and orange escarpments. On landing at Louth, enjoy a drink at Shindy’s Inn, overlooking The Darling River. We then take an Outback dirt track to Trilby Station – a 320,000 acre working sheep property. We will be hosted by the owners of Trilby, Liz and Gary Murray, gaining insight into life on a remote sheep station. This overnight stop focuses on offering the true Australian outback station experience. Immerse yourself in the landscape, appreciating an outback sunset with drinks before relaxing by a camp fire enjoying a home cooked dinner, under a starlit sky.
Accommodation: Trilby Station – the renovated Shearers’ Quarters or Station Cottages with shared bathroom facilities
Flight times: 2h55 – 2 flights – Flying from Longreach to Quilpie (1h15) to refuel and then onto Louth – Trilby Station.
DAY 8 | TRILBY STATION - SYDNEY
Our last day in the Outback where those who wish to immerse themselves in nature and the peaceful surroundings can take advantage of Trilby’s 10kms of walking tracks along the banks of The Darling River. Guests will have an opportunity to ask questions about station life as Liz takes us on a walking tour encompassing the state of the art shearing shed and aircraft hanger. Next stop is the neighbouring historical Dunlop Station where we will sample a shearers’ traditional morning tea, Smoko, before touring the homestead and discovering the fascinating history of the area. We will enjoy our farewell lunch at Shindy’s Inn overlooking the Darling as our Outback adventure comes to a close. Relax, reflect and enjoy the scenery as we cruise back to Sydney.
Flight times: 2h30 – 2 flights – Flying from Louth to Dubbo (1h20) to refuel and then to Bankstown (1h10)
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
Birdsville & Beyond Air Safari
7 nights/8 days
27 April - 4 May 2023
7 nights/8 days
27 April - 4 May 2023
AUD $11,900 pp twin share | AUD $1,080 single supplement
AUD $11,900 pp twin share
AUD $1,080 single supplement
START: Bankstown, NSW | Finish: Bankstown, NSW
Destinations: Broken Hill (Day 1), William Creek and the Painted Hills (Day 2 and 3), Birdsville (Day 4), Longreach (Day 5 and 6), Louth (Trilby Station) (Day 7), Bankstown (Day 8)
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.
YOUR 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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