Air Safari | Australia

Red Centre

Indulgence

DELVE INTO THE DELIGHTS OF CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

From the Walls of China at Lake Mungo to Australia’s iconic Uluru – this is a trip not to be missed. Explore spectacular landscapes by air and on land, immerse yourself into a world rich in aboriginal history and spend time with the Stockmen of the bush with an overnight stay at remote Outback Trilby Sheep Station.

Be guided through Mungo National Park – one of our most spectacular Outback landscapes with immense cultural significance – viewing the iconic Walls of China and exploring the home of Mungo Man. Visit the outback town of William Creek on the Oodnadatta Track. 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 before savouring the Field of Light Dinner. 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’. 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. End 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.

Indulge in this Red Centre itinerary and experience Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, vast horizons, big skies, staggering landscapes and incredible Outback hospitality….. and all with the incomparable convenience of travelling by private plane!

8 DAYS INTO THE HEART OF AUSTRALIA

DAY 1 | SYDNEY - MUNGO | 1 NIGHT

Be welcomed by our Crew at Bankstown Airport (Sydney ) before departing on this unforgettable Outback adventure. The first leg of this journey takes us to the Mungo National Park in western New South Wales where we will land at the beautiful Mungo Lodge. Here you can start to unwind for what will be a truly amazing experience over the next week of touring. We will be doing a sunset tour in the park with some drinks and canapes before returning to the Lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park

Flight times: 2h40 – 2 flights – Flying from Bankstown to Griffith (1h40) to refuel and then onto Mungo (1h).

DAY 2 | MUNGO - WILLIAM CREEK | 1 NIGHT

Witness mesmerising landscapes as we fly further west to the remote Outback post of William Creek (population 10) on the famous Oodnadatta Track. En-route we encounter the enigmatic Marree Man and the stunning natural beauty of the glistening salt pan, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. Enjoy true Outback hospitality with drinks and dinner at The William Creek Hotel, which really comes alive in the winter months.

Accommodation: William Creek Hotel

Flight times: 3h15 – 2 flights – Flying from Mungo to Broken Hill (1h) and then onto William Creek (2h15).

DAY 3 | WILLIAM CREEK - ULURU | 1 NIGHT

An exciting day as we head to our country’s heart – the red centre – Uluru. Get set for an evening of delight at the breathtaking Field of Light 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: 2h45 – 2 flights – Flying from William Creek to Cooper Pedy (35 mins) then onto Ayers Rock – Uluru (2h10).

DAY 4 | ULURU - BIRDSVILLE | 1 NIGHT

A morning of choice; relax and unwind or choose an active walk around Uluru or visit the nearby Olgas/Kata Tjuta. Our private aircraft will then fly us to the iconic town of Birdsville, where our plane can taxi right up to the front door of the pub. Where else in the world can you do this? We will enjoy another amazing sunset at “Big Red” overlooking the Simpson Desert.

Accommodation: The Birdsville Hotel

Flight times: 3h10 – 1 flight – Flying from Ayers Rock – Uluru to Birdsville.

DAY 5 | BIRDSVILLE - LONGREACH | 2 NIGHTS

We board our private aircraft to head north to the pioneering town of Longreach, where Qantas commenced operations 100 years ago. Enjoy a private lunch surrounded by aviation history at the Qantas Founders Museum. Check in to the Saltbush Retreat Boutique Outback Lodge for your 2 night stay. Saltbush Retreat’s rustic but beautiful accommodation reflects the unique textures and tones of Outback Queensland. The legendary Stockman’s Hall of Fame is not to be missed.

Accommodation: Saltbush Retreat Boutique Outback Lodge, Longreach

Flight times: 2h – 1 flight – Flying from Birdsville to Longreach.

DAY 6 | WINTON & LONGREACH

Today we swap our wings for wheels and set off in our private coach for a day of exploring. Enjoy Outback big sky scenery as we head to the Age of Dinosaurs experience, which will paint a picture of what this area looked like 90 million years ago. At the historic town of Winton we will visit the newly rebuilt Waltzing Matilda Museum, after it was destroyed by fire in 2015. There will be endless photo opportunities as we take a gentle sunset cruise along the Thomson River. Over dinner we will be treated to a night of entertainment with bush poetry and Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Show – a night to remember.

Accommodation: Saltbush Retreat Boutique Outback Lodge, Longreach

DAY 7 | LONGREACH - TRILBY STATION | 1 NIGHT

We re-join our private aircraft as we fly south through Queensland’s Channel Country, with endless horizons filled with deep red sand hills and orange escarpments. The next leg of our tour finds us at Shindy’s Inn, Louth, indulging in a drink overlooking The Darling River, before heading 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 visit focuses on offering the true Australian Outback station experience. Immerse yourself in the landscape, appreciating an bush sunset with drinks before relaxing by a camp fire enjoying a home cooked dinner, under a star-lit sky.

Accommodation: Trilby Station, Louth (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 (1h40).

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. We will enjoy our farewell lunch at Shindy’s Inn overlooking the Darling as our Outback adventure comes to a close before boarding our plane for the final flight 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 you with inspiration for your very own air adventure we can tailor a journey 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
Red Centre Indulgence Air Safari

7 nights / 8 days
27 May to 3 June 2023

AUD $12,600 pp twin share | Single supplement AUD$1,080

AUD $12,600 pp twin share
Single supplement AUD$1,080

START: Bankstown, NSW | Finish: Bankstown, NSW

Destinations : Mungo National Park (Day 1), William Creek (Day 2), Uluru (Day 3), Birdsville (Day 4), Longreach (Day 5 and 6), Cunnamulla, 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.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED IN YOUR ITINERARY :

SPECIAL DINNERS : Field of Light Dinner, Uluru | Sunset Cruise followed by dinner on the banks of the Thomson River

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES : Tour of Mungo National Park with a local guide | Aerial view of the incredible Marree Man & spectacular Lake Eyre | Taxi to the frontdoor of the Birdsville Pub in your plane | Toast the sunset at “Big Red”, the tallest sand dune in The Simpson Desert, with drinks and canapés, Birdsville | Tour and private lunch at Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach | Tour the Stockman’s Hall of Fame | Age of Dinosaurs Tour & Waltzing Matilda Museum tour, Winton | Sunset Cruise on the Thomson River, Longreach | Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Show, Longreach | Visit Shindy’s Inn on the Darling River, Louth | Tour the shearing sheds and hanger at Trilby Station, Louth.

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.

TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY

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 Mackintosh

Julia 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 family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The 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 family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An 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 Taylor

Thank 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 Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything 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 Bradley

You 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 Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their 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 Stevens

If 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 Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It 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 Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An 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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