A RIPPER OF AN ITINERARY!
You will love
- Experience the Qantas Founders Museum
- Visit Winton and the Age of Dinosaurs and Waltzing Matilda museums
- Enjoy the spectacle of Kata-Tjuta, Uluru
- Fly down the Oodnadatta Track
- Stay in the opal mining capital of the world
- Spend a night at a remote sheep station
- Enjoy spectacular Outback landscapes
NINE DAYS EXPLORING ICONS OF THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK
DAY 1 | SYDNEY - LONGREACH | 2 NIGHTS
Our crew welcome you at Bankstown Airport (Sydney) as we board our private aircraft to start this unforgettable Outback adventure. Sit back, relax and enjoy the changing landscapes from the air before landing in the agricultural centre of Moree for morning tea. We then track further north for lunch in the QLD Outback town of Charleville, the bilby capital of Australia. A visit to the legendary Stockman’s Hall of Fame in the pioneering town of Longreach is a must, where we enjoy two nights of glamping. Take in the Outback views from your deluxe tent complete with ensuite and private outdoor deck. Enjoy the golden hour on a gentle sunset river cruise of The Thomson River. There are endless photo opportunities before we go ashore for a traditional stockman’s campfire dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: Mitchell Grass Retreat, Longreach (Luxury Outback Glamping)
Flight times: 5h30 – 3 flights – Flying from Bankstown to Moree (2hrs) to refuel, then onto to Charleville (2hrs) for lunch and finally onto Longreach (1h30).
DAY 2 | WINTON EXCURSIONS
Today we swap our wings for wheels and set off in our private mini bus for a busy 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 Waltzing Matilda museum, celebrating the life of Banjo Patterson. Back in Longreach we will discover the fascinating history of our national airline. Enjoy a private dinner at the Qantas Founders Museum, surrounded by aviation history and be entertained by the new Luminescent Longreach Light and Sound experience.
Accommodation: Mitchell Grass Retreat, Longreach (Luxury Glamping in the Outback)
DAY 3 | LONGREACH - ULURU | 1 NIGHT
Today our aircraft will take us across a large expanse of the Outback, flying over 1400kms to the heart of Australia, Uluru. Enjoy morning tea at the remote town of Boulia, famous for its camel races. Our next stop is lunch in Alice Springs. Sundowners will be enjoyed witnessing the changing colours of Australia’s iconic rock.
Accommodation: Sails in the Desert, Uluru, Five Star Hotel in the desert
Flight times: 5h10 – 3 flights – Flying from Longreach to Boulia (1h40) to refuel, then onto to Alice Springs (2h15), and finally onto Ayers Rock – Uluru (1h15).
DAY 4 | ULURU - WILLIAM CREEK | 2 NIGHTS
A morning of choice; relax and unwind or choose an active walk around Uluru or visit the nearby Olgas/Kata Tjuta. We will then board our private plane to follow the famous Oodnadatta Track to the remote outback post of William Creek. This evening we will 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: 2h25 – 1 flight – Flying from Ayers Rock – Uluru to William Creek.
DAY 5 | FLYING EXCURSION TO COOBER PEDY
Today is another opportunity to appreciate the grandeur and immensity of this Outback landscape as we travel in the scenic aircraft to the Painted Hills on Anna Creek Station. We will head underground in the afternoon as we explore the quirky opal mining town of Coober Pedy, its mines, churches, museums and dugouts (homes). Return to William Creek for the evening.
Accommodation: William Creek Hotel
Flight times: 35 mins – 1 flight – Flying from William Creek to Cooper Pedy (35 mins) and then back to William Creek.
DAY 6 | WILLIAM CREEK - BIRDSVILLE | 1 NIGHT
Today we take in the views from the sky as we fly over Kati Thanda- Lake Eyre, making our way north to Birdsville. On arrival, we will visit the iconic Birdsville Hotel, one of the only places in the world where your plane takes you right to the door of the pub. Sunset will be taken in over ‘Big Red’ the tallest sand dune in the Simpson desert, with canapes and drinks served.
Accommodation: The Birdsville Hotel
Flight times: 1h40 – 1 flight – Flying from William Creek to Birdsville.
DAY 7 | BIRDSVILLE - TIBOOBURRA | 1 NIGHT
Our day of exploration sees us flying over three states: Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales. Our first stop is lunch at a surprising oasis in South Australia’s rugged Outback, The Innamincka pub. Once airborne again, we travel through the extensive dunes of the Strzelecki Desert to Tibooburra in Corner Country. You cannot miss the extraordinary Clifton Pugh mural in the bar of the popular watering hole of The Family Hotel. This evening we are dining across the road in the sandstone Tibooburra Hotel, dating back to the gold rush era of 1882.
Accommodation: The Granites Motel
(Please note that sadly our original accommodation – The Tibooburra Hotel – was recently destroyed by fire so we have had to find an alternative)
Flight times: 1h50 – 2 flights – Flying from Birdsville to Innamincka (50 mins) to refuel and onto Tibooburra (50 mins).
DAY 8 | TIBOOBURRA - TRILBY STATION | 1 NIGHT
Today our plane takes us to the Outback town of Louth on The Darling River . We take a 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 star-lit sky.
Accommodation: Trilby Station, Louth (renovated shearers quarters or station cottages)
Flight times: 1h10 – 1 flight – Flying from Tibooburra to Louth – Trilby Station.
DAY 9 | TRILBY STATION - SYDNEY
Wake up in peaceful and serene Outback surroundings. Enjoy a morning walk along Trilby’s ten kilometre walking track beside the river. Walk with the wildlife …. smell the bush. 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 impressive aircraft hanger. Our farewell lunch will be enjoyed at Shindy’s Inn on the banks of The Darling. Relax and enjoy your last Outback views as our private plane returns us home to Sydney.
Flight times: 2h30 – 2 flights – Flying from Louth to Dubbo (1h20) to refuel and then to Bankstown.
PLEASE NOTE :
The content of this itinerary is based on a set departure, however, if it provides you with inspiration for your very own Outback by 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
Outback Classic Air Safari
8 Nights/9 Days
2-10 August 2023
8 Nights/9 Days
2-10 August 2023
AUD $13,950 pp twin share | Single supplement AUD $1,125
AUD $13,950 pp twin share
Single supplement AUD $1,125
START: Bankstown, NSW | Finish: Bankstown, NSW
Destinations : Louth (Trilby Station) (Day 1), Longreach (Day 2 and 3), Alice Springs (Day 4), Uluru (Day 5), William Creek (Day 6), Birdsville (Day 7), Broken Hill (Day 8), Griffith, Bankstown (Day 9)
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 : Stockman’s campfire dinner under the stars and private dinner at the Qantas Founders Museum with Luminescent Longreach Light & Sound experience, Longreach | Dinner at Sails in The Desert, Uluru | Traditional pub dinners in Birdsville and William Creek | Delicious home cooked meal under the stars at Trilby Station
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES : Thomson River sunset cruise, Longreach | Age of Dinosaurs Tour & Waltzing Matilda Museum, Winton | Tour the Qantas Founders Museum and Luminescent Longreach Light & Sound experience, Longreach | Sundowners at Uluru | Scenic flight over The Painted Hills of Anna Creek Station & Lake Eyre | Sunset drinks and canapes at ‘Big Red’, Simpson Desert | Underground opal mine tour, Coober Pedy | Flight over the Birdsville Track and dunes of the Strzelecki Desert | 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.
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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