Air Safari

The Outback Loop

Australia

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS ON THIS 7 DAY OUTBACK LOOP

This iconic yet completely unique itinerary allows you to undertake an epic Outback journey in just seven days, seeing the sights that would take weeks, if not months, to visit by road. If you haven’t experienced Australia’s extraordinary Outback, this flying adventure is for you.

Departing Sydney’s Bankstown Airport in your own private aircraft you’ll immerse yourself into the bush, drinking in true Outback hospitality at the iconic remote towns of Broken Hill, Birdsville and William Creek, and experiencing sheep station life near Louth. You’ll see the Marree Man and the ‘Big Red’ sand dune, fly over immense landscapes including Lake Frome, The Flinders Ranges and Lake Eyre, walk with dinosaurs in Winton, visit the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach, dine under the stars, and explore the great achievements of human endeavour in the Outback.

Best of all you’ll travel in style in the comfort of a private aircraft. With no security lines, boarding delays or crowded baggage carousels at airports you can maximise your holiday time and in the company of aviator Phil Hines you’ll enjoy the top class service of a proudly Australian outfit.

Step out into your own backyard and experience the very best of our great nation.

Please note: This itinerary is exclusive to The Classic Safari Company – you won’t find it anywhere else!

Places are strictly limited and we expect high levels of interest. Enquire today.

You will love

  • Thousands of kilometres in just seven days
  • Epic landscapes, Outback pubs, working stations, dinosaurs, Big Red & more
  • Soar above Lake Eyre for the ultimate birdseye view
  • Arrive on the doorstep of the Birdsville Pub in YOUR PLANE!
  • Explore Longreach & Winton – steeped in Outback history and ancient natural wonders
  • Unwind on a cruise as the sunsets on the Thomson River
  • Visit the legendary Stockman’s Hall of Fame

SEVEN DAYS OF ABSOLUTE OUTBACK HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 | BROKEN HILL | 1 NIGHT

Our Outback journey begins in the morning in Sydney as we board our private aircraft and set course towards the West. Take in the views from a completely different perspective. Our Cessna Grand Caravan’s high wings and oversized windows are perfect for ‘flight seeing’. Keep an eye out as we pass over the Southern Highlands and head towards the ‘Food Bowl of Australia’ – Griffith.

Our first stop is Griffith Airport for a quick morning tea and a breath of fresh country air. We then board our private aircraft to head into the Outback; flying to Broken Hill, Australia’s oldest mining town, dating back to the 1880’s with a rich history in silver mining. Enjoy lunch in the Silver City and a visit to the interactive Royal Flying Doctors (RFDS) Museum. The RFDS provides a vital air service to remote Outback towns and communities.

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.

Accommodation: The Royal Exchange Hotel

Flight times: 3h30 – 2 flights – Flying from Bankstown to Griffith (1h40) to refuel, then onto Broken Hill (1h50)

Day 2 | SYDNEY - WILLIAM CREEEK | 1 NIGHT

Enjoy dress circle views overhead as we fly into South Australia and pass famous landmarks including Lake Frome, The Flinders Ranges and the ‘Marree Man,’ a remarkable 4.2 kilometre long, line drawing of an aboriginal hunter. We then fly past Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre as we make our approach into the remote town of William Creek (population 10) on the famous Oodnadatta Track. William Creek (also fondly known as Bill Rivers) neighbours the world’s largest cattle station – Anna Creek Station, home to the stunning Painted Hills.

This evening we dine at the authentic bush pub, The William Creek Hotel. This pub is loved by travellers from all around the world, with a front bar decorated by hundreds of notes, memorabilia and mementos.

Accommodation: The William Creek Hotel

Flight times: 2h25 – 1 flight – Flying from Broken Hill to William Creek (2h10).

Day 3 | 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.

Day 4 | BIRDSVILLE - LONGREACH | 2 NIGHTS

This morning we board our private aircraft for Longreach – the town where Qantas commenced operations 100 years ago (1920). Enjoy a private lunch surrounded by aviation history at the Qantas Founders Museum. Take a dip in the pool at our boutique accommodation before cruising the Thomson River. There are endless photo opportunities on this gentle sunset cruise before we go ashore for a traditional campfire dinner under the stars. We will be treated with bush poetry and Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Show – a night to remember.

Accommodation: Mitchell Grass Retreat, Longreach – Brand new 5 Star Glamping on the outskirts of town.

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

Day 5 | LONGREACH - WINTON

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, painting 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. This afternoon guests will visit The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame which showcases the history and the culture of rural Australia.

Accommodation: Mitchell Grass Retreat, Longreach

Day 6 | 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. 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 stop focuses on offering the true Australian Outback station experience. Immerse yourself in the landscape, appreciating a bush sunset with drinks before relaxing by a campfire enjoying a home cooked dinner, under a starlit 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 7 | LOUTH - 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:

Join this small group set departure or design your own bespoke itinerary, perfect for big birthdays, family adventures, a trip with your mates or simply because you deserve it!  This itinerary can be tailored to suit your preferred style and pace.  Note this specific itinerary may vary slightly should factors beyond our control arise.

NEED TO KNOW
Outback Loop Air Safari

START: Bankstown Airport, Sydney     |     Finish: Bankstown Airport, Sydney

Destinations : Broken Hill (Day 1) William Creek (Day 2) Birdsville (Day 3) Longreach (Day 4 and 5) Louth -Trilby Station (Day 6), Bankstown (Day 7)

 

PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR DATES AND PRICING

 

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


HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED IN YOUR ITINERARY :

SPECIAL DINNERS : Welcome to the Outback dinner at The William Creek Hotel | Evening meal at the historic Birdsville Hotel | Traditional stockman’s camp-fire dinner on banks of the Thomson River under the stars, Longreach | Authentic Outback dinner under the stars, Trilby Sheep Station

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES : Visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service base and museum at Broken Hill | Fly over the Flinders Ranges and Lake Eyre and the Marree Man on route to William Creek for a memorable night at the William Creek Hotel | Tour and private lunch at Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach | Age of Dinosaurs Tour & Waltzing Matilda Museum tour, Winton | Tour the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Longreach | Toast the sunset at “Big Red”, the tallest sand dune in The Simpson Desert, with drinks and canapés, Birdsville | Visit Shindy’s Inn on the Darling River, Louth | Tour of homestead and shearing shed, and smoko (traditional shearers’ morning tea) at historical Dunlop Station, near 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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