QUINTESSENTIAL AUSTRALIA
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
FOUR STATES OVER TEN INCREDIBLE DAYS
DAY 1 | SYDNEY - MUNGO | 1 NIGHT
Our Tour Director/Crew welcome you at Bankstown Airport (Sydney) as we board our private aircraft to start this unforgettable Outback adventure. Our plane will sweep us west across New South Wales to our first destination, the ancient Mungo National Park. A local guide will take us through one of the most spectacular Outback landscapes with immense cultural significance.
Accommodation: Mungo Lodge
Flight times: 2h40 – 2 flights – Flying from Bankstown to Griffith (1h40) to refuel and then onto Mungo (1h).
DAY 2 | MUNGO - ARKAROOLA | 1 NIGHT
Be mesmerised by the Outback sunrise in this unique wilderness of Mungo. Today we venture into South Australia to the heart of the magnificent Flinders Ranges. Enjoy our aerial perspective of this remarkable landscape before we touch down at the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. 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.
Accommodation: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Flight times: 1h50 – 2 flights – Flying from Longreach to Quilpie (1h15) to refuel and then onto Louth – Trilby Station (1h40).
DAY 3 | ARKAROOLA - WILLIAM CREEK | 1 NIGHT
Witness more mesmerising images as we fly further west to the remote Outback post of William Creek. En-route we fly over the stunning natural beauty of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. This glistening salt pan spans hundreds of kilometres and the best way to see it is from above. 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: William Creek Hotel
Flight times: 1h20 – 1 flight – Flying from Arkaroola to William Creek.
DAY 4 | WILLIAM CREEK - ULURU | 1 NIGHT
This morning our private aircraft takes us to 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, 5 star luxury in the desert
Flight times: 2h25 – 1 flight – Flying from William Creek to Ayers Rock – Uluru.
DAY 5 | ULURU - ALICE SPRINGS | 1 NIGHT
A morning to experience Uluru and the nearby soaring rock domes of the Olgas/Kata Tjuta up close. Feeling energetic? Enjoy the beautiful 11km walk around the rock’s perimeter.
We have a very short leg to Alice Springs, resting at the foothills of the craggy red-rocked MacDonnell Ranges. Check out the cafe and Indigenous art culture of this spirited Outback centre. Enjoy a camel trek through the ranges at sunset, an opportunity for some truly spectacular sightseeing.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Alice Springs
Flight times: 1h10 – 1 flight – Flying from Ayers Rock – Uluru to Alice Springs.
DAY 6 | ALICE SPRINGS - BIRDSVILLE | 1 NIGHT
See the desert come alive as we tour Alice Spring’s beautiful Desert Park. The free flying birds of prey show is not to be missed! Back in the air we fly over the vast expanse of rolling dunes of the Simpson Desert to the iconic town of Birdsville. Our plane can taxi us right up the front door of the famous pub. Enjoy an icy cold drink on the veranda. The afternoon is yours before our four wheel drive collects us for another golden hour. We will drive to “Big Red” – the largest sand dune in the Simpson Desert. On top of the dune we will enjoy nibbles and drinks while experiencing yet another stunning desert sunset. Enjoy dinner back at the atmospheric pub.
Accommodation: The Birdsville Hotel
Flight times: 2h10 – 1 flight – Flying from Alice Springs to Birdsville.
DAY 7 | BIRDSVILLE - LONGREACH | 2 NIGHTS
Today we cruise to the pioneering town of Longreach. On arrival our local tour guide will show us through the fascinating Qantas Founders Museum. Lunch will be enjoyed at a private room at the Museum, surrounded by aviation history. We will then check into our accommodation at the newly launched Mitchell Grass Retreat. We are excited to offer this exclusive luxury glamping experience. Take in the stunning views from your deluxe tent complete with ensuite and outdoor deck. Late afternoon we will take a sunset river cruise on 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 – luxury glamping experience
Flight times: 2h – 1 flight – Flying from Birdsville to Longreach.
DAY 8 | 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 charming town of Winton we will visit the newly rebuilt Waltzing Matilda Museum, celebrating Banjo Patterson’s famous ballad. Enjoy relaxing at our Retreat in the afternoon before our tour of the legendary Australian Stockman’s Hall Of Fame.
Accommodation: Mitchell Grass Retreat, Longreach
DAY 9 | LONGREACH - TRILBY STATION | 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 10 | 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 onto Bankstown.
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.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
9 nights/10 days | 11 - 20 April 2021
9 nights/10 days
11 - 20 April 2021
AUD $15,500 pp twin share | AUD $1,250 single supplement
AUD $15,500 pp twin share | AUD $1,250 single supplement
START: Bankstown, NSW | Finish: Bankstown, NSW
Destinations: Mungo National Park | Arkaroola – Flinders Ranges | William Creek & Lake Eyre | Uluru | Alice Springs | Longreach & Winton | Outback NSW Trilby Station
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 OF YOUR ITINERARY INCLUDE :
SPECIAL DINNERS : Stockman’s campfire dinner under the stars, Longreach | The Field of Light Dinner, Uluru | Traditional pub dinners in Birdsville and William Creek | Dine on a delicious home cooked meal under the stars at Trilby Station
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES : Guided tour of Mungo National Park | Ridge Top tour at Arkaroola | Fly over Lake Eyre | 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 | Sunset river cruise on the Thomson River, followed by a stockman’s campfire dinner under the stars, Longreach | Age of Dinosaurs Tour, Winton | Lunch & tour at Waltzing Matilda Museum, Winton | Tour the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Longreach | Walking tour of Trilby Station | Tour and ‘Smoko’ (traditional shearers’ morning tea) at historic Dunlop Station.
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 GUIDE
PHIL HINES
Phil (pictured in plane) 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 aeroplane 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!
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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