Air Safari | South Australia Escape

From Mungo

to Kangaroo Island

Dine where the wild things are

If you’ve ever dreamt of exploring ancient landscapes, dramatic coastlines, untouched wilderness, and sampling fine wine amidst the splendour of stunning wine country all in one itinerary, then look no further than this South Australian Escape that perfectly combines these highlights in the space of an 8-day itinerary.

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. Enjoy an exquisite seafood lunch in what is known as the “Seafood Capital of Australia” – Port Lincoln – followed by a cruise along the bay, a delightful nature walk and a 4WD coastal safari in the surrounding National Park.

From here, slip away to South Australia’s paradise for wildlife and get back in touch with nature on Kangaroo Island. Dine on mouth-watering local cuisine & wine while staying in luxury accommodation with views that will enchant. Finally, end your gastronomic journey in the rolling vineyards and lush landscape of Coonawarra wine country – a sublime ending to this journey.

NOTE:  our February departure is no longer available – additional departure dates coming soon.

You will love

  • Explore Lake Mungo’s ancient Dreamtime
  • Enjoy an exquisite seafood lunch in the “Seafood Capital of Australia”
  • Spot unique wildlife on Kangaroo Island
  • Taste sublime local produce in the Coonawarra
  • Travel by private plane

8 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
OF FINE DINING AND WILDLIFE EXPLORATION

DAY 1 | SYDNEY - MUNGO NATIONAL PARK | 1 NIGHT

From Bankstown Airport set course for the west – towards Mungo National Park – our first stop on this iconic South Australian escape. Keep an eye out as we pass over the Southern Highlands heading towards Griffith, the ‘Food Bowl of Australia’. After a brief stop for a spot of morning tea and a breath of the fresh country air,  we fly to Mungo National Park home to the Mungo Man and Woman where we will land at the beautiful Mungo Lodge. This afternoon is yours to unwind or choose from a variety of short walks to explore this spectacular area rich in history and unique landscape. This evening, our local guide will take us on a sunset tour, walking the iconic Walls of China, where scientists have discovered artefacts dating back over 50,000 years.

Accommodation: Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park

Flight Times: 3h – 2 flights – Flying from Bankstown to Griffith (1h56) to refuel and then on to Mungo (1h)

DAY 2 | MUNGO NATIONAL PARK - PORT LINCOLN | 2 NIGHTS

Enjoy the natural splendour of an Outback sunrise before flying over Whyalla on the Eyre Peninsula’s Spencer Gulf, finally landing at stunning Coffin Bay. We will be met by our personal Australian Coastal Safaris guide who invites us to a seafood lunch at the 1802 Oyster Bar. This afternoon we enjoy a cruise of the bay and an oyster experience, followed by a coastal walk in Coffin Bay National Park. Our guide will then take us to our hotel where we can watch the sunset from our private balcony overlooking the stunning Boston Bay, before dinner at Del Giorno’s restaurant.

Accommodation: The Port Lincoln Hotel – Port Lincoln

Flight Times: 3h10 -3 flights – Flying from Mungo to Coffin Bay

DAY 3 | PORT LINCOLN

Today we will continue exploring Port Lincoln with Australian Coastal Safaris. Learn about the city’s discovery and history while enjoying the tastes of the “Seafood Capital of Australia’ – yes, you get to sample and taste the freshest seafood of the region! Visit the marina wharf – home of the largest fishing fleet in the Southern Hemisphere. Go on a tour of the Fresh Fish Place, where you will view the process from ocean to plate and sample a tantalising selection of in-house smoked fish and pickled seafood. Enjoy walks along the National Park’s rugged yet beautiful coastline and finish off the day with a platter and a drop of local wine surrounded by wildlife and the sounds of nature. This evening we will also enjoy a Seafood Master Class cooking demonstration and dinner with renowned Chef, Kris Bundler, with the freshest and most sumptuous seafood that Australia has to offer.

Accommodation: The Port Lincoln Hotel – Port Lincoln

DAY 4 | PORT LINCOLN - KANGAROO ISLAND | 3 NIGHTS

The next destination is sure to be a true highlight on this itinerary. Today we fly across The Spencer Gulf to discover dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife on Kangaroo Island. On arrival private vehicles will transport us to our home for the next three days, Kangaroo Beach Lodges. Perched above the secluded Kangaroo Beach on the north-western coast of the island, enjoy uninterrupted coastal views, wildlife at play and the welcoming pristine beach. Either choose to unwind on the deck or start exploring. The afternoon is yours! This evening a private chef will tempt us with the island’s local produce at Headland Lodge.

Accommodation: Mecure Kangaroo Island Lodge – Kangaroo Island

Flight Times: 45min -1 flight – Flying from Port Lincoln to Kangaroo Island

DAY 5 | KANGAROO ISLAND

A day of discovery awaits as our Exceptional Kangaroo Island guide collects us at 9AM.  We travel across the island to Seal Bay for a private tour walking among Australian sealions on a beautiful sandy beach – an experience similar to that of the Galapagos. Watch pups nursing or playing in the surf, see old bulls bearing the scars of territorial disputes and learn about their unique breeding biology. Travel to Snellings Beach and the Enchanted Fig Tree for a Gastronomic wilderness dining experience. Once upon a time, long ago, a small fig tree sapling was planted as a food source for the first settlers of Kangaroo Island. Now, 120 years later, its colossal gnarled limbs and shimmering leaves have formed an enchanting dining location. On arrival you will be welcomed by your enchanting host who will organise your KIS cocktail and canapes. You will then be invited to venture through the leafy entrance of the majestic old fig tree and see how it opens up into a collection of natural ‘living’ rooms, each decked out with stunning table settings ready for you to experience a magical feast of the senses.

Accommodation: Mecure Kangaroo Island Lodge – Kangaroo Island

DAY 6 | KANGAROO ISLAND

Today we explore Kangaroo Island’s west end, including fire ecology, a private wildlife refuge and an elegant picnic in the iconic Flinders Chase National Park. Marvel at Remarkable Rocks and the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, observe long-nosed fur-seals at Admiral’s Arch and finish the day off with a lovely home cooked meal back at our lodge.

Accommodation: Mecure Kangaroo Island Lodge – Kangaroo Island

DAY 7 | KANGAROO ISLAND - COONAWARRA | 1 NIGHT

Today we bid farewell to Kangaroo Island, heading East to our next destination – Coonawarra. Enjoy the scenery from your aircraft window as we fly along the coast of the Southern Ocean to Goolwa and head south. Keep a look out for the rolling vineyards and lush landscape as we make our way inland. Upon arrival we will enjoy a private tour of Katnook Estate, home to some of Australia’s best terra Rosa vineyards, and in the evening we will dine at the multi-award winning Pipers of Penola – where country South Australia collides with Europe in a classic dining experience.

Accommodation: Must at Coonawarra

Flight Times: 1h30 -1 flight – Flying from Kangaroo Island to Coonawarra

DAY 8 | COONAWARRA - SYDNEY

Following an indulgent breakfast, relax as our private plane returns us home to Sydney. Along the way watch as the landscape starts to change and enjoy the views as we fly across rich Agricultural land, stopping in Albury for a farewell lunch in town.

Flight Times: 2h -3 flights – Flying from Coonawarra to Sydney

PLEASE NOTE:

The content of this itinerary is based on a set departure, however, if it provides you with inspiration for your very own South Australian Escape we can tailor a journey to suit your preferred style and pace.  Please get in touch with us to design a bespoke journey for you, your friends or family.

NEED TO KNOW
South Australian Escape Air Safari

7 nights / 8 days
9 - 16 February 2023

7 nights / 8 days
9 - 16 February 2023

AUD $12,900 pp twin share | Single supplement AUD $1,080

AUD $12,900 pp twin share
Single supplement AUD $1,080

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

Destinations :  Mungo National Park (Day 1), Port Lincoln (Day 2 and 3), Kangaroo Island (Day 4, 5 and 6), Coonawarra (Day 7), Albury, Bankstown (Day 8)

Inclusions

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
  • Wine included with dinner and with some special lunches, as per the itinerary (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 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 MEALS :

Seafood lunch at 1802 Oyster Bar in Coffin Bay | Dinner in Port Lincoln’s Del Giorno’s Cafe overlooking Boston Bay | Eat oysters plucked fresh from the ocean in Coffin Bay | Dinner with renowned Chef, Kris Bunder | Gastronomic wilderness dining experience in the Enchanted Fig Tree on Kangaroo Island | Private picnic in the iconic Flinders Chase National Park | Dinner at the multi-award winning Pipers of Penola, Coonawarra

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES :

Tour the Walls of China, Mungo National Park | Cruise the glassy waters of Coffin Bay | Visit the largest fishing fleet in the Southern Hemisphere, Port Lincoln | Tour and tasting at the Fresh Fish Place in Port Lincoln | Explore the massive, wind-sculpted sand dunes of Sleaford-Wanna, Port Lincoln | Hike up Stamford Hill, Port Lincoln | Journey into Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island | Observe long-nosed fur-seals at Admiral’s Arch, Kangaroo Island | Seafood Master Class with Kris Bunder, Kangaroo Island | Tour Katnook Estate, Coonawarra  | Scenic flight over the Southern Highlands, World Heritage Listed Mungo National Park, Whyalla on The Eyre Peninsula’s Spencer Gulf & the rolling hills of the Coonawarra

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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