Day 1 (L,D)

Our weekend holiday commences as we meet at Hanger 48 at Fairbairn Canberra airport for an 8:00am departure on board the comfort plus charter Fokker 50 aircraft for the northbound flight to Broken Hill. Refreshments are served during the two hour flight, which takes us northwest over the Great Dividing Range to the inland city of Broken Hill, the birthplace of BHP, launched in 1885. Today the city boasts many well-known artists and features over 30 galleries. Lunch here today before we reboard our plane for the afternoon flight, which includes low flying (subject to weather conditions) over the majestic Flinders Ranges – see the beautifully coloured rock formations and jagged peaked mountains for which the Flinders Ranges are famous. Prior to arriving at Coober Pedy fly low and slow over the magnificent Painted Hills, only able to be seen from the air.

On arrival in Coober Pedy enjoy a short introductory tour and visit an opal mine, learn a little about opal mining with a cutting and polishing demonstration. Dinner at the 4 star Desert Cave Hotel, our overnight home. You may request underground rooms, however there are only a limited number available and cannot be guaranteed.

Day 2 (B,L)

Following a hearty breakfast we rejoin our aircraft for the two and a half hour flight to Birdsville. We fly over Anna Creek Station, approximately 24,000 square km (6 million acres), the world’slargest working cattle station, and the tiny town of William Creek.

On to Lake Eyre North to explore from the air many of the features of the lake; fly over Madigan Gulf, site of Donald Campbell’s land speed record, be amazed at the constantly changing shoreline.  We view Warburton Groove where the northern floodwaters enter Lake Eyre, follow Warburton Creek and then fly to Goyder Lagoon. Hopefully (not always) we will see migratory birds on the water below. The views of the vast white salt pan are stunning. See the sand dunes of the Simpson Desert. During the flight passengers in aisle seats swap with passengers in window seats to maximise viewing (a condition of travel).

Into Queensland where we land at the tiny township of Birdsville, now famous for the annual Birdsville Races. Time to explore the town. Stroll back to the historic Birdsville Hotel, dating back to the 1860’s. Enjoy a welcome drink prior to a delicious smorgasbord lunch.

We reboard our aircraft for the flight to Bourke, located on the Darling River and once an important inland port. Enjoy a short tour of the town prior to late afternoon tea. The last leg of our journey is a two hour flight to Canberra. Enjoy refreshments from the bar as we fly. We are due to arrive in Canberra around 8:30pm, having completed a most comprehensive, interesting and thoroughly enjoyable weekend flying holiday.