Day 1 (L,D)

Our weekend holiday commences as we meet at 7:45 a.m. at the Corporate Air Hanger at Fairburn, Canberra Airport. We depart at 8:45 a.m. on board the comfort plus charter Fokker 50 aircraft for the northbound flight to Bourke. Light refreshments as we fly. Bourke is located on the Darling River and was historically an important inland port. Enjoy a short tour of the town prior to an enjoyable lunch. We reboard our aircraft for a two hour afternoon flight, flying over the tiny township of Innamincka and low and slow over the Bourke and Wills “dig tree” on route to Birdsville, now famous for the annual Birdsville Races. The airport is literally a two minute stroll from the town. Time to explore this tiny outpost, Birdsville race track (subject to availability) or relax at the bar at the famous Birdsville Hotel. Later enjoy dinner and the evening together at the hotel, our home for tonight.

Day 2 (B,L,D)

Following a hearty breakfast we rejoin our aircraft for the two and a half hour flight from Birdsville to Coober Pedy. See the sand dunes on the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert. We fly over Goyder Lagoon and follow Warburton Creek to Warburton Groove, where northern flood waters enter Lake Eyre. Fly over Madigan Gulf, site of Donald Campbell’s land speed record. Be amazed at the constantly changing shoreline. Hopefully (not always) we will see migratory birds on the water below. The views of the vast white salt pan is stunning. During the flight passengers in aisle seats swap with passengers in window seats to maximise viewing (a condition of travel). Fly over the tiny town of William Creek, on Anna Creek Station, approximately 24,000 square km (6 million acres), the world’s largest working cattle station.

On to Coober Pedy, the largest producer of opal in the world, comprising a huge number of small mines. Finished opals can be purchased from several outlets at “miners prices”. Lunch in an underground restaurant on arrival. During the afternoon we take a tour of this unique town, Catacomb and St Peter & Paul underground churches, the unique golf course, and view an opal cutting demonstration and opal mine. Time to browse among the extensive local art, craft and jewellery shops, purchase if you wish. Dinner at the “underground” 4 star Desert Cave Hotel, our overnight home. You may request underground rooms, but there are only a limited number available and cannot be guaranteed.

Day 3 (B,L)

Another hearty breakfast before we reboard our aircraft and, shortly after take off, fly low and slow over the Painted Hills and again, during this flight, fly low and slow as we view the majestic Flinders Ranges, then continue to the mining city of Broken Hill, a flight of just over two hours. Enjoy a tour of Broken Hill and lunch before our final flight returning to Canberra. Enjoy refreshments from the bar during the flight of approximately 2 hours, arriving in Canberra around 4:30 p.m. having completed a most comprehensive, interesting and thoroughly enjoyable weekend flying holiday.