Sydney- Mungo National Park
The tour begins with a departure from Sydney flying across the southwestern plains to Mungo National Park. Upon arrival we are taken out into the park for the remainder of the day. Of special interest are the Walls of China, a huge wall of sand and mud that extends for 30kms and rises some 60-70 feet high.
For those interested in Native Australian history, our tour includes a visit to the 40 000 year old middens. Accommodation is at the Mungo Lodge.
Mungo National Park- Wilpena Pound
Our morning flight takes us to Port Augusta at the head of Spencers Gulf. From here we journey by road into the mountains to Wilpena Pound. The rest of the day is spent touring this wonder, of particular note are the native Australian carvings at Sacred Canyon and the panoramic view from Stokes lookout. Accommodation is at the Wilpena Motel.
Wilpena Pound- Ceduna
After departing Port Augusta we fly across the Gawler Ranges to Ceduna. Originally called Murat Bay by French explorer Nicholas Bandin, the town is the hub of a large cereal growing area.
One of the highlights of Ceduna is a visit to an oyster farm where you can sample some of the finest seafood in Australia.
Ceduna- Forrest- Esperance (coastal flight)
Today's highlight is the flight at low level along the edge of the Great Australian Bight. The aircraft will fly parallel along the coast so that passengers can obtain a view of the Nullabor and the towering cliffs set against the Southern Ocean. En route the aircraft will stop at Forrest to refuel, with a planned arrival in Esperance around lunchtime.
Esperance was founded in 1860 and is situated on the shores of a beautiful bay that is renowned for it's picture-perfect blue waters.
After touring the town we are taken into the Cape Le Grand National Park for lunch and a swim at one of the many white sandy beaches for which the area is so famous.
Esperance- Albany
The flight today is along the scenic shoreline passing Doubtful Bay to the regional town of Albany. Situated on King Georges Sound, the town was better known for its past links with the whaling industry.
Our day is spent exploring the area, of special interest is the Albany Whaling Museum.
Albany- Margaret River (via road)
Due to the magnificent natural beauty of the southwestern corner of Western Australia we have elected to travel over this section by road. Some of the highlights of the drive include Pemberton, Cape Leeuwin and the Valley of the Giants. The overnight stay is in the Margaret River, the heart of the finest wine country in Western Australia.
Margaret River- Perth
Today is a leisurely drive along the coast through such towns as Bussleton, Bunbury and Rockingham finishing in Fremantle before heading to our accommodation.
Perth
Because Perth offers such a diverse range of activities and sights we have not arranged any planned tour today; rather we have left it to individual taste. However we would suggest that the morning could be spent in and around Perth's centre with perhaps a visit to Fremantle for lunch.
Perth- Geraldton- Denham- Monkey Mia
This morning we fly along the coast to Geraldton, where we spend time exploring this historic centre. Of special interest is the Geraldton Museum that houses some of the relics from the Batavia disaster.
This afternoon we fly further along the coast into Denham, from here we tour the Shark Bay area. This region has had a long history of European activity, and it was here in 1616 that Dirk Hartog nailed his famous pewter plate to a post.
Monkey Mia- Denham- Newman
Prior to departing today we spend the morning at the beachside to watch the famous Monkey Mia dolphins. Upon reboarding the aircraft the flight now heads inland towards the Hamersley Ranges and the largest iron ore deposit in the world, Tom Price. Upon landing we are taken on a tour of the gigantic open cut mine at Newman.
Newman- Meekatharra- Kalgoorlie
Our journey now heads Southwards crossing inhospitable red desert country to the regional mining town of Meekatharra to refuel prior to arriving in Kalgoorlie. Upon arrival we are taken on a tour of this exciting and wealthy town. Founded on gold it produces more of the metal per capita than any other town in Australia. Our tour includes inspecting the giant open cut mine, the mining museum and the historic town centre.
We have left the evening free so that you can immerse yourself in the local colour in one of the many hotels, or to wander around the township.
Kalgoorlie- Forrest- Cook- Woomera
Today we follow the railway line across the continent eastwards, stopping at Forrest and Cook to re-fuel. Our destination is the former rocket range of Woomera.
Woomera- Leigh Creek- White Cliffs
Before flying out of Woomera we are taken on a tour of the rocket range and its facilities. Our lunch stop is in the coal mining centre of Leigh Creek. After a leisurely lunch we head further eastwards to the unique township of White Cliffs. Here we overnight in the local underground motel.
White Cliffs- Sydney
After a tour of the town and an early lunch we board the aircraft for the return flight to Sydney, stopping at Dubbo to refuel.
Cost: $6 450 (off peak) $ 6 950 (peak)
Single supplement: $599
For bookings, queries and information, e-mail [email protected]