12 Day Great Southern Aircruise

Spend 12 days exploring the Great Southern region of Australia with Bill Peach Journeys.

On this aircruise, you'll travel by private aircraft visiting Kalgoorlie, Perth, Margaret River, Albany, Esperance, Port Lincoln and Kangaroo Island. You'll also experience tremendous aerial flight-seeing over the stunning Flinders Ranges and the Great Australian Bight.

This Journey is a wonderful combination of wildflowers and wildlife, following a huge arc across the continent, from East to West, highlighting Australia's many varied and beautiful landscapes. This unique tour includes 2 nights at the breathtaking Southern Ocean Lodge in Kangaroo Island.

Highlights

  • Spend 2 nights at the stunning Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island
  • Stay at Cape Lodge a Small Luxury Hotel
  • Experience spectacular aerial flightseeing of the Great Australian Bight from 1000 metres
  • Explore the untouched beauty of Kangaroo Island
  • Visit the historic whaling port of Albany
  • Explore the acclaimed Margaret River region, including a picturesque coastal drive through Yallingup and Canal Rock
Day
1

Sydney - Flinders Ranges

The journey begins in Sydney and heads west across New South Wales to land at Port Augusta. Journey by road to the Flinders Ranges visiting the quaint villages of Quorn and Hawker. The dramatic scenery of the Flinders Ranges unfolds as you journey by road to Wilpena Pound in the heart of the ranges.

Accommodation: Wilpena Pound Resort
Day
2

Flinders Ranges

Today enjoy a 4WD tour that traverses mountain ranges affording magnificent views of Wilpena Pound and the Elder Ranges. Home to some of the most fascinating ancient landforms on earth, it is also famous for its many and varied wildflowers which see native plant life carpeting the semi-arid landscape of the Ranges. This afternoon visit Stokes Hill and watch the sunset over the ranges.

Accommodation: Wilpena Pound Resort
Day
3

Flinders Ranges - Kalgoorlie

Continuing westward today we fly over the Great Victoria Desert and the Nullarbor Plain. We land at Kalgoorlie and learn the history of this fascinating gold mining town, as well as an opportunity to visit the Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame.

Accommodation: Rydges Kalgoorlie
Day
4

Kalgoorlie - Perth

Re-board our private aircraft this morning and continue our journey westward to the city of Perth. Situated on the Swan River it is one of the most isolated cities in the world. On arrival visit the famous Kings Park. This afternoon cruise on the Swan River from Perth to the vibrant port city of Fremantle. Return late in the afternoon to Perth.

Accommodation: Duxton Hotel or similar
Day
5

Perth

This morning is at leisure to further explore Perth. This afternoon we depart for Sandalford Caversham Estate Winery. On arrival you’ll have the unique opportunity to tour the winery before enjoying a sumptuous lunch prepared by the estate’s award winning chef.

Accommodation: Duxton Hotel or similar
Day
6

Perth - Margaret River Region

Your private aircraft takes you to Busselton, located on the shores of Geographe Bay. Explore the picturesque southern corner of Western Australia including Cape Naturaliste. Journey by road to Dunsborough and board a vessel to view southern right whales as they make the southern migration to Antarctica for summer feeding Late afternoon arrive at Cape Lodge; set on its own secluded vineyard, it’s one of Australia’s finest small luxury hotels.

Accommodation: Cape Lodge or similar
Day
7

Margaret River Region

Today explore the acclaimed Margaret River region, including a picturesque coastal drive through Yallingup and Canal Rock. A visit to Margaret River wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of the region’s world renowned wineries.

Accommodation: Cape Lodge or similar
Day
8

Busselton - Albany - Esperance

Re-board the aircraft for the flight from Busselton to Albany with spectacular aerial sightseeing along the coast line where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Albany is the third largest deep water port in the world with spectacular coastal scenery, charming reminders of its early days and history of whaling. Re-board the aircraft for a scenic flight over Recherche Archipelago before landing in Esperance.

Accommodation: Hospitality Inn Esperance
Day
9

Esperance - Port Lincoln

Explore Esperance, renowned for its endless white sandy beaches and cruise the Recherche Archipelago, home of the endangered New Zealand fur seal and the Australian sea lion. Flightseeing this afternoon follows the contours of the Great Australian Bight and its sheer cliff faces that drop to the pounding surf below. We land this afternoon at Port Lincoln.

Accommodation: Port Lincoln Hotel or similar
Day
10

Port Lincoln - Kangaroo Island

This morning explore the largest commercial centre in the region dubbed the ‘seafood capital’ of Australia. Learn of the lucrative tuna fishing industy which is one of the most profitable export industries in the area. Board the aircraft for a short flight to Kangaroo Island. Transfer to the magnificent Southern Ocean Lodge your home for the next two evenings.

Accommodation: Southern Ocean Lodge
Day
11

Explore Kangaroo Island

Today is devoted to exploring the wonders of Kangaroo Island. It is not only the wildlife of this island that is incredible, but also the awesome views of the formidable cliffs as they plunge into the treacherous Southern Ocean. Kangaroo Island is one of Australia’s largest nature reserves and is renowned for its wildlife.

Accommodation: Southern Ocean Lodge
Day
12

Kangaroo Island - Sydney

This morning visit Seal Bay and walk among the breeding colony of sea lions sleeping on the beach. Re-boarding the aircraft this afternoon for the final leg of this memorable journey.

Dates & Prices

Tour Code Days Departs Returns Price $AUD  
WW300 12 18th October 2013 29th October 2013 $13,995

 

Inclusions:

  • All accommodation - 11 nights
  • All meals - 11 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 11 dinners
  • Travel by private aircraft
  • Touring including: sightseeing flights, cruising, entrance fees, porterage, taxes and luggage
  • Experienced Journey Director and flight crew
  • Warm hospitality of local hosts en route

Mode of Transport:

Depending on traveller numbers, this journey may use a 36 Seat Embraer Jet or a SAAB 340B.

  • Each aircraft offer windows so that everyone onboard can enjoy the stunning aerial view
  • All seats feature comfortable legroom
  • The aircraft are flown by two experienced captains
  • The aircraft operate with twin-engine turbo charged propellers with an average altitude for flying of 13,000 ft
  • The aircraft are pressurised and air-conditioned
  • There is a toilet onboard

Coaches:

Most of the coaches that we use for the ground component of this journey are air-conditioned.

Level of fitness required: Easy Going

This journey is not physically demanding unless you want it to be. It includes easy paced walks which are on mainly flat ground. You must be able to walk up to 500 metres unaided and will not need any foreseen assistance throughout the journey.

In keeping with the locations, some of the accommodation is spread out and at some distance from facilities. .

We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey, in respect for your fellow travellers. Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.