12 Day Great Southern Aircruise

12 days of wildflowers and wildlife, this unique tour follows a huge arc across the continent, from east to west, highlighting Australia's many varied and beautiful landscapes.

Highlights

  • Spend 2 nights at the stunning Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island
  • Enjoy a scenic Swan River Cruise in Perth
  • Tour an opal mine in Coober Pedy
  • Sip vintage wines in the Margaret River region
  • Sleep underground in the Desert Cave Hotel
  • Experience the Great Australian Bight from 1400ft
Day
1

Sydney - Coober Pedy

Depart Sydney for western New South Wales, landing at Broken Hill. Re-board for a flight to Coober Pedy, world renowned for its opals. Sleep underground tonight at the Desert Cave Hotel.

Accommodation: Desert Cave Hotel or similar
Day
2

Cooper Pedy - Kalgoorlie

Continuing westward today we fly over some of the most desolate landscapes in Australia, across the incredible vastness of the Great Victorian 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
3

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: Hyatt Regency or similar
Day
4

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: Hyatt Regency or similar
Day
5

Perth - Cape Naturaliste

Your private aircraft takes you to the Margaret River region. En route enjoy views of Geographe Bay and the stunning south-west Australian coastline. Explore the picturesque southern corner of Western Australia including Cape Naturaliste.

Accommodation: Quay West Bunker Bay or similar
Day
6

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: Quay West Bunker Bay or similar
Day
7

Margaret River - Dunsborough - Albany

Journey by road to Dunsborough and board a vessel to view Southern Right Whales as they make the southern migration to the Antarctica for summer feeding. 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.

Accommodation: Dog Rock Motel
Day
8

Albany - Esperance

Albany is the third largest deep water port in the world with spectacular coastal scenery, charming reminders of its early days and a history of whaling. Visit Whale World which is on the site of the disused Cheynes Beach Whaling Station, located on the picturesque southern coast of King George Sound. Re-board the aircraft for a scenic flight over Researche Archipelago before landing in Esperance.

Accommodation: Hospitality Inn
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; an unforgettable sight that will leave you breathless. Landing 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 - Port Lincoln. 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, bit 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  
WW200 12 18th September 2012 29th September 2012 $13,995

Early Bird - Save $1000 per person twin share if you book and pay in fully by 15th November 2011. Conditions apply: cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer including the No Single Supplement.

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 Dash 8 or a 19 seat Beechcraft 1900D.

  • 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. At the Desert Cave Resort in Coober Pedy several of the rooms are under ground, please advise Bill Peach Journeys reservation if you wish to book an above ground room.

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.