SOUTH WEST FROM THE AIR
By Graeme Olsen
Get a new perspective on the south west... from the air!
There's so much to see and do in the south west, that I challenge anyone to say they've "seen it all". I reckon you'd have to live here 100 years to see everthing that's on offer.
But for those people who are looking for something different, or perhaps a new perspective on our great region, why not try it from the air?
There are a great variety of options available to do this, to suit a wide range of budgets and adrenaline levels. |
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Airplane
There are a couple of places in the south west where you can take joy flights or day trips around the south west via airplane. Plane rides are a popular choice not only because they are usually the cheapest option (starting from around $90 for three persons for a 30 minute joy flight), but they also offer a wide range of sightseeing tours or day trips to include things like whale watching, lunch at a winery, or even just viewing the local coastline and landscape.
Some good places to start are:
Bunbury Aero Club - www.bunburyaeroclub.com.au
Bunbury Flying School - www.bunburyflyingschool.com
Busselton Air Service - www.busair.com.au
Helictopter
One of my personal favourites, the helicopter provides a slightly different than usual ride, and can get into different locations because it doesn't need a runway. Helicopter rides tend to me more expensive than plane rides, but provide great views and a unique trip.
For starters try Ecostar Helicopters in Margaret River - www.ecostarhelicopters.com.au
Microlights
For the ultimate in adventure and adrenaline, you can also try a Microlight flight. Described as like riding a motorbike in the sky, "triking" provides the best views because there are less obstructions in your view. It's almost like you're flying by yourself, and there is perhaps a greater sense of freedom than some other flight methods. But it certainly isn't for the feignt hearted.
Microlights are very safe, and in fact are currently rated as the safest aircraft flying in the world today. To find out more, read our article on South West Microlights, or check out the South West Microlight school at www.gateway.net.au/~skysport/.
Whatever your choice, it's an experience you'll never forget. Go on, get out there and do it!
October 2007
Comments:
Don't know about the micro flight....my old body might not take the adrenaline rush, but the helicopter flight sounds great, will try this when I am back down in the South West. I love this site it is very informative.
A.Judy
