Lily Airfield (YTLY), WA
Set amongst the brooding landscape of the Stirling Range, you’ll find The Lily Airfield (YTLY), a little slice of Dutch heaven. The property features a 16th Century replica Dutch windmill, replica Dutch cottages and a Dakota DC-3 aircraft refurbished into accommodation. It’s a visit you’re unlikely to forget.
FACILITIES
This is a private airstrip owned by The Lily accommodation and is 47NM from Albany. The airstrip is adjacent to their operating Dutch Windmill and you are able to park your plane close to the accommodation provided – call ahead so they can check the condition of the strip before you arrive.
STAY
Believed to be the only accommodation of its kind in the world, you can stay in The Lily’s refurbished Dakota DC-3, one of the most iconic and successful planes ever built. For a few more creature comforts, you can stay in one of their gorgeous selfcontained Dutch cottages, the old winery quarters or millers quarters.
EXPLORE
Let’s start with the windmill. Personally constructed by Pleun, their five-storey Dutch windmill turns out stone-ground spelt flour, which is available for purchase on site. An experienced pilot himself, Pleun enjoys the company of touring pilots and loves chatting all things aviation. There are some wonderful hikes nearby including Bluff Knoll, Toolbrunup and Mt Magog, so make sure you pack some sturdy boots. If you visit in Spring, you’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful and abundant wildflowers in the country, with over 1,500 species growing in the area.
EAT & DRINK
Breakfast baskets are available for guests to cook up in the selfcontained accommodation. Bring some extra supplies with you so you can cook up a storm. The Bluff Knoll Café is also a short drive down the road.
Cunnamulla (YCMU), QLD
Cunnamulla Aerodrome (YCMU) is located in south-west Queensland just 8km from the main township and the banks of the Warrego River. Sit back and enjoy a bit of fishing, a bush picnic, or even a soak in an outback bath tub! Go on, mark this little hidden gem on your next expedition.
FACILITIES
Private flights and charters are welcome at the airport (Rex offers flights from Brisbane on Wednesday and Sunday). The strips are clay surface with clear approach in both directions. There is plenty of wildlife, so be aware of bird and other animal hazards. Permission is required to use the aerodrome – call ahead so they can check the condition of the strip before you arrive.
EXPLORE
Hire a kayak and paddle down the picturesque Warrego river, home to beautiful native birdlife. Or if you’re looking for something more adrenaline-pumping, rent a sandboard and race down some of the best natural sand hills in Australia. Plan your visit to coincide with the annual Cunnamulla Fella Roundup, a vibrant country festival packed with live music, barrel racing and a rodeo!
EAT & DRINK
Book in for a campfire dinner and show (Sundays only) with the Club Boutique Hotel and be entertained by larrikin tales and music. Make sure you try some of their craft beers that pay homage to the personalities of iconic outback characters. The Gidgee Bean Café is your go-to for your morning cuppa and a good feed.
STAY
Set up camp close to town at the Cunnamulla Tourist Park in a wellappointed cabin. For a truly unique experience, head out of town and stay a few nights at Charlotte Plains – a family-owned sheep station and camp ground – and soak up the classic outback scenery in one of their Artesian Bore Baths.
