LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Say bye-bye to boring dates! We’ve got you covered this Valentine’s Day.
No matter where you’re heading, there’s always an element of romance attached to flight. Soaring above the clouds, peering down on the busy world below and feeling completely free. It’s an incredible feeling that only few of us get to experience and one that should be shared with your beloved this Valentine’s Day.
We’ve put together some of our best date-day (and night) itineraries for you. Just think of us as your ultimate wingman and you’re our friend in need. You can thank us later!
In no particular order, here are some of our favourite spots that are bound to put the spark back in any relationship!
Our Top 5 spots to fly, play and stay
1 – Ketchups Bank Glamping, Boonah
Say hello to humble luxury in the Queensland bush. Ketchup’s Bank Glamping is a romantic escape in the Scenic Rim. Their luxury eco-tents and retreats are surrounded by nature, overlooking breathtaking scenery (…they don’t call it the Scenic Rim for nothing!)
Nearby there are local wineries and swimming holes to discover so you’ll definitely want to make a weekend of your visit to this beautiful part of the world. Another bonus is that free transport can be arranged from Boonah Airfield for guests that are flying in.
2 – Fig Tree Country Retreat, Toowoomba
Perched high on a hill between the towns of Pittsworth and Toowoomba is Fig Tree Country Retreat. Owners, Ken and Ruth fell in love with this incredible property just a few years ago. Restoring the property has been a labor of love and one they so happily share with their guests.
There are a range of accommodation options including the Studio Apartment, an outdoor Glamping Silo and the Homestead which can sleep up to six guests.
It’s the perfect place to rest and relax with your beloved, and depending on what stage you’re at in your relationship, you might also be interested to know that Ken and Ruth can also host intimate wedding celebrations and elopements on the property. Hint, hint.
Need some inspiration?
3 – Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island
Nothing says romantic getaway like an impromptu island escape. Minjerribah or North Stradbroke Island feels worlds away, yet it’s just a short half hour flight from Caboolture Airfield. You touchdown at Dunwich Airfield where the local flying club has a car available for hire so you can whisk your loved one away to paradise.
One of our favourite things to do is cool off at Cylinder Beach and then grab a bite to eat at the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel. If you’ve got a sweet tooth like us, you’ll want to make sure you pop in to Oceanic Gelati & Coffee Bar at Point Lookout for some of the best gelati around!
Minjerribah is the perfect distance for a day trip but it can also make for a great weekend away or extended holiday.
See what it’s all about.
Step 4 – The Old Station, Raglan
Perhaps you’re considering a romantic rendezvous that’s slightly further afield? The Old Station is a working cattle property nestled within a scenic valley near Raglan, Queensland. It’s roughly a two and a half hour flight north of Caboolture so you’ll want to make sure your plus one is a seasoned flyer or you plan a few stops along the way.
This flight takes you along some of the best beaches the east coast has to offer including the Sunshine Coast, Double Island Point, Rainbow Beach, and K’Gari or Fraser Island. Visit during whale season and you’re sure to impress your loved one! Stop in at the Orchid Beach Trading Post and Driftwood Bar or pack your own lunch for a stop off at aeroplane beach.
After spending the night on the Station, don’t fire up your engine without touring the property and learning about its rich history.
This trip just might be the one that seals the deal! Lucky for you the Old Station play host to many weedings – site inspection done!
Step 5 – The Farm at Byron Bay
If you and your better half consider yourselves foodies, then we’d highly recommend a flight down to The Farm at Byron Bay. This working farm is a collection of micro businesses that all share a common goal: Grow, Feed, Educate.
There is so much to explore here from an on site restaurant and bakery, to a florist, gelato shop and more.
It’s one of those places that you need to experience for yourself. To get here, we flew down to Tyagarah which roughly took an hour, and then we caught a 5-minute Uber to The Farm.
Feel free to pickup some tips and tricks from when Doug and Amy visited.
Whatever you end up doing to woo your loved one, we hope it’s memorable and in the air!
Don’t forget to share your romantic adventures with us by tagging #flysticknrudder.
Ready to put the spark back in your relationship?
For those who haven’t experienced what it’s like to be a pilot, our Trial Introductory Flight is ideal
For pilots that want to explore their adventurous side and go where others can’t the Bush Pilot experience is a must
If you know a fellow pilot, top-up their fun tickets with a flying voucher that they can use for training and/or private hire