Decent pitstops in Western VIC
 

Hey all,

Chasing some decent spots to drop into for some flying out of YMMB. I've got a week free coming up while I'm in the area and looking to get some private flying in. Anyone got some good suggestions for some nice places to stop off into heading west as i'll be looking to head out of YMMB, end up in Ballarat for the night then head back to YMMB the next day. I spent a bit of time flying east when I did my CPL back in '08 but didn't really get past Avalon.

Also hoping to hop the pond to Tassie for some fun in a twin while I'm down there.

Ararat has a servo/truck stop almost next to the drome, food is okay, pretty quiet during the week which is the best time to go. Along the coast there are various grass strips, check out Oz Rwy's etc.

Speaking of SA: Any nice airport you could suggest?

Cheers mate, Cobden sounds like a decent stop for a bakery. Don't mind the walk either.

@machtuk Ararat was one of the stops for my CPL nav, fond memories of the servo with the testing officer shooting the ****

I recall seeing/reading somewhere in recent times that Apollo Bay strip was expensive to land at & or stay overnight?
Anyone?

Keep on flying to SA. Aldinga has a good cafe on the airport, Jamestown within walking distance of town as is Peterbourgh which has Steamtown museum and a good private museum of motorbikes (mostly Italian). Further west Elliston close to town as is Cleve .
Good overnight stops can be had at Streaky Bay(Pub good and will collect and deliver to airstrip) also Port Lincoln. Whyalla has heaps of accommodation, pubs and clubs. Do some research and book a tour of the Steelworks,go meet the dolphins at the boat marina (best kept secret around) they will swim right up to you and take fish out of your hand though your not supposed to.
Then ofcourse there is the outback but most know about those places already.

Merimbula is a great place to visit from Melbourne if you've got a couple of days.

The airport is walking distance to town and there are some lovely people who run a no-hassle car rental business at the airport

Mt Gambier is also a great option. I stayed at the Barn steakhouse and accommodation, we initially caught a taxi in (not overly cheap), but when the owners found out we flew in they drove us back to the airport and even offered to lend us a car next time.

Further afield, Kangaroo Island is well worth a visit. Aldinga is beautiful and right at the doorstep of Mclaren Vale. I can also recommend a great winery tour operator there as well (PM if you want), they'll even tailor it to suit you if you want to make it more of a micro-brewery tour :ok:

If you want to head south instead, Flinder Island is always nice too.

East has plenty of options and is quite scenic, Merimbula is always a great option and everyone is super friendly.

Zany ? #4 I see your location is space. Perhaps the adage 'In space, no-one can hear you (scream)' could apply
Couldnt beam yourself up to elsewhere.?..warp drive 7 to Ur anus sounds like the go.

To get away, try Phillip Island, or if you are willing to go a bit further south,
KillyCranki is seclusion plus.

Not sure you can land at YPID, unless in a helicopter?

Always loved my fly ins to Echuca while in NSW for a few years. Great eateries, go for a paddle on the steamer or just visit the Aero Club (I joined it for a few years just to use the club house)
cheers
A172

Thanks for the suggestions all. Got a few ideas for places now.

Great pub & bakery in Warracknabeal.

G'day Nick,

If you want to spend the night at Ballarat on the way back, I have a room with facilities in a hangar. Great price. Hell, it's even got a barista coffee machine.

Thanks for the offer mate. I've got family out in Haddon so got the accommodation sorted, but thanks for the offer.