21/04/2021
Central Qld Safari Aug 2021 update
A general update to where things are heading in regards to the planned trip to Central Qld in Aug, it is going to happen!
Firstly , I have been very surprised by the level of interest, way in excess of what I was expecting which is great, but there is no way I could accommodate any reasonable %'ge of this number, so I have been working on options to open it up to as many as possible.
Intention is for towing to available for 3 weeks from Aug 9/10 to the end of the month.
Instead of being like my normal 'Safari' style full catered & mobile ops, we will be using a base, or bases, to be camped at and towing from and returning to on a daily basis, making in more like a 'Fly-in". At this stage, Winton is the most likely area as the primary, but yet to be confirmed. Pilots will self cater, and supply their own camping facilities etc (I will have a limited number of swags avail for those desiring/needing, and will have shared cooking facilities avail), or could look for local accom if desired.
Aiming at breaking the 3 weeks into weekly blocks for people to commit too, either 1, 2 or all 3 if desired. I will be managing bookings to try to keep the pilot numbers to a fairly consistent No across each of the 3 weeks for efficiency towing wise. At this stage we will have up to 5 winches available if the committed numbers call for them, planning on managing the pilot to winch ratio to a workable number for pilot satisfaction. Still working on what the weekly cost per pilot will end up being, and what will be included, but will be under $500, probably more like $400.
Retrieves will be in addition, if desired, but with a larger group of pilots I am anticipating their will be the ability to work as a group on a daily basis.
This approach may mean that we can have quiet a group of pilots over the 3 weeks, so should be a great social time too.
FYI, REX flies in and out of Winton on Tues and Thurs from Townsville, about $300 return.
So, if this approach still raises your interest, I need people to start considering which week/s you want to put their name too and let me know so I can continue building a plan.
Cheers
Phillip