PAR AVION

Par Avion can take you to some of the most stunning and distant corners of wild Tasmania. Take an unforgettable full day tour, exploring the incredible waterways and wilderness of Bathurst Harbour, some of Tasmania's most inaccessible wilderness. Or take a flight to Maria Island, landing at Darlington where you'll then board a vessel and see the remarkable sea caves of the Isle De Phoques. Sound exciting? Par Avion can take you there! They fly daily into the South West National Park of Tasmania and to the east coast, as well as offer general charter and tourist flights statewide. If you're an avid bushwalker, they'll deliver you to Melaleuca or somewhere equally stunning to begin your journey. Interested in a helicopter flight - Par Avion can help there too. ​

SOUTHWEST WILDERNESS CAMP – PORT DAVEY
Par Avion Wilderness Tours

There aren’t many places left in the world where the silence is audible. In the south-west wilderness of Tasmania, it’s easy to feel like you’re the last person standing. And for the first time, Par Avion has opened the doors to a luxury standing camp, inviting you to enjoy three days in remote wilderness.

Lightly positioned on the shores of Bathurst Harbour, the camp has no walking track access and is exclusive to a cosy group of no more than eight. It’s your base to explore 800-metre mountain peaks rising from the sea, the endangered orange-bellied parrots, untouched waterways on your own private boat, and breathe some of the freshest air on the planet.

Getting to your camp aboard a twin-engine Islander aircraft, of course, is half the fun. On day one Par Avion takes off from Cambridge Airport, letting you bid farewell to the city of Hobart before following the rugged southern coastline to Melaleuca. Home to countless shipwrecks, the coastline and vast wilderness below offer a sense of the remoteness to come – your pilot will point out the natural highlights including Federation Peak and the Western Arthur Range on your return flight.

Where have you landed? In 4500 square kilometres of Southwest National Park, a lost world where you can explore world heritage listed wilderness and in the evening share tall tales over a glass of Tasmanian wine and local fare. It’s a luxurious contrast to the hardships of Deny King, a tin miner who lived self-sufficiently in this far-flung corner of the world for over half a century. 

After lunch it’s time to explore a harbour three times the size of Sydney Harbour. By boat you’ll visit the Celery Top Islands, walk through temperate rainforest and to the top of Mount Beattie if you’re keen, before returning for more quality Tasmanian food and wine and the inviting fluffy doona of your boutique hut.

On day two, head off by boat through the Bathurst Narrows to Balmoral Beach – there’s nothing like whipping off your shoes on a pristine beach. Visit the grave site of an early explorer who was in search of a potential location for the ‘New Jerusalem’ – a place for the persecuted Jews of World War II to call home. Following lunch, visit the stunning white quartzite cliffs of Port Davey and an ancient Aboriginal ochre cave.

On the final day, those who have been eyeing off 771-metre high Mount Rugby can climb to its peak above the Bathurst Narrows, a five-hour return walk. Other more relaxed options include a visit to Cox Bight Beach or exploring an ancient Huon pine forest before the 4pm flight home.

Par Avion also offers flights to plenty of other Tasmanian destinations including Wineglass Bay, Port Arthur and Maria Island. For those looking to learn to take to the skies themselves, they also provide flight training. If you’re after adventure, hop on board.

WEB: www.paravion.com.au
CALL: (03) 6248 5390

Words & Images from the book: Tailored Tasmania 2