New weekend flights to the Flinders Ranges

Press Release

Tuesday, 26th May, 2009

Flinders Ranges and Outback South Australian tourism operators are applauding the Sharp Airlines’ recent announcement of extra flights into the region, including a weekend service, starting July 4.

Just one year after launching their South Australia services, Sharp Airlines are celebrating their success and expanding services to Mildura and Port Augusta. They have increased the timetable with an extra service between Adelaide and Port Augusta daily Monday to Fridays, and new flights between Adelaide and Port Augusta on Saturdays and Sundays.

New Regional Tourism Manager, Peter Cahalan, said the weekend services in particular would offer a much greater flexibility for tourists.

“At last, the Flinders Ranges and Outback of South Australia will be able to cater to people wanting to come to the region for whatever length of stay they wish,” he said.

“Now, time-strapped visitors can fly in to Port Augusta on any day they choose, and either hire a vehicle or join a fully-hosted tour to visit our spectacular national parks, discover station life, explore 4WD tracks, or traverse the Heysen and Mawson trails,” said Mr Cahalan.

Julieanne Smith, Chair of the Flinders Ranges & Outback SA Tourism Board agreed, saying that international tourists in particular would benefit from the new service.

“The region has some world-class accommodation and services, but visitors have often been restricted by the length of time it took to get here from Adelaide,” she said.

From Monday to Friday flights will now depart Adelaide at 06:45 and 16:00, and depart Port Augusta at 07:50 and 17:05. On Saturdays and Sundays flights will depart Adelaide at 07:30 and 15:00, and depart Port Augusta at 08:35 and 16:05.

Sharp Airlines can be contacted on 1300 55 6694 (Mon-Fri 09:00 – 17:00 EST) and www.sharpairlines.com.au.

For further information contact Peter Cahalan, Flinders Ranges & Outback SA Regional Tourism Manager on 8641 3455 or 0402 890 096.