What a brilliant day we had last Sunday with our Qantas Day Out. It was my wife’s official last day working with Qantas after 21 years. Like many, she was offered and accepted voluntary redundancy. It was a difficult decision and would leave behind an amazing career with a great company. So, along with a few of her Qantas colleagues we experimented with a Qantas tribute/farewell tour and it was so much fun! Perfect way to finish her Qantas chapter.

 

We left Sydney at about 8am and first stopped at Altitude 1148 for a rest/coffee break. Wow, the views from this place of the coastline is spectacular. After driving an hour it was well timed and our next stop was about 30 minutes away.

 

HARS Aviation Museum

 

Our next stop was a very impressive HARS Aviation museum. I had been in contact with Terry down there in preparation for our visit and he was just amazing. He described the museum as a Qantas retirement village as it’s ran by mostly volunteers from the airline industry. There are two hangers full of an impressive vintage aircrafts and Terry gave us a fascinating tour through them. Our big drawcard though was the 747! My wife and fellow air crew had spent most of their careers working on 747s so this was also a nod and farewell to this amazing aircraft.

 

There were two special activities this group of past and present Qantas crew were keen to do.

 

1. Have a photo in uniform in the engine cowl. This was a photo all crew took at some sta

 

ge in the old days
however health and safety regulations make this now near impossible. At

best, you may have one in a hi-viz vest (not quite the same)

2. Sign the aircraft! Only past and present 747 crew are allowed to do this and it was a moving tribute to what is known as ‘The Queen of the Skies’ and a wonderful career.

 

It was so lovely to see this group of friends get so excited and watch the emotion as they looked back on their career with such happy nostalgia. It was really a fitting way to say good bye as most of the crew who have taken VR never actually new that their last flight was their last flight.

 

Southern Highland Wine Country

 

I’ve spend many years taking groups to The Hunter Valley however over the last 12 months I have started getting to know the Southern Highlands and it’s absolutely beautiful! And certainly rivals the Hunter Valley as a wine tour destination.

 

We decided to go to Artemis Estate where we were looked after by Warren who, coincidently was also a Qantas crew member currently stood down. The is something about Qantas staff in that their hosting/hospitality skills stand out compare to those from other industries. The attention to detail, the genuine interest and knowledge in what they are doing that is often lacking elsewhere.

 

And then, on what was a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, we enjoyed wood-fired pizza in the garden surrounded by trees and vines and general vineyard vibes that made it the perfect lunch spot. Such a great set up there and the wines…fantastic!

 

The Tour Can Now Be Booked

 

Following the success of the day we have decided to offer this day out to any other Qantas crew member, past and present who may be interested. The next is pencilled in for March 14th, so please get in touch if you or any one you know may be interested.

You can contact us here