Fans fly in to Outback SA for an AFL Grand Final party like no other
That one day in September is almost here, when die-hard footy fans gather in packs around the biggest screen they can find, crack a tinnie, and settle in for an afternoon of AFL Grand Final rivalry.
That’s exactly what will be happening at Australia’s most remote pub, it’s just the mode of transport that differs.
There’ll be no need to worry about the road being closed due to rain, the William Creek crew are blocking the Oodnadatta Track anyway, to make room for the swarm of aircraft flying in to watch the game.
Up to 100 planes, gyros, choppers and even a private jet have booked their parking spot along the famous outback track, for the seventh annual William Creek Fly-In – the biggest outback fly-in in the country.
The town’s Publican, Pilot, unofficial Mayor and Chief Garbologist, Trevor Wright has ordered the biggest screen he could get his hands on. That’ll travel 900km by truck from Adelaide. Live bands will hit the outback stage Friday and Saturday, and Trevor’s crew of helpers at the pub, who hail from all parts of the globe, have the catering covered. As the aircraft begin to line the legendary outback track on Friday, visitors will be greeted with a dose of good old fashioned country hospitality.
“How many people get to fly to a pub, sit out on the Oodnadatta track under the stars, and listen to live music and watch the footy,” Trevor, whose been championing the outback charm of William Creek for 32 years, said.
Among his many hats, Trevor is also the owner of scenic flight and charter business, Wrightsair, flying in and out of William Creek giving tourists a birds eye view of some of Australia’s most incredible scenery including the pink tones the country’s biggest inland lake, Lake Eyre, and the world’s largest working cattle station, Anna Creek. Those without their own flying machines will have the opportunity to take a look around onboard a scenic flight during the fly-in weekend.
As well as station owners taxiing in from their properties for the unique fly-in experience, there’ll be aircraft from almost every state in Australia, including Tassie, with some lucky enough to have the three-day break for the AFL Grand Final.
William Creek usually boasts a tiny population of 15 (all pilots and pub workers). The 60 accommodation options are already booked out, so for the rest it’ll be swags under the stars or camping under wing!
As for the footy, SA’s still in with a chance of making it to the big dance, but either way the incredibly unique William Creek Fly-In will be another big win for South Australia.
