This is the link:
http://www.action-graphics.com.au/matilda/...eachqantas.html

On the 24th of this month, Woop Woop (Andrew) and I are flying on a Dash 8 from Brisbane to Longreach. The home of Qantas. We will do the wing walk plus look around the museum so it should be very interesting.
Our flight leaves at 6.55 am on Saturday morning so looks like a really early start. Although you only have to be there 30 mins before take- off, I feel I prefer to be there at least one hour just to be on the safe side as I have known aircraft take off earlier than the stated times. The flight takes around two hours so I will enjoy seeing more of Australia.
I have flown on a Dash 8 once before from Glasgow to Southhampton so I have an idea what it is like. It will be interesting though to see how my ears are after this flight.
It is just an overnight stay and we fly back on Sunday afternoon, but we are looking forward to this very much.

Sounds like a great little journey! I always like to fly on those QantasLink dash 8's. Visiting the Longreach museum is definitely something I'd like to do some day, especially walk on the 747 wing! It will also be good to see another part of Australia.

dash,

Flight to and from Longreach
Ok here goes..
Flight from Brisbane to Longreach .
Date 24th October.
Flight no. QF2532.
Check in time was 5. 25 am. we checked in at the machine.
My seat No was 16 D. (a window seat) but as there are only two seats in the Dash8 and as there were two of us I was guaranteed a window seat.
We boarded at 6.54 am. Take off was due at 6.55am.
We took off at 7. am.
Plane reg VH-QOT.
Captain David Harrrison announced we would be flying at 24,000 feet and our estimated time of arrival would be five minutes to nine.
The one complaint I had was that the safety announcement was so quiet. They had forgotten to turn the volume up and only at the last part did they realise that it was not loud at all.
A good flight though and brilliant take off. The cabin crew were very pleasant. We had a snack as it is only two hours flight consisting of muesli and yoghurt, orange juice and sesame seed bar ( I found too sickly) and the usual tea or coffee ( which is not great).
Our landing was a bit wiggly though. Possibly due to the wind.
We went on the wing walk on the Boeing 747-200. It was not at all scary and perfectly safe as you have a harness attached to you and you walk along the wing attached to a wire, and the mats prevent you from slipping.
This is the link to my photobucket where all the photos are now in there including the one I took of the wing we walked on.
http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/bluebird121/
Also a Video on Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAuK5fRJ_XM


It was quite an experience looking through all of the 747-200. We even climbed into the cargo hold. The wing walk was funny though as I never had shorts on and having to fix a harness with a skirt on is quite another matter. It was not at all scary and they had rubber mats so you could not fall off but Health and Safety demand that you are attached to this wire rope.
One thing though was a bit of a mystery. The Boeing 707. For some odd reason we were not allowed to film inside her nor ask who owns her nor ask how much she cost. All we know is that it was some one from Saudi Arabia bought her.
The interior though was amazing! all solid wood and chairs you could really sink into. The bedroom was like a hotel complete with onsuite. It was fitted out for business people (including the opulent cocktail cabinet, but Saudis do not drink.. do they?)
They had three television sets ( like the ones at home) and table lamps with crystal bases. Screwed onto the table for security and during flight.
So if anyone knows the story behind this please share it with us.
That night though we went for a river cruise down the Thompson River on a paddle boat. Very relaxing with some snacks provided by the crew.
When we berthed we were treated to a campfire and stories and poems and songs along with food like Irish stew, damper with syrup. Apple pie and cream as well as tea straight from the billy can and it was really nice.
The next day we went to the Powerhouse museum and the Stockman's hall of fame. Very interesting also. I just wish we had more time but our plane was leaving at 4. 10 pm..
We booked in at the airport and gosh it is tiny. No refreshments, just a water tap!!. Nothing to eat. No security either. Just the one door for incoming and outgoing flights.
This is the details of our flight back.
Flight no. QF 2535.
Checked in at 2.45 pm.
Seat No 13B.. (we swapped so I could be next to the window).
Plane reg no the same one as we came on.
I videoed the plane landing, so hopefully you will be able to see it.
We boarded at 4. 05 pm .
Take off time was 4. 20 pm.
Captain Ron Atkinson announced that we the seat belt signs will stay on a bit longer as a bit of turbulence plus maybe a thunderstorm at Brisbane. Luckily this did not materialise.
We again had a snack of nuts, water and a chocolate. Also you could have a glass of red or white wine this time. I chose red.
The flight was uneventful and I took some photos of the ground below. We flew at between 21,000-25,000 feet.
The estimated time of arrival was 6.05pm. We landed on that time. My ears were a bit sore but no as bad as the Glasgow flight.
I hope you enjoy this as much as we enjoyed the whole weekend.

FINE ! Am not really jealous!! Seriously hope you have a good one. . . wait a sec, you`ve bin gone 5 days, so where are you, now? Have a nice one (again). So you are still right out there, my God, thats, Australia. (Do you realise it is still light here - and cold?) (Its alright for some. . . humph!) Mind the Crocs, they are partial to English flesh.

Great trip report! The pictures were also very nice to look at. I never knew that 707 had a luxury interior. Very interesting indeed.

Dash,

Ah well Fast Jet.. I will be Ok then as Scottish flesh tastes different. LOL. Yes I am in Australia but it is so hot and we need rain. I never thought I would ever say that.. Hope you enjoyed the report though.