Day 1 - 10:
Day 1 - 15 September
Byron took to the skies in his Cessna 172 today, leaving Archerfield Airport at precisely 12:15 PM. A close-knit group of family, friends, and supporters gathered to bid him farewell, their warm send-off echoing through the tarmac. Cameras from Channels 7 and 9 captured the moment, highlighting the significance of the journey ahead.
As the aircraft ascended into the clear blue sky, Byron’s flight path was set for Rockhampton, where he will spend the night. With the engine humming and the horizon stretching out, Byron prepared for the 10,000km adventure that lay ahead.
Day 2 - 16 September:
Teen Pilot Down Under, Byron Waller, made headlines today as he continued his awe-inspiring journey around Australia, taking off from Rockhampton Airport after a lively interview on River 94.9 FM, an Ipswich radio station. Despite challenging windy conditions, Byron successfully navigated a stopover in the Whitsundays, where he was treated to a scenic flight by another pilot, adding an unforgettable experience to his adventure. An exhilarating highlight of today's leg was Byron's skilled landing amidst strong winds, soaring over a Qantas Boeing poised for takeoff. The daring maneuver surely left onlookers and fellow aviators amazed, sparking curiosity about what the Qantas pilot must have thought seeing a young teen expertly handling the aircraft overhead. Byron's journey continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of people across the nation, showcasing his remarkable skills and the spirit of young adventurers.
Day 3 - 17 September:
A rest day in Cairns unfolded as rain and low cloud settled in, prompting a pause in our flying activities. Byron, feeling nervous, managed to conduct an interview with Channel 7 regional TV, which marked a significant moment in his journey. Meanwhile, he dedicated some time to editing his YouTube videos, hoping to capture the essence of his experiences so far. Rob treated himself to ice cream as a sweet distraction, while Rod donned his raincoat for a walk, only to get caught in the downpour. The evening brightened at the hotel with a hearty steak night, a fitting meal to wrap up the day. Optimism lingered in the air, with hopes that the weather would lift tomorrow as they prepared to continue their journey north to Lockhart River.eam, Rod went for a walk and got rained on. Dinner steak night at hotel. Weather should lift tomorrow and continue journey up north to Lockhart river. A rest day in Cairns unfolded as rain and low cloud settled in, prompting a pause in outdoor activities. Byron, feeling nervous, managed to conduct an interview with Channel 7 regional TV, which marked a significant moment in his journey. Meanwhile, he dedicated some time to editing his YouTube videos, hoping to capture the essence of his experiences so far. Rob treated himself to ice cream as a sweet distraction, while Rod donned his raincoat for a walk, only to get caught in the downpour. The evening brightened at the hotel with a hearty steak night,
Day 4 - 18 September:
Friday morning started with an overcast sky, but visibility improved as the day progressed.
We managed to take off around 8:15 AM, with conditions allowing for a smooth cruise above the clouds at approximately 6,500 feet for most of the flight. As we approached Lockhart River, we descended through a gap in the clouds and were greeted by two friendly chaps who looked after the airfield. One shared that he had recently acquired 80 acres in the bush and enjoyed a tranquil lifestyle there. The airfield was quiet during our visit, and the boys provided us with fuel at cost price, offering assistance and hospitality.
After refuelling, we took off again in gusty conditions, heading north along the coast at a lower altitude due to limited visibility. The view of striking white sand dunes, used for glass mining, was remarkable. As we neared Horn Island, Rod flew us over the furthest point of Australia, allowing us to take a loop overhead. We spotted tourists in pink shirts, looking bemused as they hiked in the remote area.
The final approach to Horn Island was routine, and Byron executed a fantastic landing. We were welcomed by not just one, but two BP fuel trucks, driven by Robert and Blake, who would later meet us for dinner at the Wongai Resort restaurant. Robert has been working at the airfield refuelling since 1986.
After a long day, Byron was quite exhausted, so we left him at the motel. I took the ferry across to Thursday Island, the top pub in Australia, where we had dinner with our new friends Blake and his partner Amelia, the chief pilot for Cape Air Transport.
Day 5 - 19 September:
Day 5 brought rain and squalls as we departed Horn Island, making our way south along the opposite coast of Australia. As we approached Weipa, the weather began to clear, offering a welcome break from the gloom.
While we briefed the RAAF Scherger runway, a decision was made not to land there, recognising it would not be prudent. Instead, we landed safely at Weipa aerodrome, where we took the opportunity to refuel.
Our plans initially included a stop in Normanton; however, due to a lack of accommodation stemming from a large funeral in town, we adjusted our course to the coastal fishing town of Karumba.
Karumba proved to be an appealing destination. We settled in at Savanna Shores, and Scott from the hotel kindly picked us up to gather some necessities. We capped off the day with dinner at a local restaurant that offered stunning views of the beach, allowing us to enjoy the sunset across the water—a perfect end to our travel day.
Day 6 - 20 September:
Friday morning started with an overcast sky, but visibility improved as the day progressed.
We managed to take off around 8:15 AM, with conditions allowing for a smooth cruise above the clouds at approximately 6,500 feet for most of the flight. As we approached Lockhart River, we descended through a gap in the clouds and were greeted by two friendly chaps who looked after the airfield. One shared that he had recently acquired 80 acres in the bush and enjoyed a tranquil lifestyle there. The airfield was quiet during our visit, and the boys provided us with fuel at cost price, offering assistance and hospitality.
After refuelling, we took off again in gusty conditions, heading north along the coast at a lower altitude due to limited visibility. The view of striking white sand dunes, used for glass mining, was remarkable. As we neared Horn Island, we flew over the furthest point of Australia, allowing us to take a loop overhead. We spotted tourists in pink shirts, looking bemused as they hiked in the remote area.
The final approach to Horn Island was routine, and Byron executed a fantastic landing. We were welcomed by not just one, but two BP fuel trucks, driven by Robert and Blake, who would later meet us for dinner at the Wongai Resort restaurant. Robert has been working at the airfield refuelling since 1986.
After a long day, Byron was quite exhausted, so we left him at the motel. I took the ferry across to Thursday Island, the top pub in Australia, where we had dinner with our new friends Blake and his partner Amelia, the chief pilot for Cape Air Transport.
Day 7 - 21 September:
Great flying weather as we departed Karumba, cruising at 8,500 feet. By 9am, we crossed into the Northern Territory, heading towards Borroloola for a much-needed fuel stop.
Upon arrival at Borroloola around 10am, the temperature was already a sweltering 36 degrees. We refuelled the aircraft, our refuelling session observed by a couple of locals who seemed intrigued by our presence. The price for avgas here was $3.60 per litre.
After securing enough fuel, we continued our journey over the outback towards Katherine. The landscape stretched out beneath us, a vivid display of the rugged Australian terrain.
We touched down at Tindal in Katherine, where we refuelled again. The area was bustling with significant infrastructure projects underway, and glimpses of military hardware in the vicinity hinted at the region's strategic importance.
Refuelling costs here were more reasonable at $2.83 per litre. We planned to set off for Darwin later this afternoon, eager to continue our adventure.
Day 8 - 22 September:
Headed to Kununurra across the border into WA, we made a quick stop for fuel before ascending over the rugged Kimberley ranges to Mt Hart Station. Nestled within this expansive region, we stumbled upon a small oasis at Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge. Here, Pat and Kieran greeted us with warm hospitality, making us feel right at home.
As it was the last day of the season, they were in the midst of preparing to shut down for the wet season. Despite this, the atmosphere was vibrant, and we thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful facilities alongside some fascinating fellow travellers. The camaraderie added to our experience, allowing us to share stories and revel in the unique setting.
The natural beauty surrounding us was truly captivating, particularly the lush landscapes of the Kimberley and the iconic Gibb River. It's a place that leaves a mark, and we hold onto the hope of returning to explore more.
After savouring a cold drink and taking in the serenity one last time, we set off toward Broome, eager for the next chapter of our journey.
Day 9 - 23 September:
Broome to Karratha via Port Hedland
Our day began with a late morning departure from Broome, refueling en route at Port Hedland before heading to Karratha for the night. Upon landing at Port Hedland, we ran into a slight miscommunication with the fuel company—they informed us that only BP fuel cards could be used at the bowser, with no account or fuel truck available. Fuel came in at $2.94 per liter.
Byron handled the day's flight with great focus and determination. While he encountered a minor challenge with his circuit procedure during the landing at Port Hedland, it presented an opportunity for learning and growth as a young pilot. Rod provided guidance and reinforcing the importance of calling for a go-around when necessary to ensure a safe approach. Byron’s quick adaptation and resilience in the face of challenges continue to show his dedication and capability as he progresses in his flying journey.
A fuel attendant arrived and refuelled the plane. Afterward, we continued our journey to Karratha, where we checked into the Latitude20 Motel. While the accommodation had a rustic, mining-town feel that differed from the brochure’s polished images, it added a bit of character to the adventure. The real highlight was the nearby sports bar, which served delicious food. Byron and Rod enjoyed perfectly cooked steaks, and Byron wrapped up the day with a tasty burger, making for a satisfying end to a long day of flying..
Day 10 - 24 September:
We left Karratha early in the morning and made a smooth journey directly to Carnarvon, covering 306 nautical miles. We landed around midday, greeted by strong winds. Despite the weather, our arrival was made memorable by Hutchie from Air BP, who greeted us warmly and generously offered us his personal vehicle for use during our stay in town.
In Carnarvon, we stopped at Valeria’s Delicatessen, where Rod and Rob enjoyed a coffee, chorizo, and cheese, while Byron opted for a rice stew and a refreshing apricot ice pole. After dropping off our gear, we headed out to visit the fascinating Space Centre. The volunteers managing the museum were delightful, sharing stories of their travels around the country in their caravan while volunteering.
On our way back to town, we bumped into Hutchie again—turns out he wears many hats, not only as the air fuel guy but also as a plumber and commodore of the local yacht club! He gave us a tour of the club, and we shared a few drinks while Byron had fun playing with his dog, Luna.
The day ended back at the hotel with a casual dinner. Rod and I enjoyed leftover chorizo, cheese, and olives, while Byron treated himself to a hot rock steak and buffet for $50—a great way to wrap up another eventful day.