Category: Pterodactyl Blog News

The Feast-and-Flight Response

You know what we love the most about winter in South-East Queensland? It’s eating season! Those precious couple of cooler months when no one cares about beach bodies and simply goes to town on all the amazing delicacies our region has to offer. Pterodactyl Helicopter approves of shameless feasting whole-heartedly – so we have come up with a package that will allow you to eat, drink and make merry in style, comfort and helicopters.

Over the past few years, South-East Queensland has been rocked what can only be described as a hospitality explosion. Urban areas see trendy new cafes, concept bars and micro breweries popping up like mushrooms; sometimes it feels as though there is a new place opening every day. This development is not limited within city limits:  wineries, breweries, retro-country pubs…the countryside is positively teeming with good food and drink – and with our Flying Food Safari, you get to sample everything to your heart’s content.

If you want to treat yourself and a deserving loved one to a once-in-a-lifetime gourmet adventure, our Flying Food Safari is the perfect day out. Not only do you get to enjoy local specialties in their native environment, so to speak, each course will be accompanied by a hand-selected and perfectly matched beverage. It is a culinary road trip the likes of which you’ve never experienced before…probably because it would be impossible to pull off if you were confined to using actual roads.

When you go on a flying feat with Pterodactyl Helicopters, we guarantee you a minimum of five venues visited…unless you come across one you absolutely don’t want to leave. All our participating locations are special in their own ways, diverse in style and tastes and locally infamous for their excellence.

Of course, when you journey from one glorious location to the next in a hired chopper, getting there is half the fun.
South-East Queensland’s landscapes are just as diverse and delightful as the culinary delights they offer, so you will be able to take in some astonishing vistas – from mountain ranges to wide-open planes to vast bodies of water to everything in between. After all, a feast for the eyes can be just as satisfying as an actual feast.
Feasts all around, we say.

Pterodactyl Helicopters can pick you up with a car from anywhere within a ten km radius of downtown Ipswich…or, if you prefer and there is a suitable landing site nearby, we can collect you directly with your helicopter from home. If you would like to extend your Flying Food Safari into an overnighter, we are happy to arrange accommodation and breakfast at one of our fabulous hotspots – simply inquire about your options when you book your tour.

So, if you feel like getting out and about, feasting and flying and generally having a fabulous old time with someone special – contact Pterodactyl Helicopters today and start your pre-feast-fast…if you like. We look forward to flying with you soon!

Picnic in the Winter Sun

There is probably no season more perfect than the early Queensland winter – the sun is out, the skies are bright, the temperatures divine. In other words, absolutely perfect picnic conditions. That – unfortunately – means that every parkland in the greater Brisbane area is so chockers, a giant could play twister on the multi-coloured picnic rugs covering every inch of grass.
Luckily, Pterodactyl Helicopters has come up with a perfect solution to this picnic conundrum – an all-inclusive Gourmet Picnic package, guaranteeing you peace, quiet, beautiful scenery and winter romance galore.

If you book a Gourmet Picnic tour with Pterodactyl Helicopters, you and your special someone are in for as many treats as the human mind and body can feasibly sustain.
Firstly, of course, there is the journey to your private picnic location in one of our state-of-the-art helicopters. Travelling the scenic route to your chosen spot in true Rockstar style, it’s an experience that really sets the mood for a special outing for two.
Our Gourmet Picnic flights usually depart from our Lake Manchester hangar or the Archerfield Airport; that said, if you feel that driving yourself to either of these locations would put a damper on your romantic day out, we are happy to collect you directly from home…yes, in a helicopter.
(Side note: if you want to stage an anniversary surprise, or something equally outrageous, hiring a chopper for door-to-door transport in pretty surprising.)

Secondly, Pterodactyl Helicopters have done all the hard reconnaissance work for you. We’ve spent so much time flying across the great South-East, we know its every nook and cranny – so we understand that you might be spoilt for choice and unable to decide where you want to go.
For your convenience, we have hand-picked three outstanding Gourmet Picnic destinations:  Woodlands of Marburg, Spicers Hiddenvale and, should you feel particularly adventurous, a mystery riverside location guaranteed to knock your socks off.

And finally, the Gourmet Picnic experience absolves you of all responsibilities. When we say that all you need to do is show up, we mean this literally. We take you there, we pick you up, we take you home AND we provide you with everything you need for your picnic.
From a picnic basket filled with incredible culinary delights (no vegemite sandwiches, we swear), including a bottle of wine, to all the rugs, cutlery and other bits and pieces you might require – we will take care of it.

It’s time to kick your winter romance into the next gear – after all, nothing warms us from within quite like love – and we have the secret ingredients to your winter-afternoon-dream ready to go. Contact Pterodactyl Helicopters today and let us show you the sunny side of the coolish season. We look forward to flying with you soon.

 

sunset flight, sun going down, helicopter, romantic, adventure, brisbane, queensland, special someone

Sunset-Jetset

It’s a universally acknowledged fact that sunsets are a moving, romantic, glorious thing. Whether the sun is sinking into the ocean as you enjoy something cool and sparkly on the still warm sand or it slowly disappears beyond a mountain range, bringing to a close a day of merciless hiking; sunsets are infallibly gorgeous. However, there is something extra-special about not just admiring the sunset from afar, but from within (more or less) and Pterodactyl Helicopters has come up with a flight and accommodation package that allows you to do just that.

The subtropical sunset vistas over Brisbane are truly spectacular; they are in fact so special that Pterodactyl Helicopters have created an entire overnight entertainment package around this experience.
Our Sunset on the Menu & Overnight helicopter tour is designed to give you the ultimate blend of natures raw beauty and modern comforts – and all of it completely stress-free. After all, what good is a chartered chopper if you are rushed off your feet in order to make it to the helipad on time for your sunset flight.

When you book an overnight sunset experience with Pterodactyl Helicopters, all you need to do to start your adventure is to check into The Country Motel or Quest Apartments.
Yes, that is it.
Once you have arrived at your accommodation of choice (if you can’t decide, flip a coin; both options are equally fabulous, so you will be delighted either way) and had some time to settle in, our chauffeur will come calling to take you out to the Pterodactyl helipad.

Our pilots are old hands when it comes to the sunset tour over the Brisbane CBD, so their timing is simply impeccable – which means you are in for a real treat.
The play of light and the outrageous colours of the Queensland sunset, in combination with the ever-expanding Brisbane skyline makes for an unforgettable helicoptering experience. Forget about sad cynics who claim that once you’ve seen one sunset, you’ve seen them all.
In fact, we boldly launch the counterclaim that you haven’t ever really seen a sunset until you’ve seen it from a helicopter.

Once the sun has disappeared, we will take you back to your accommodation and treat you to a gourmet dinner – including a bottle of wine on the house – at either The Country Motel Restaurant or The Cottage Restaurant.
Rounding off your romantic sunset adventure with a leisurely evening meal, still buzzing with the intense imagery you have just enjoyed, and finally sinking into sweet dreams of sunset madness in the cool comfort of your motel or apartment – it does not get much better than that.

If you want to feast your eyes on some of the wildest colours mother nature has to offer and experience Brisbane’s famous hospitality with an overnight stay, contact Pterodactyl Helicopters today and we will make it our mission to blow your mind.

 

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Adrenalin Infusions for Everyone!

It’s getting chilly, the woolen socks are making appearances…perhaps there is even a bathrobe in the picture. All around us people are curling up with blankets, good books and steaming cups. Cosy, yes; but also, insufferably dull. If you want to turn up the heat this winter, sign up with Pterodactyl Helicopters for one of our scorching hot Adrenalin Experiences.

Our selection of high-powered shenanigans is a thrill seekers most exciting dream come true – whether you fancy skimming over raging waters in a low flying chopper, always wanted to race in a V8 supercar, or want to live your ultimate wartime pilot reenactment fantasy – Pterodactyl Helicopters can make it happen – NOW.

#1 Helicopter V8 Experience – All your big boy (and girl) toys in one tidy package

Time to strap yourself in for the ride of a lifetime. Pterodactyl Helicopter has taken the two best things…in the world, basically, and made them into a day out that will leave every revhead worth their salt giddy with glee (being giddy can be macho, we promise). This day out includes helicopter transfer from our Lake Manchester Hangar to the Queensland Raceway for a couple of epic laps in the skilled company of our very own racecar driver – and a flight back. If you have any stomach left at the end of your laps, we’ll even throw in some low flying, if you ask very nicely.

Speaking of flying low…you may want to check this out also:

#2 Low Level Helicopter Adventure – or Whitewater Rafting is for Beginners

Heading out into the scenic wild from our Kholo base, Pterodactyl Helicopters takes you on a heart-stopping ride along the trusty old Brisbane River…which you will be pleased to find has about as many sharp turns as a top-notch rollercoaster. We offer the Fernvale Run, approximately 25 minutes of low flying madness; and the Wivenhoe Run, almost a whole hour of non-stop adrenalin rush.

Of course, if water is not your friend and you feel the need to get some extra kicks up high…

#3 Helicopter V8 Warbird Experience

This outstanding adventure is basically an extension of #1 aka the regular Helicopter V8 Experience. The difference – and it is a substantial difference indeed – is that in between riding a chopper and riding shotgun in a V8 car, you get to reenact the iconic dogfights between the American P40 Kittyhawk and the Japanese Zero Fighter Planes. Holy mackerel, we hear you say? You betcha, holy mackerel.
You, a mate, two YAK52s, loops, evasive maneuvers and even some smoke when you get hit – if this does not blow your mind, we’re sorry, you have no mind to blow.

Contact Pterodactyl Helicopters today and sign up one – or all- of our unforgettable Adrenalin Experiences. We’re ready when you are!

Country Pub Crawl…in a Helicopter

It’s cooling down and that means, of course, one thing above all: we can now get out and about without fear of sunstroke or generally being roasted to a crisp. Time to explore the great South-East at your leisure and in perfect, mild Queensland winter temperatures. Time to celebrate our beautiful home state – and what better way to do so than embark on a traditional Aussie country pub crawl?
Actually, there is a better way; or at the very least a variation: a high-flying helicopter pub crawl!

Yes, the noble pub crawl is a long-standing Australian tradition; but that does not mean that it can’t be jazzed up by throwing a private aircraft into the mix. At Pterodactyl Helicopters we have a long-standing tradition of our own, come to think of it; taking a very good thing (read: journey from one watering hole to the next) and turning it into an exquisite thing (read: journey in a state-of-the-art helicopter from one hand-picked deluxe watering hole to the next).
If you and your mates (standard tours cater for 2-6 passengers) feel as though it is time you upped your game a little, at least where pub crawling is concerned, this package is going to deliver beyond your wildest expectations.

Pterodactyl Helicopters number one priority is, naturally, to shout our customers an unforgettably good time – and the country pub crawl by helicopter has proven to be one of our all-time winning tours in that regard.
Firstly, it removes all the unpleasant side effects of a regular pub crawl. There is no need for a designated driver, there is no waiting on taxis or public transport and there is no bumping into unwanted hangers on about town. Also, there will be no horrendous hang-over, as our passengers are limited to one beer (or wine or cider…) per venue for safety reasons. After all, it would be a bit of a downer if someone got up to silly antics at 5000 feet above the ground and took a tumble – but, before you moan, consider just how intoxicating the flight experience in itself will be.

Secondly, we remove the bothersome element of choice. You know how there is often no agreeing on where to head next?  With Pterodactyl Helicopters you need only head from bar to chopper and chopper to bar – we will have a circuit of five exceptional country pubs ready for your enjoyment. Our current favourites include, but are by no means limited to, Sundowner Saloon, Dugandan Hotel, Royal Hotel Harrisville, Mulgowie Hotel, Peak Pub, The Glamorganvale Hotel, Pumpyard Bar and Brewery, Porters Plainland Tavern, The V Hotel Veresdale, The Bearded Dragon and The Scenic Rim Brewery.

Our country pub crawl by helicopter will take most of your day, running from about 9.30am to 4.30pm – and if you want to safe time and have sufficient space in the yard, we’ll even pick you and your fellow crawlers up straight from home. Yes, in the helicopter.

Contact us today and get ready to crawl like…well…an eagle. We look forward to flying with you soon.

Town and Country Scenic Flights

So, you think Brisbane, Ipswich and their surroundings have no surprises left in store for you? You are, dare we say it, a little bored with them? Pterodactyl Helicopters invites you to challenge your perceptions with a true change of perspective – a birds’ perspective to be exact.
Whether you are longing to see the ever-expanding sprawl of the Ipswich CBD from above, want to see the Brisbane skyline like you never have before, or feel the need to reconnect with nature from high above – we have scenic helicopter flights for you, no matter what your preference.

 

Pterodactyl Helicopters currently offer two urban scenic helicopter tours:

 

Brisbane City Scenic Flight
Soar high above the Queensland capital, taking in the vast urban sprawl from the Western edge all the way to the CBD.
We will fly you over the Southbank precinct, giving you plenty of photo opportunities.
You will never look at little old Brisbane the same way once you’ve seen it from above!

 

Ipswich City Sights
If you think Ipswich has very little to offer in terms of sights and landmarks, you will find you are gravely mistaken.
Pterodactyl Helicopters scenic flight over Ipswich is short, sweet and unforgettable – and will leave you with a whole new appreciation for this mini-metropolis on the edge of Brisbane.

 

If you’d rather get out of town for a while, leaving the concrete jungle behind and soaking up some of South-East Queensland most spectacular natural vistas, check out our scenic nature helicopter flights:

 

Wivenhoe Dam Scenic Flight
Wivenhoe Dam, located just 80 km from the Brisbane CBD, is a true example of engineering genius. Located on the Brisbane River and supplying the majority of Brisbane’s water, Wivenhoe Dam is an integral part of our everyday – so it seems high time to appreciate it from up close.
Pterodactyl Helicopters will take you over the reservoir, the size of which will astound you when you take in its entirety from up high. We also take you for a spin over the Splityard Creek power station before returning to base.

 

Flinders Peak Scenic Flight
Chances are you have already seen Flinders Peak from a distance, if you have ever been up on Mount Coot-tha.
Flinders Peak is the highest mountain in the greater Brisbane area and part of the Teviot Range.
The sheer expanse of natural beauty you will experience on this tour is a little outrageous; in fact, if you’ve ever had a ‘flying dream’ this is the closest you will get to it in real life.

Whether you soar high above the mean streets of Brisbane or Ipswich or prefer to take a spin over a gorgeous natural setting – Pterodactyl Helicopters are ready for action and look forward to dazzling you.
Contact us today to book your scenic helicopter flight and experience town and country as you never have before.

 

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Soulfood and Solitude

Could there possibly be anything more romantic that being abandoned on a beautiful, secluded, completely empty beach with the one you love? No one around for miles and miles and nothing to do but be together…swoon alert, possibly even cherry red swoon alert. That said, Pterodactyl Helicopters have worked out something just a tiny bit better than waiting for either a passing ship or a slow death – because really, once the thrill of danger wears off, mortal peril is no longer a turn on.
Our Island Getaway package takes all the best parts of being marooned and adds some convenient luxury, such as picnic baskets and private helicopter transport.
Presto – perfection!

If you want to whisk your boy or girl Friday away on an adventure they won’t soon forget, the Island Getaway can’t be beat. You’ll get all the delights of being solo – certain special someone excepted, of course – on one of Australia’s most glorious beaches, Stradbroke Island, to be precise; but Pterodactyl’s dedicated team will turn your Robinson Crusoe into Robinso Cruisy, as we take care of all the little details that make a day out truly special.

The Island Getaway gives you three hours to eat, drink and explore your private picnic spot; whether you’d prefer a breakfast on the beach or feel more like a picnic lunch is entirely up to you. In fact, this whole experience is about taking it easy and letting us do all the work.
Depending on what is most convenient for you, you can board your private aircraft at our Lake Manchester Hangar, the Ipswich Helipad or the Archerfield Aerodrome; or, if you feel like a being a little extra-extra-extravagant, we can even pick you up straight from home. Yes, in a helicopter. Provided you have sufficient landing space.

Pterodactyl Helicopters will provide you with a gourmet picnic, a bottle of wine included (naturally!), and a souvenir hamper that will come in handy for all your future picnic adventures.
We will get you in the mood by taking you the scenic route to Stradbroke Island, setting your hearts aflutter with some of the most spectacular vista’s the great South-East has to offer; leave you to love it up to your hearts content; and finally, fly you home over the sprawling Brisbane outskirts, giving you one last taste of being above it all…even if it’s only for a little while.

If you want to have a spectacular picnic but don’t feel like cooking and hunting for hours for a suitable carpark before hiking with your meal to a spot you presumed would be private, that turns out to be rammed with canoodling teenagers; contact Pterodactyl Helicopters today and treat yourself to the ultimate picnic experience. We guarantee you’ll be all by yourself and there won’t be a vegemite sandwich in sight.

9 food tours you’d be crazy to miss in Queensland; Best of Qld Feature

Pterodactyl Helicopters has recently been featured on the Queensland.com blog in their 9 food tours you’d be crazy to miss in Queensland article.

We love a flying safari, and nothing says, “rock star” quite like doing a food and wine tour in a helicopter. Lingering over reds, whites and sparkling wine at different wineries while also having time for a leisurely lunch would be a stretch to do in a day, but with a helicopter, it’s a cinch.
From gourmet picnics ending at Spicers Hidden Vale, to a wine tour of the Somerset region known for its chardonnay and shiraz, these tours are guaranteed to give wine connoisseurs wings.

Pterodactyl Helicopters shares the spotlight with Sunshine Coast Craft Beers, Summer Land Camels, Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours and more; you can check out the full article here: 9 food tours you’d be crazy to miss in Queensland.

brisbane helicopters, helicopter tours, South East Queensland

Glamorous Getaway Ahead

When was the last time you treated your special someone and yourself to some quality one-on-one time? And now, Netflix and chill does not count. We are talking about time spent with each other, away from the everyday drudgery, indulging in something…well…new and exciting. Together.
If the honest answer is something along the lines of “I don’t recall” never fear; firstly, you’re not alone, because finding the time to organize and execute even the shortest mini-break can be really, really hard – and secondly, Pterodactyl Helicopters has just the overnight getaway package you are looking for.

The genius switch is never off in our entertainment headquarters, true, but that does not mean we cannot outdo ourselves once in a while.
Our Fly In/Drive Out Country Escapes are one excellent example of what happens when all the right ingredients come together to create one outrageously amazing recipe for success.
Here’s how it works:

First, you and your beloved choose one of our partner retreats…yes, this is the hard part. We are currently offering getaways to Scenic Rim View Cottages, Spicers Peak Lodge, Branell Homestead, Woodlands of Marburg, Bunyip Cottages, Stockton Rise Country Retreat and Spicers Hidden Vale. All of our select destinations offer luxurious accommodation in a beautiful setting; so if you can’t decide, feel free to solve the matter by tossing a coin. With Pterodactyl Helicopters’ options, you can’t lose either way.
Once the tricky bit is out of the way, all you need to do is choose dates that suit you and get ready for the time of your life.

The Fly In/ Drive Out experience begins with a scenic flight from your nominated pick-up location (Brisbane Airport, City Hotels, Archerfield, Ipswich CBD and our Lake Manchester Hangar are the staple pick-up spots; however, we can be quite flexible if you have somewhere else in mind). No matter where you choose to go, we will make sure you see all the best bits along the way while we get you there in style.

At your destination you will be met with sparkling wine and delicious cheese – a little precursor to the gourmet three-course dinner also included in this package – and your own (or hired) car, to give you the freedom to properly explore your new surroundings at your leisure.

But how did the car get there? we hear you ask. Well…either one of Pterodactyl Helicopters’ dedicated ground crew goes for a road trip while you enjoy the view from above OR – and we’re really quite pleased with this solution – you get one of your mates to drive it up for you, with the incentive that we will take him home in the helicopter, free of charge. (Note: We have found this to be a very effective incentive indeed).

Whether you stay one night or two, this mini-break is guaranteed to leave you refreshed, inspired and feeling a little like one of those power couple that jet about in private aircrafts…in short, you’ll be feeling the love.
To book your glamourous getaway, contact Pterodactyl Helicopters today. We look forward to flying with you soon!