Melbourne’s Gooney Bird

28/08/2024

🚨 Step Back in Time with Melbourne’s Gooney Bird! 🚨

Experience a unique inaugural joy flight aboard The DC-3 on the 14th of September – The Gooney Bird, a lovingly restored classic aircraft that takes you back to the golden age of aviation! 🛫

Enjoy a joy flight over Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, including the MCG, Albert Park Lake, and Port Phillip Bay, ensuring a memorable journey.

Plus, make the experience even more special with our Cockpit Jump Seat Experience and Crew Experience! 👨‍✈️👩‍✈️

🎉 Special Offer: Mention this post to get a 10% discount on your booking! 🎉

Date: 14/09/2024

For more information, email: [email protected]

Book now and relive the charm of classic air travel! ✈️

28/08/2024

🚨 Step Back in Time with Melbourne’s Gooney Bird! 🚨

Experience a unique joy flight aboard The DC-3 on the 14th of September – The Gooney Bird, a lovingly restored classic aircraft that takes you back to the golden age of aviation! 🛫

Enjoy a joy flight over Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, including the MCG, Albert Park Lake, and Port Phillip Bay, ensuring a memorable journey.

Plus, make the experience even more special with our Cockpit Jump Seat Experience and Crew Experience! 👨‍✈️👩‍✈️

🎉 Special Offer: Mention this post to get a 10% discount on your booking! 🎉

Date: 14/09/2024

For more information, email: [email protected]

Book now and relive the charm of classic air travel!

06/06/2024

Final days remaining to book 🌟 Join us this Sunday the 9th of June for a restored DC-3 adventure, reliving aviation’s golden era. Fly from Essendon to King Island and Enjoy 20% off!

✨ Highlights ✨
🛩️ Experience flight in a restored DC-3
🍇 Explore King Island
⏰ Depart: 10:30am, Return: 5.30pm

Mark your calendar!

To book, please email Julie at [email protected]

06/03/2024

Join us on the 24th of March for an extraordinary adventure aboard a fully restored DC-3, reliving the golden era of aviation. Take flight from Essendon, Melbourne, and soar towards the renowned Strathbogie Wine Region in central Victoria. Brace yourself for an exquisite experience that awaits.

✨ Highlights ✨
🛩️ Experience flight as it used to be on a fully restored DC-3
🍇 Fly to the renowned Strathbogie Wine Region in central Victoria
🍷 Taste specially curated wines at Fowles Winery, Avenel
🍽️ Relax for a long lunch at Avenel’s historic Harvest Home
⏰ Depart Essendon at approx. 10am and return at approximately 4.30pm

Mark your calendars for March 24th and embark on a captivating journey to Harvest Home. At Fowles Winery in Avenel, indulge in curated wines guided by experts. Then, savour a memorable long lunch at Harvest Home, an exquisite heritage venue serving modern Australian cuisine.

Price: $479 per person

To book, email Julie at [email protected]

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience!

Join us as flight, wine, and culinary bliss intertwine to create unforgettable memories. Book now and uncover Victoria’s hidden treasures! ✈️🍷🍽️

28/11/2023

Final days remaining to book 🌟 Join us on December 3rd for a restored DC-3 adventure, reliving aviation’s golden era. Fly from Essendon to Strathbogie Wine Region in central Victoria. Enjoy 10% off!

✨ Highlights ✨
🛩️ Experience flight in a restored DC-3
🍇 Explore Strathbogie Wine Region
🍷 Taste curated wines at Fowles Winery
🍽️ Relax with a long lunch at Harvest Home
⏰ Depart: 10am, Return: 4.30pm

Mark your calendar! Discover Fowles Winery’s wines and savor a Harvest Home lunch.

To book, email Julie at [email protected]

28/11/2023

Final days remaining 🌟 Join us on December 3rd for a restored DC-3 adventure, reliving aviation’s golden era. Fly from Essendon to Strathbogie Wine Region in central Victoria. Enjoy 10% off!

✨ Highlights ✨
🛩️ Experience flight in a restored DC-3
🍇 Explore Strathbogie Wine Region
🍷 Taste curated wines at Fowles Winery
🍽️ Relax with a long lunch at Harvest Home
⏰ Depart: 10am, Return: 4.30pm

Mark your calendar! Discover Fowles Winery’s wines and savor a Harvest Home lunch.

To book, email Julie at [email protected]

23/11/2023

Limited seats available 🌟 Join us on December 3rd for a restored DC-3 adventure, reliving aviation’s golden era. Fly from Essendon to Strathbogie Wine Region in central Victoria. Enjoy 10% off!

✨ Highlights ✨
🛩️ Experience flight in a restored DC-3
🍇 Explore Strathbogie Wine Region
🍷 Taste curated wines at Fowles Winery
🍽️ Relax with a long lunch at Harvest Home
⏰ Depart: 10am, Return: 4.30pm

Mark your calendar! Discover Fowles Winery’s wines and savor a Harvest Home lunch.

To book, email Julie at [email protected]

11/09/2023

Not long left to secure your seat on the beautiful DC3 for this Sunday the 17th to Harvest Home 🍇

✨ Highlights ✨
🛩️ Experience flight in a restored DC-3
🍇 Explore Strathbogie Wine Region
🍷 Taste curated wines at Fowles Winery
🍽️ Relax with a long lunch at Harvest Home
⏰ Depart: 10am, Return: 4.30pm

Mark your calendar! Discover Fowles Winery's wines and savor a Harvest Home lunch.

Book now and enjoy 10% off!

To book, email Julie at [email protected]

29/08/2023

🌟 Join us on Sep 17 for a restored DC-3 adventure, reliving aviation's golden era. Fly from Essendon to Strathbogie Wine Region in central Victoria. Enjoy 10% off!

✨ Highlights ✨
🛩️ Experience flight in a restored DC-3
🍇 Explore Strathbogie Wine Region
🍷 Taste curated wines at Fowles Winery
🍽️ Relax with a long lunch at Harvest Home
⏰ Depart: 10am, Return: 4.30pm

Mark your calendar! Discover Fowles Winery's wines and savor a Harvest Home lunch.

Price with 10% Discount: $422 per person

To book, email Julie at [email protected]

12/07/2023

Join us on the 17th of September for an extraordinary adventure aboard a fully restored DC-3, reliving the golden era of aviation. Take flight from Essendon, Melbourne, and soar towards the renowned Strathbogie Wine Region in central Victoria. Brace yourself for an exquisite experience that awaits.

✨ Highlights ✨
🛩️ Experience flight as it used to be on a fully restored DC-3
🍇 Fly to the renowned Strathbogie Wine Region in central Victoria
🍷 Taste specially curated wines at Fowles Winery, Avenel
🍽️ Relax for a long lunch at Avenel's historic Harvest Home
⏰ Depart Essendon at approx. 10am and return at approximately 4.30pm

Mark your calendars for September 17 and embark on a captivating journey to Harvest Home. At Fowles Winery in Avenel, indulge in curated wines guided by experts. Then, savour a memorable long lunch at Harvest Home, an exquisite heritage venue serving modern Australian cuisine.

Price: $479 per person

To book, email Julie at [email protected]

Don't miss out on this extraordinary experience!

Join us as flight, wine, and culinary bliss intertwine to create unforgettable memories. Book now and uncover Victoria's hidden treasures! ✈️🍷🍽️

08/06/2023

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Due to an unexpected cancellation, we now have four seats available for a trip to King Island on Sunday, June 11th. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and indulge in delicious food. This is your chance to discover one of Australia's hidden gems! Hurry and book now to secure your spot and receive an exclusive 10% discount. Don't let this opportunity slip away! Please email [email protected] to book

19/05/2023

Grab some friends and enjoy a trip to King Island.
We will be offering 10% off on the first 4 bookings. Only 4 seats available on the DC3 flight this Sunday the 21st of May to King Island.
E: [email protected] to book

11/07/2022

⚠️ NOW OFFERING ⚠️
10% Off our next King Island flight scheduled on Sunday 17/07/2022.
Depart Essendon Fields airport at 10:30 bound to King Island. Lunch at Boomerang By The Sea restaurant with fabulous beachfront view. Visit the King Island Diary. Board our DC-3 at 4:00pm arriving back in Essendon Fields airport at 5:30 approximately.
Full Day Experience!!
For enquiries or bookings Contact [email protected]

22/06/2022

❗SPECIAL OFFER ❗

For the next 4 bookings we are offering a 10% discount. Only valid using code SJC10

⚠️ Don't miss out ⚠️

Email [email protected] and mention the above code to access your discount.

Offer valid on our "Cocktail Flight" and "Harvest Home Fowles" experiences.

Offer valid for bookings of 2 passengers.

09/06/2022

Don't miss out!!

Our Silver Clipper Cocktail flight on 24th June 2022 has still some available seats waiting for you.

Book now. 03 9379 9299

30/05/2022

Check out these Fantastic photos taken by the best aircraft spotters we have on during this wonderful weather weekend.
Fist one was taken as our DC-3 was landing yesterday from with a great group of 24 passengers that had a spectacular time at and the King Island Dairy.

Our next available dates are the following:
- King Island luncheon experience:
--June 5th, 12th
--July 3rd, 10th, 17th

-Cocktail Flight:
--June 24th

-Harvest Home and Fowles wine tasting experience:
--July 24th

Book with us today calling 03 9379 9299
What's On Melbourne

17/05/2022

1930's Cocktail Party

This has been one of our most popular nights for individuals, groups and companies wanting to do something just a bit different.

Passengers check in at our Silver Clipper VIP Lounge at 7.00pm. On arrival in our lounge guests are treated to drinks and canapes. You are welcome to wander out to our hangar. At 7.45pm you will board the DC3 for a spectacular scenic flight around the city skyline. Flight duration is 45 minutes.

During the flight you will be able to visit the cockpit to take photos and chat with the pilots.

We arrive back at approximately 8.45pm for further drinks and canapes in our hangar around some very interesting aircraft with the night concluding at 9.45pm.

Our next available date is 24th June 2022

Book Today!

09/05/2022

Introducing our GOONEY BIRD newest experience:
The DC-3 Flight, Wine Tasting at and lunch at Victoria’s famous

Highlights
- Experience flight as it used to be on a fully restored DC-3
- Fly to the renowned Strathbogie Wine Region in central Victoria
- Taste eight specially curated wines at Fowles Winery, Avenel
- Relax for a long lunch at Avenel’s historic Harvest Home
- Depart Essendon at 10am and return around 4pm.
A short, but extraordinary flight aboard the historic DC-3, you will travel north to experience just some of Victoria’s best kept secrets.

What's Included?
- Historic DC-3 flight
Check in at Shortstop Jet Charter’s VIP Lounge at Essendon airport where you will meet your Captain and crew. Flying north to Mangalore airport (near Seymour), you will experience flight as it was before the days of mass travel, relaxed and comfortable, with plenty of legroom.
- Fowles Winery
Be transported to the award-winning Fowles Winery in Avenel where experts will guide you through a specially curated selection of 8 wine tastings. From ‘Ladies who Shoot their Lunch’ to ‘The Ginger Prince’, you might have difficulty choosing a favourite!
- Harvest Home
Then, on to Harvest Home for lunch. This is a one-of-a-kind heritage venue and boutique restaurant.
Head Chef Martin Golding prepares a feast of modern Australian fare for you to share on your table. The bespoke drinks list features offerings from local award-winning wineries and distilleries. So many beautiful spaces to sit, wine and dine, you won’t ever want to leave. Where would you like to be seated? The French-style garden, or the opulent dining room, or the ‘pink room’ with working fireplace and poolside views? Tables subject to availability – book early!

For only $395pp our next available date is 24th July 2022

Don’t miss out on THE JUMP SEAT

The ‘Jump Seat’ is an extra seat in the cockpit just behind the pilots, used by a check pilot to oversee crew performance in their regular assessment and competency flights. This seat is available for a passenger to occupy during take-off or landing at an extra cost of $75 one way.

03/04/2022

A wonderful image captured by of our DC3 on takeoff bound for King Island yesterday! If you’d like to book an experience on our DC3 visit www.melbournesgooneybird.com.au or email [email protected]

25/03/2022

We would like to inform those that may be looking for our DC3 at the Essendon fields open day on Sunday that we won’t be able to join the static display due to prior commitments, however as part of this the aeroplane will be conducting two flights at approximately 1:00 and 1:30pm, this will be a great opportunity to see and hear the gooney bird fly! Of course weather and aircraft serviceability permitting!

14/02/2022

LAST MINUTE VALENTINE'S DAY FLIGHT CANCELLATION!
2 seats suddenly available.
Can you make it to Essendon by 5pm TODAY?
Call Julie NOW on 0427 102 128.
https://shortstop.com.au/experiences/about-the-dc-3-gooney-bird/valentines-day-idea/

For a great Valentine's Day idea, Shortstop are offering a romantic DC-3 flight package with dinner at Avenel's famous Harvest Home.

26/01/2022

Make it a Valentine's Day they'll never forget with an all-inclusive DC-3 flight and romantic dinner at Harvest Home, Avenel. This exclusive experience is strictly limited to just 14 couples. Book now: https://shortstop.com.au/experiences/about-the-dc-3-gooney-bird/valentines-day-idea/

18/12/2021

After what feels like an eternity, last night we finally got back in the air with our last silver clipper cocktail flight for 2021! While a little warm, the flying conditions were perfect for our guests to take in the sights of Melbourne and the Bay Area! If you’d like to be part of a silver clipper cocktail flight call us on (03)9379 9299, visit www.mebournesgooneybird.com.au or email [email protected]

17/08/2021

1 down 55 more to go! While unfortunately we can’t do any flying during this lockdown we can tackle our annual maintenance, which includes a spark plug inspection, to ensure we are ready to go when lockdown ends!

11/08/2021

Essendon Airport today celebrated its centenary in subdued fashion thanks to the COVID lockdown.

10/08/2021

A very happy 100th birthday to from everyone at Melbourne’s Gooney bird. This wonderful airport has been our home for over 30 years! We look forward to the future and hopefully another hundred!

10/08/2021

A blustery birthday eve out at YMEN ✈️

Melbourne’s Gooney Bird from Shortstop Jet Charter alongside a Bombardier Global from Australian Corporate Jet Centres, offering up a combined 48m wingspan - the perfect socially distanced photo opportunity.

Captured by Sam Iliades.

10/08/2021

State of the art and start of the art! Hanging out with ACJC’s global express for an photo shoot!

06/08/2021

A great article in the age this weekend featuring our fearless leaders as well as our favourite aeroplane 😁

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/gooney-bird-to-soar-as-essendon-airport-marks-100-years-20210802-p58f43.html

Mike Falls, 83, started a jet charter business at Essendon Airport in 1981. He and his son, Mike jnr, have since flown everything from organs to rock stars.

14/07/2021

Routine polishing on our engine cowls has revealed an inscription that appears to read: Pat Mahoney, 36 squadron, Townsville, Qland, 4/7/46. The aeroplane was only 1 year old at the time! Our DC3 is covered in all sorts of interesting things from its past! If anyone knows anything about Pat please let us know!