Pilot’s Guide - Two Hungry Pilots and the $100 Hamburger
- sportsmanaust
- Jul 21, 2023
- 3 min read
The Americans have a concept called the $100 hamburger. They fly somewhere, buy a hamburger and fly back. By the time you pay for fuel, that hamburger costs around $100. We decided to do our own version in the East Kimberley one day! Combined with short hops to small airfields, it made for great landing practise.
For those unfamiliar, the Kimberley is a remote region as large as Tasmania in the North-West of Australia.
The planned route started in Kununurra and took us to El Questro, Ellenbrae Station, Drysdale River and back to Kununurra with an average cruise of 120 knots as they are all short hops. We normally flight plan around 135 knots for longer distances.
El Questro station is a short 25 minute hop over the Cockburn ranges (1000-1500ft high approx). The airfield has terrain close to it, be sure to check the ERSA for the circuit procedures. Worth making your calls regularly and early as there are often aircraft and helicopters operating in the area.
It's a short 5 minute walk from the airstrip to the Steakhouse restaurant through the campground. We were hoping for pancakes which they served a few years ago. Unfortunately, pancakes are no longer available and we had missed the breakfast service. With empty stomachs and no other option for a meal, we continued on.
Note, the Emma Gorge airstrip and resort is very nearby but a longer walk between the two, with a couple creek crossings. They also have a restaurant. It would be worth calling ahead to organise a lift.
Next stop was a tried and tested favourite, Ellenbrae Station! Another 20 minutes flying from El Questro, around 25-30 mins from Kununurra. Their scones are famous in the Kimberley region and warrant a visit just for morning tea.
The airstrip is a short drive from the Homestead but includes a decent river crossing so call ahead to advise your plans and ask for a lift. Being mostly pindan gravel, the airstrip is generally in excellent condition and firm even after rain but always call ahead and ask about the airstrip condition. Asking when an aircraft last landed on remote airstrips is a good way to gauge it if the person you are speaking to is not a pilot themselves. We always do a runway inspection before coming in to land to check for cattle/wildlife and any other obstacles on the runway.
Logan and Larissa manage the station and have done a fantastic job over the last few years building Ellenbrae into what it is now. The grounds have lovely green gardens and shaded areas around the Homestead where you can enjoy your scone.
There is camping available and comfortable safari tent style accommodation on offer. The Homestead offers various meal options.
We had a refreshing mango frappé and scones with jam and cream. They are almost a meal in themselves and are so delicious and baked fresh everyday!
The amazing team working there are incredibly welcoming and hospitable. It's at the top of our list of places to revisit next time we are in the Kimberley.
Our final destination before returning to Kununurra was Drysdale River Station. Another 20 minutes flying North-West of Ellenbrae. The airstrip is kept in good condition with regular flights operated by Shoal Air going in and out. Call ahead to let them know you are coming, you will need a lift from the airstrip (5 or so minutes drive, if that) to the Homestead.
Drysdale offer delicious burgers and have a lovely shaded outdoor garden area to enjoy them in. There is also camping available though we haven't stayed here before and did not wander over to the campground for a good look. It's a busy stop for those travelling by ground along the Kalumburu Road up to Mitchell Plateau.
The burgers were fantastic and well worth the "$100"
We made our way back to Kununurra, two happy pilots.
Our final meal for the day was at the newly reinvigorated Pumphouse restaurant which is indeed situated in the old riverside pumphouse! A short 5 minute drive toward the airport from town. Certainly a unique dining experience. The sunset over the river was beautiful as we arrived. Our second visit was as enjoyable as the first a few nights prior. Staff are friendly and provide excellent service. The food is delicious and cooked perfectly. Highly recommend ordering to share as there are so many delicious options to try! Tip: share the mango cheesecake between two. It is delicious but very rich!
Bon appétit and happy flying.
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