Experience the last wilderness

Antarctica. Its very name evokes images of a pristine, icy wilderness at the bottom of the world, a land so remote and untouched that it remains one of the last great frontiers for exploration and adventure.

Even for a lifelong traveller who has seen it all, this is an extraordinary bucket-list experience: flying over the great white continent in a specially configured aircraft.

Imagine soaring over towering icebergs, sweeping glaciers, and an otherworldly landscape few have witnessed firsthand.

It’s an experience that promises not just luxury, but also awe-inspiring natural beauty that will leave you forever changed.

And you can do it from one of three airports here in Australia – Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne – on a privately chartered jet from the Qantas fleet.

These trips, on selected dates in November, December, January, and February, use Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft which provide optimal views thanks to windows that are 65% larger than planes of a similar size.

The plane has reduced passenger capacity compared to a normal flight, and it is configured in such a way to ensure maximum comfort over six classes of seat, ranging from economy to deluxe business.

With the exception of those in explorer economy class, who can view from aisles and common areas on the aircraft, all passengers will rotate so they have access to a window seat or a seat next to a window seat while the plane is over the Antarctic. 

In deluxe business, all passengers will be assigned either a window or aisle seat, and passengers will swap at the halfway point of the journey while enjoying the best international standard in business-class comfort and service. 

Seasoned expeditioners will be on hand to explain what you are seeing, and each seat has a personal touchscreen with informative videos about Antarctica along with a general in-flight entertainment program. And there will be plenty of USB charging points to ensure your devices are fully loaded and ready to capture amazing photographs.

Flying over Antarctica is more than just a holiday; it is a transformative experience. The sense of isolation and the grandeur of the landscape make you feel like a pioneer, an explorer in a world that few have ventured to see.

It’s a reminder of the incredible beauty and fragility of our planet, a place where nature reigns supreme.

This experience is operated with the environment in mind. Every Antarctica flight is carbon neutral, thanks to carbon credits that contribute to a reforestation project in the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor in Southwest Australia.

The flights also support the Antarctic Science Foundation, an international charity investing in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research, and the OneTomorrow Charitable Fund.

Depending on the departure point, the flight will cover 9,500 to 10,500 kilometres and take about 12½ hours.

About three hours south of Australia, passengers will usually see the first scattered ice, followed by dozens of icebergs and ice floes.

The flight will then cross the South Magnetic Pole, with spectacular views of the rugged mountainous topography of the Antarctic mainland.

Depending on the conditions of the day, the pilot will choose from 19 flight plans, taking into account: 

• Maximum viewing potential from both sides of the aircraft. 

• Maximum penetration over Antarctica. 

• Maximum variety in land mass scenery, including high mountains, glaciers, ice plateaux, and coastline.

• The best possible viewing angles, should weather conditions be adverse.

For more details, contact National Seniors Travel.