Bunbury Lighthouse – A Striking Coastal Landmark
Bunbury Lighthouse is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, with its bold black-and-white checkered design. While you can’t climb it, the lighthouse connects to the Back Beach coastal path, making it a scenic destination for walkers, runners, and cyclists. With sweeping views over Koombana Bay and the Indian Ocean, it’s a must-see spot just ten minutes from Bunbury Airport — perfect to enjoy before or after an Open Air Adventure Flight.
Meet Winnie’s New Best Friend: Our 1957 Ferguson 35 Tractor
A red 1957 Ferguson 35 tractor has become the newest member of the Open Air Adventure Flights family. Purchased to tow Winnie around Bunbury Airport, it has quickly captured the hearts of aviation enthusiasts and locals alike.
Open Air Adventure Flights Featured on 7 News
Open Air Adventure Flights was recently featured on 7 News, sharing the story of Winnie, our 1941 Boeing Stearman, and the journey to bring vintage open cockpit flying to Bunbury.
Open Air featured in the Bunbury Herald – New Venture to take flight
Open Air Adventure Flights and Winnie, our beautifully restored 1941 Boeing Stearman, were recently featured in the Bunbury Herald as we officially launched our vintage open cockpit flight experiences in Bunbury.
Feature in Australian Flying - Open cockpit Stearman takes off in Bunbury WA
We’re proud to be featured in Australian Flying Magazine. Read about our journey with Winnie, our 1941 Boeing Stearman, and exciting plans for a more in-depth feature in an upcoming publication.
We have Officially Launched
We’re officially launched! After months of planning, delays, and behind-the-scenes work, Open Air Adventure Flights is now live in Bunbury. Discover the story behind Winnie, our 1941 Boeing Stearman, and experience the magic of open cockpit flying.
The First Flight – Winnie Takes to the Skies in Bunbury
Winnie has taken to the skies in Bunbury for the very first time. After nearly a year of restoration and approvals, Johan completed her proving flight — a breathtaking moment that marks a new chapter for Open Air Adventure Flights. She’s airworthy, flying beautifully, and just one step away from welcoming her first passengers in the South West.
Taxi Trials - Bringing Winnie Back to Life on Bunbury Soil
Before a vintage aircraft ever returns to the skies, she must first return to the runway — and that’s exactly what Winnie began doing during her taxi trials here in Bunbury. After nearly a year of restoration, inspections, and paperwork, seeing her engine roar to life and her wheels rolling along Bunbury Airport’s runway was a powerful and emotional milestone. These taxi trials weren’t just technical checks… they were the moment we truly felt Winnie waking up again. For us, it marked the beginning of her new chapter in Australia — and the start of something unforgettable for our community and the passengers who will soon take flight with her.
Winnie’s Journey: From Warbird to Joy Flights in Bunbury
At over 80 years old, our Boeing Stearman Winnie has lived many lives. From her days as a World War II trainer, to long hours dusting crops, to giving joy flights in New Zealand, and now flying over Bunbury - her history is full of adventure, mystery, and resilience.
When Aviation Met High Fashion – The 1941 Vogue Cover with a Boeing Stearman
In 1941, Vogue put a female aviator and a Boeing Stearman on its cover — a striking image of wartime purpose and timeless style. Today, you can step into that history with Open Air Adventure Flights and experience the same thrill of vintage flying.
Why We Named Her Winnie
When Johan found the manufacture date on our 1941 Boeing Stearman — 3rd September — he mentioned it to his mum, only to learn it was his great-grandmother Winifred’s birthday. That’s how Winnie got her name — a nod to family, heritage, and the stories that shape us.
