Oops! We quite forgot that Fathers Day is tomorrow and so we needed to dash to the shops this morning. In much of Australia outside of the major towns, weekend trading is confined to 9-12 on Saturdays, regardless of whether tourists are in town or not. 

We did a bit of shopping (found a stunning gallery and dress shop) and stopped for a cuppa. Sitting and watching the world go by was quite eventful. We could pick the locals and the tourists alike, both having distinctly different looks. 

After lunch we went to the Qantas founders museum. There is an absolute bevy of touristy things to do in Longreach and we had narrowed it down to the coach ride and the Qantas museum. Each event offered carries substantial fees and to do everything on offer, would have left us over $2000 poorer. You just can’t do everything. Trip Advisor, and the reviews left by other tourists helped us to narrow it down quite a bit. 

The Qantas founders museum recognises the contribution to Australian aviation by a group of local men who had a passion for flying and a vision that they didn’t let go of, despite numerous set backs. 

The museum really displayed the Australian character of persistence, determination and mateship. It is in no way funded by Qantas and it is a non-profit organization. 

Qantas did however give them the gift of a real 747 jumbo aeroplane that has been retired from the fleet worth over 5 million in scrap metal. So, no financial responsibility on their part but a fair bit of recognition for the work being done at the museum. 

We elected to view the museum and do a guided tour. This enabled us to go underneath and inside the 747 and 
a 707 originally owned by Qantas, also retired and purchased back from the UK for a pound. We also had a very knowledgeable tour guide, Ash who at 26 years old just amazed us with his knowledge of these aircrafts. 

I’m the first to admit that I wasn’t actually that interested in doing the tour and at $59 each, I seriously considered skipping it and using my portion on something more ‘wearable’ at the next shop we came to. But, I’m so glad I did it. I learnt so much, not all of it useful for someone who doesn’t enjoy flying. Now I know that the engines are secured to the wings with only 3 bolts. Yes, they are special, state of the art titanium bolts, but only 3! When you see how many bolts go into making the panels of the plane itself, I can’t fathom why they scrimp on 3 bolts for the engine/s. 

We also got to see what is behind the panels on the walls, roof, underneath and inside the emergency door (emergency slide). Let me tell you, there is not a lot between you and the sky outside!

The black boxes are at the very rear of the plane and are orange! They were invented by an Australian. They are at the rear of the plane because that is statistically the safest place, where they are less likely to be…crushed, lost, exploded to smithereens. 

The 707 is identical to the one John Travolta has as his personal plane (its sister). The plane here was used as a rental for dignitaries. In fact, Michael Jackson rented it on his World Victory Tour. It was decked out in wooden polished panelling, Waterford crystal lamps and 24 carat gold wall features. Very swish. Even the toilet seats were padded. 

We ran out of time to see everything in the museum. You can get a 2 day pass (no extra cost) and return, but we leave here tomorrow. 

I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed it. A great insight into Qantas’ early days and their contribution to the war effort, mishaps and all.