In the early 1960s, the north of Western Australia was still considered by many to be the end of the world. Then along came Rod Dyer…
Apart from four years in the Royal Australian Navy during WWII, flying had always been a part of Rod’s life and is what led him to create a number of innovative businesses.
When a pastrol lease for 1 million acres of virgin Kimberley country came up for offer, Rod jumped at the chance. He and friend, Tom Robertson went on to develop Ellenbrae Station and in doing so became some of the original outback pioneers of the region, introducing Brahman cattle into the region in the 1960’s.
In 1977, Rod started flying guests up to this remote, 1 million acre cattle station. His first official tour was a group of artists from Melbourne who were keen to paint the vast, largely undiscovered Kimberley region and who better to get them there than Rod. He was well equipped with his own plane, remote property, numerous friends and contacts, plus, he always had a thirst for adventure.
In fact, once he established Air Adventure often the remarks from his travellers upon their return was “never take the adventure out of Air Adventure”.
Over the years, Rod added destinations to the itineraries and worked with then wife, Carol to develop a unique and an exciting business to get people to some of the most picturesque and undiscovered regions across Australia.
It was certainly a family business with Rod, Carol plus their two young children John and Catherine all onboard!
Today, with Rod’s son John at the helm the business continues to grow and evolve but the original philosophy remains – to give guests an authentic outback experience without compromising on comfort, guided by experts and as part of a genuinely small group.
Meet Rod’s son, John Dyer.
John lives and breathes the outback. His first outback safari was when he was 4 with his father.
From that moment, he has developed a love of aviation and travel, so it was a natural step for him to continue his father’s legacy and take the reins at Air Adventure.
With genuine vision and passion he aims to transform the way people travel and experience outback Australia – ultimately helping them to travel better and connect more deeply with this country.
Ellenbrae Air Strip...
Building Ellenbrae Station...
Building progression!
Introduction of Brahman cattle to the Kimberley...
Enjoying the view onboard an early flight.