Fly-away to Yarram 08/2026
Destination: Yarram [YYRM]
Distance: 121nm direct
Date: 29/08/2026
Aircraft: 5
Crew: 9
After weather thwarted our previous attempt earlier in the year, the Bacchus Marsh Aero Club made good on our intent to join the Yarram aero club for their monthly barbecue. In the week leading up to the fly-away, all eyes were on the weather, especially the height of the clouds over the Strzelecki Ranges. When the day came, all crews agreed that we could make it, and assembled at the airfield by 0900. After a quick briefing, including the freshly-issued NOTAM to avoid the grass at Yarram, we split up into our aircraft and headed on our way.
Despite starting engines at different times, VH-EAV, VH-MAQ and VH-XLR all soon caught up to each other….at the fuel bowser. The fly-away was almost over before it started when fuel wouldn’t flow, but iOR were able to reset the bowser remotely and soon all aircraft were on their way.
Along with the 3 club aircraft, we were joined by members in 2 other aircraft, VH-ITX and VH-ESA. Both are more modern and faster Cessna 172s and they departed last to make up for difference in speed.
Each crew chose slightly differing routes, depending on their own preferences. VH-EAV chose to track south to Geelong, and then along the coast to Yarram. VH-MAQ, VH-XLR, VH-ESA and VH-ITX all followed the northern coast of Port Phillip Bay past the city. ESA branched off at Albert Park, while, MAQ obtained a clearance to track overhead Moorabbin on a direct course to Yarram. XLR and ITX skirted the Moorabbin airspace to Carrum, then tracked via Leongatha and Foster.
Rolling hills, forests of tall trees and bright green fields greeted us as we all reached the South Gippsland region. Overcast conditions around Leongatha gave way to increasingly clear skies as we approached Yarram. All aircraft were converging at similar arrival times, but coordinated well over the radio to sequence into the circuit.
The gravel movement areas at Yarram’s airfield stood out from the surrounding fields, making for a very easy arrival into the circuit. Wind straight down runway 27 meant that nobody had to back-taxi to the apron. We pulled in just as the Yarram Aero Club were finishing their meeting and getting ready to fire up the barbecue. Airplanes and pilots were refuelled with AVGAS and coffee, respectively, while we all enjoyed talking to fellow aviators.
The Yarram Aero Club’s clubhouse and terminal building is a recently constructed facility and well equipped. Should any pilot ever find themselves in the South Gippsland region and unable to get home due to weather or daylight, head for Yarram. You’ll find fuel, coffee, toilets, a microwave, pies, a couch to sleep on and even a shower! Everything you need to wait out the weather or spend the night and make it home when conditions improve. The fuel is on the iOR network, so hirers of club aircraft won’t even need to deal with paying for fuel and deducting it from their rental. Just scan the fob and start filling.
The Yarram club put on a great barbecue with plenty of sausages and coleslaw to go around. Everyone was happy to be outside on such a lovely day. We ate our fill and spent a few hours chatting and watching a couple of local aircraft coming and going.
When it came time to depart, once again there were many ways to get home. There were clear skies at Yarram, and a review of weather reports and webcams showed zero cloud back at Bacchus Marsh. In between, though, was an overcast layer hovering around the 3000 foot mark. With an IFR-capable aircraft and crew, VH-ESA filed the appropriate plan and made straight for home.
Confident that the clouds were only present in the middle of the route, VH-EAV and VH-MAQ elected to head home VFR-on-top and were treated to a view few VFR pilots get to experience.
On the other hand, VH-XLR was coming up on its 100-hourly inspection, and would be heading to Tyabb instead of Bacchus Marsh. With Tyabb barely clear of the overcast layer, it was decided to head home at 2500 feet and underneath the clouds. VH-ITX followed, so as not to leave XLR’s crew stranded at Tyabb. When the engine stopped on the Tyabb ramp, XLR had spent 99.8 of its 100 hours, a very efficient use of the interval.
And with that, another adventure came to a successful close. Big thanks to the Yarram Aero Club for hosting us! And to all members of the Bacchus Marsh Aero Club….will we see you at the next flyaway?
Check out all the other pictures here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/yMcGz4C7wJBUxLDUA