Just five nautical miles due west of Port Macquarie, lies an 800m private grass strip. The owners of this well-tended strip – Clyde and Sue Stubbs – have built a home any aviator would envy: an architect-designed modern house with a four-place hangar and wonderful district views. So tranquil is their spot - a mere 30 minutes from the town of Port Macquarie - they recently made the decision to share their paradise with the rest of the aviation community. In the style of their house, they built The Hideout, a modern, fully equipped two bedroom self-contained cottage, constructed to showcase its rural setting, with a fabulous wide deck and access to the 15m solar heated saltwater pool and three person hot tub. To make catering easy, the Stubbs’ will provide breakfast and dinner food hampers, if ordered in advance. The tastefully decorated cottage is wonderfully appointed for families or small groups, offering a second bedroom with a flexible configuration to suit families. Small dogs and children are welcome and Clyde and Sue are warm and hospitable hosts, with a passion for aviation.
The southern edge of the property borders a
branch of the Hastings River and provides a perfect spot for fishing from the
bank or simply enjoying the serenity of the river. Nearby Wauchope is
surrounded by blackbutt forest and is best known for the nearby Timbertown
theme park. The town has a good range of shops, cafes and banks.
Both pilots, Clyde flies a Cirrus SR22T and
Sue is the proud owner of a Cessna 150B. “We love hosting pilots,” says Sue.
“There are no extra charges for fly-in visitors. We also understand that bad
weather can throw schedules out when flying, so we will accommodate changes in
plans as much as possible.” Hangarage is available for guests’ aircraft during
their stay.
Port Macquarie, situated at the mouth of
the Hastings River, has possibly the most favourable climate in NSW.
There are wonderful beaches and for water sports enthusiasts there is jet
boating, parasailing, deep sea fishing, scuba diving and beach and estuary
fishing. Enjoy whale-watching cruises in season and a wide variety of
river cruises, or simply stand on the beach and watch the dolphins at
play. There are a number of vineyards and a great boutique brewery.
The area is a haven for koalas and they can be seen at the various
wildlife parks or at the koala hospital in town. Port Macquarie boasts a
wide range of restaurants, bars and cafes to suit every taste.
“If you’d like to visit some of the local
attractions we can also make available a vehicle for your use – you will not be
stuck without transport,” says Sue.
“All landings on our strip require prior
permission, and you must read the airfield information sheet
(http://www.dexfieldpark.com). Occasionally, the strip is unserviceable after
heavy rain, but Port Macquarie airport is only 5nm away, so there is a good alternate.
Fuel is available at Port Macquarie airport.
