In Australia, Pub Crawls by Helicopter Are Now a Thing

Hear the phrase "pub crawl," and you’re likely to envision spending several hours schlepping from one bar to the next — which, with the right companions, can make for a fun activity. But now, Pterodactyl Helicopters, an Ipswich, Australia-based tour company about 45-minutes from Brisbane, is upping the ante — and adding some spectacular views — by taking guests on a country pub crawl via chopper.

Over the span of seven hours, Captain Mike Jarvis, your pilot and tour guide, will take you and up to two friends on a journey through Australia’s Scenic Rim region, where you’ll get a bird’s-eye (and possibly beer-goggled) view of some of the area’s most iconic sights, including Tamborine Mountain, Lockyer Valley and the 131-year-old Dickabram Bridge. If he swoops down low enough, you may even be able to spot some kangaroos and wallabies.

Then there’s the beer: The day will include stops at five different pubs and/or breweries, where you’ll tuck into a pint before taking off — literally — for your next destination. You’ll also grab some lunch at one of those spots; Jarvis changes the itinerary up all the time, but some of his favorites include the Sundowner Saloon, the Dugandan Hotel (known as “The Dugie” to locals), Pumpyard Bar & Brewery, The Bearded Dragon and the Scenic Rim Brewery & Cafe.

“A pint at each pub and a delicious lunch are included,” Jarvis said when I reached out for more info, “but it should be noted here that this is not an opportunity to get merry at 5,000 feet. Safety is paramount and there’s a limit of one beer per venue. It’s more about the experience.”

The cost for this epic journey? About $1,413 ($1,880 AUD) for two. If weights allow for it, a third passenger can come along for an extra $286 ($380 AUD). Plus, if you live or are staying within 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles) of their base in Queensland, “We will also pick you up in the Jeep,” Jarvis said. “We can price in a pick-up from further away — or even your backyard in the chopper if it is suitable for a chopper landing. How cool is that?"

Check out the video below for a closer look at an Aussie chopper pub crawl adventure.

H/T: Bloomberg