The route for the GAAR 2014 is 2,650 nm long and starts from Wollongong Airport (YWOL).  This year, the GAAR explores the State of New South Wales and provides some challenging navigation out "back 'o Bourke".  Setting a course south-southwest to follow the coast down to the first corner of the state, on the border with Victoria, we then turn inland and head into the mountains.  From the mountains we continue in a west-northwest direction, roughly following the southern border with Victoria, to the second corner.  Turning north, the availability of NAVAIDS reduces significantly as we head into western New South Wales and the "outback".  Out here, mining, dust, droughts, and flies prevail.  After traversing "Cameron Corner" in the northwest, we turn east and begin the long flight back to the east coast and relative civilisation.  Passing Coolangatta Airport (YBCG), whose main runway straddles the New South Wales - Queensland border, we reach the point on the coast which is the last corner in our tour, before we turn in a general south-southwest direction to begin the final part of our journey.  Before that though, we take the opportunity to traverse the easterly most point of Australia, Byron Bay, and periodically head inland to take a break from the relentless ocean views, before finally finishing back at Wollongong Airport (YWOL) and another well earned rest.

Discovered by Captain James Cook (or "Jimmy the Chef" as he is sometimes known) in 1770, the colony of New South Wales was first settled by the British in 1788, when the "First Fleet" arrived under the command of Captain Arthur Phillip.  After initially arriving in Botany Bay, the fleet moved to the more suitable Port Jackson (of which Sydney Harbour is a part of today), where a settlement was established at Sydney Cove (now Circular Quay).  Over the ensuing years, the colony was explored and expanded until, with the proclamation of the Australian Federal Constituition in 1901, it became the State of New South Wales.

Remote strips, geographical coordinates, and distant radio NAVAIDs await and don't forget to pack the "Aerogard".

 The Flight Schedule and Reporting Dates for each Flight Leg are detailed in the table below.  PIREPs for each Flight Leg must be received by 2359 hrs UTC on the date indicated.  Any late PIREPs will result in a "Withdrawn" being recorded against the entrant.  PIREPs can be submitted in advance of the required Reporting Date.  All details regarding PIREP submission are under the "PIREPs" link.

Note:  The Flight Legs and distances are NOT necessarily point to point as Flight Legs may involve intermediate navigation waypoints.