Whilst Burso and I were in central Australia on the Frontline Safari, we stayed at the Marree Hotel at the start and end of the trip. Marree is unique because it is the start, or the end of both the Oodnadatta and Birdsville Tracks, two of Australia’s iconic touring roads. Maree is also a gateway to the Simpson Desert and Lake Eyre. Camping is free for customers at the Maree Hotel as it is for the other pubs in this circuit, and you will hear the phrase, ‘buy a beer, camp for free’. You would be hard pressed to find that deal in other regions.

What we found at Maree was a beautiful old hotel, with walls full of history, a roaring fire out front, and the publicans Phil and Maria front and centre from breakfast right trough to last drinks. There was just something nicer about being at an outback pub. Buying a drink or a meal meant a five minute chat with whoever was serving, and everyone in the bar was chatting to each other and swapping travel plans, something you would never see in a city pub. It took me a few days to adjust to this but it was a really refreshing experience. Everyone was just out travelling and living their life.

Phil and Maria; Publicans and Scenic Flight Operators

Burso and I had the opportunity to sit down with Phil and Maria, publicans of the Marree Hotel and owner-operators of Arid Air Scenic Flights, who started out as rural business owners in Victoria. Their journey from owning multiple John Deere dealerships to running a remote outback pub and aviation business offers valuable insights for anyone looking to buy and scale their own businesses.

Have you listened yet?

Phil and Maria have always been involved in rural life. They began their business journey in Victoria buying into a John Deere dealership. Over time, they expanded their operation, acquiring multiple dealerships across the state. By 2015, they had built a successful business with five dealerships and 140 employees, spanning from the South Australian border to Gippsland. Reflecting on their beginnings, Phil shared that after leaving school early, he took on various jobs, including truck driving, shearing, and farm work. He wasn’t particularly invested in school (a common trait among many small to medium business owners). Phil said, "As long as you can read, write, count and add up, you can find your passion and apply yourself to it."

The decision to buy into their first John Deere dealership came somewhat unexpectedly while working for another dealer. Phil was approached by a John Deere dealer, and this opportunity soon turned into a partnership when he was in his early thirties. The business flourished, and Phil and Maria acquired further dealerships, eventually owning five.

Their transition from the agricultural machinery business to hospitality and tourism began after they sold their dealerships in 2015, stating they were retiring. However, after some traveling, they found they still wanted to be productive and bought a car wash in Port Augusta, transforming it into a thriving business. During this period, Phil pursued his passion for aviation, earning a commercial pilot’s license and beginning to offer scenic flights from Port Augusta.

How scenic flights and a hotel go together

Building their scenic flight business led them to base themselves out of Birdsville for five years before coming to own and operate the Marree Hotel in the South Australian outback. What might seem like a drastic shift was, for them, a logical next step. They were already familiar with the outback, frequently flying between Port Augusta and Birdsville. Buying the Marree Hotel allowed them to centralise their operations. Maria mentioned that there wasn't a pub for sale, but the Birdsville pub had already been sold, and they thought, "Do we give it up now? Is it time to retire again?" Instead, they decided to buy their own pub. They called the Marree Hotel and asked if they were interested in selling the lease. When the answer was yes, they then contacted the building owner to purchase the buildings as well.

Operating the Marree Hotel, alongside their aviation business, is a demanding yet fulfilling combination. They spend long hours ensuring the hotel runs smoothly while taking visitors on unforgettable scenic flights. These flights offer a unique perspective of the vast, ever-changing landscape, something Phil and Maria believe is best appreciated from the air. "If you want to get a proper perspective of the outback, the size, the scale, and the beauty of it, there's only one way to do it - get in the air," Phil emphasised.

Want to fly planes?

Upskilling young pilots has also become an integral part of their business. They invest significant time not just in refining flying skills, but also in teaching the rich history of the region and how to engage with passengers. "You're not just a pilot; you're a tour guide," Phil explained, underscoring the importance of passion and people skills in their operations.

Phil emphasised the importance of gaining practical experience for new pilots, something he believes is crucial for anyone serious about a career in aviation. He suggested that new pilots, fresh from earning their Commercial Pilot's License (CPL), should consider banding together with a few mates to rent a plane and undertake a cross-country adventure. "Spend the money. It will put you so far in front of everyone else. Now you've got command time, proven decision-making skills, and more navigation experience," he advised. Phil's recommendation isn't just about flying; it's about proving one's capability to handle real-world scenarios without an instructor beside you. He also stressed the importance of gaining experience with slightly larger aircraft, like the Cessna 200 series, to better prepare for more demanding roles. "By the time you come to us, you should be relatively competent in flying an aircraft. We refine that and get you fully confident so you can jump in with passengers and feel secure," Phil explained. If you have a passion for the outback, this hands-on experience, will sets you up for a career in aviation, far beyond basic flight school training.

Would you move to the Outback?

For those considering a ‘desert change,’ Phil and Maria offered some valuable insights. Whether it's taking on a management role in the outback or starting a new business, the key is a combination of good service, adaptability, and a genuine passion for the lifestyle. "You don't have to be a rocket scientist. Just give good service, provide a good facility, keep your eyes open, look around, and make it work," Phil advised.

Burso and I were surprised around the whole centre of Australia how many businesses there were and young people working in them. Many people could have a desert change or advance their careers in multiple fields by spending some time in this area. There are opportunities in the medical fields, local government, customer service, hospitality, tourism, aviation, cattle stations and more. Everyone could find something that suited them in this region.

Phil and Maria have a great story and similar to many of our guests started out small - buying into a partnership before acquiring and developing other dealerships and businesses of their own and using these opportunities to move around Australia in the process.

As with our last Simpson Desert issue, we highly recommend people plan a trip around central Australia, it is far more accessible to you than you might think. And if not you can always jump on a tour or see if from the air!

Check out the Maree Hotel or their scenic flights here

Have a listen to the Episode and let us know what you think:

Imposter takeaways

• If you are open to opportunities, small businesses come up for sale all the time. With ‘Boomers’ in Australia retiring, there are many businesses becoming available and sometimes the owners will even self finance you (vendor finance), and give you some mentorship.

• Once you have ran a business, you have the skills and knowledge to acquire others or move up to something new.

• Buying or even becoming the manger of a rural or outback business is an excellent way to choose where you want to live and make a change. (For some reason the outback was full of Victorians...)

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