Tiger Moth Reservoir Run: Scenic Open-Cockpit Flight Over Cardinia & Yarra Valley

At Hangar 6, Lily Dale Airport, 13 MacIntyre Lane, Yering, VIC, 3770, a vintage Tiger Moth sits ready to lift you above the patchwork of water and forest that feeds Melbourne. The Reservoir Run is a 60‑minute open‑cockpit scenic flight that threads low over Cardinia Reservoir, then cruises the ridgelines and lake basins of the Yarra Valley, giving an uncommon vantage on the region’s supply lakes, forested gullies and agricultural terraces. Climbing into the rear cockpit under a briefing, you’ll don the supplied flying helmet and goggles and feel the wind start to cut through the biplane’s exposed frame. The route highlights the engineering and ecology of the area: tree-lined catchments, steep creek incisions, and the sweeping shorelines of drinking-water reservoirs carved into volcanic and sedimentary hills. From above you can make out pine plantations, riparian eucalyptus, and the occasional wedge-tailed eagle working thermals. The experience is as much about sensation as scenery. The Tiger Moth’s open cockpit amplifies sound and motion; every bump and bank becomes tangible. Photographers will prize the dramatic low passes over Cardinia Reservoir, where angles of light play across blue water and distant ranges. Pilots and aviation fans will appreciate the machine’s vintage controls and the simple precision of a bygone era in flight. Practical details matter: flights run approximately 60 minutes from engine start to shutdown, include a short safety briefing, and accommodate a single passenger per flight. If you weigh more than 100kg please contact the operator before booking. Bring layered clothing, a secure camera strap, and expect cooler temperatures at altitude; goggles and helmet are provided. Why book The Reservoir Run? It’s a rare blend of landscape appreciation and tactile aviation: a living-history aircraft that gives intimate access to Melbourne’s water catchments, seen from angles no ground trail can match. For visitors staying in Yering, the flight is an efficient half-day highlight; for locals it’s a fresh way to reconnect with familiar country. The hangar at Lily Dale Airport places you within reach of the Yarra Valley’s vineyards and forested parks, making the trip easy to combine with ground-based exploration. Whether you’re chasing a striking aerial photograph, craving the thrill of open-air flight, or simply curious about Melbourne’s reservoirs, The Reservoir Run delivers a precise, memorable hour above one of Victoria’s most important landscapes. Reservations are limited—each flight takes one passenger—so plan in advance, especially on weekends and during autumn foliage and spring blossom. Weather governs departures: low ceilings or strong winds can postpone flights, and operators may reschedule for safety. Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in. The experience suits confident travelers; inexperienced flyers are welcomed but should discuss any mobility concerns ahead of time with the team. Book early for availability.