A pub and an airline make for a grand outback adventure

AMONG the entrepreneurial pursuits of Phil and Maria van Wegen, which includes a growing scenic flight operation, Arid Air, is the recent purchase of the iconic outback two storey, Marree Hotel. Photo: SUPPLIED.

By Lizzie Hallam

February 06, 2022 | 7:00 AM

PHIL van Wegen and wife Maria left Western Victoria back in 2016, telling family they’d be gone to Port Augusta, South Australia, for around 12 months - but that was five years ago.

Now, their new and growing business venture in Marree, South Australia, 650 kilometres north of Adelaide, includes an expanding airline and an iconic, heritage listed hotel.