• Be rewarded with aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef from the comfort of your luxury helicopter Have endless photo opportunities of the many tropical islands, sand cays and unique formations of the Great Barrier Reef
• Fly above ancient World Heritage Listed Rainforest Enjoy spectacular views of Barron Gorge, Stoney Creek Falls and Kuranda Rainforest Learn about the region’s unique natural wonders with in flight commentary 
• Have your camera ready as the helicopter approaches Barron Falls and the mighty cascading white waters and surrounding rainforest and be prepared as you fly above the white sands, fringing reef and lush tropical rainforest of Green Island 

The ultimate way to see the Great Barrier Reef and the Rainforest is on a scenic helicopter flight from Cairns. Take a 45 or 60 minute low level scenic flight to see the expanse of beauty the region has to offer. Cairns scenic flights are perfect for all ages

Combining two of the region’s greatest World Heritage Listed natural wonders, our exclusive helicopter flights are the ultimate Tropical North Queensland experience,!

Departing from Cairns, your scenic helicopter flight will have you venturing deep into ancient and World Heritage Listed rainforest.

Fly above the iconic Barron Gorge National Park, soar over the rainforest village of Kuranda and be rewarded with breath taking views of Stoney Creek Falls and the mighty Barron Falls. The surrounding mountainous ranges and rainforest topped peaks will provide you with endless photo opportunities!

After taking in the sights of the rainforest, your helicopter flight will continue over the beaches and coastline and towards the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living organism on the planet and is home to 2,900 individual reefs, 300 coral cays and 900 beautiful tropical islands.

To really gain a sense of just how large and diversely spectacular this natural wonder really is, our Cairns and Great Barrier Reef helicopter flights are the perfect option for visitors to Tropical North Queensland. 

Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest Scenic Helicopter Flights

Experience the very best of the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Listed Rainforest on a 45 minute or 60 minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns. 

Cairns Helicopter Flight - 45 Minute Scenic

Departing from Cairns, your 45 minute scenic helicopter flight will take in the best sights of two World Heritage Listed natural wonders, the Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. 

Your Coach Awaits

Begin your day with a courtesy pick up in an air conditioned coach from your accommodation in Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches or Palm Cove.

Return coach transfers from Port Douglas can also be arranged at an additional cost.

If you are self driving, you can check in at the General Aviation office in Cairns 30 minutes prior to your helicopter departure.

Pick up and departure times will be provided when booking.

Upon arrival at the heli pad, you will be provided with a pre departure safety briefing before boarding the luxury helicopter.

Each guest will receive a head to set to enjoy in flight commentary throughout the flight. 

Cairns Helicopter Flight - World Heritage Listed Rainforest

Taking off from the heli pad you will soon be greeted with panoramic views of Cairns city and its surrounds.

Have your camera ready as you begin your journey into the ancient and heritage listed rainforest.

Heading north west, your pilot will provide commentary about the many natural landmarks in the region as you approach the towering rainforest canopies and rugged mountain peaks of the region’s diverse landscape.

Following the winding waters of Barron River, you will soon find yourself soaring above Barron Gorge National Park.

A popular day trip destination from Cairns, this national park is home to the iconic Barron Falls. Watch as the powerful cascading white waters flow deep into the gorge.

You may be able to spot tourists snapping photos from the viewing platforms or the Skyrail making its way into the gorge.

You will then continue your journey over Kuranda, a historic and colourful village nestled deep within the rainforest.

Passing over Stoney Creek Falls, your flight will then lead you above Palm Cove and the northern beaches of Cairns.

The stretching coastline will give you a sense of the region’s large scope in size. 

Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight

Leaving the golden sands and palm tree lined beaches behind, your helicopter flight will then continue its journey over the Coral Sea and to the Great Barrier Reef.

The swirling reef formations, sparkling blue waters and colourful corals will simply take your breath away. Continuing east, you will soon be flying above Green Island.

Of the reef’s 300 coral cays, Green Island is the only island that has both beautiful beaches and true rainforest.

You will find yourself with plenty of photo opportunities as you fly above this tropical paradise. Soaring above the Arlington Reef system, your pilot will then point out Vlassoff Cay and Upulo Cay, white sand islands that sits upon the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

You may be lucky to spot marine life in the cay’s fringing reefs, such as reef sharks, rays and large tropical fish.

Your helicopter will circle back to Cairns, and you will pass Double Island before arriving back to the mainland. Spot the many landmarks in Cairns city and the swirling mangroves and vegetation surrounding the city. 

Scenic Helicopter Flight Return to Cairns

Returning to the Cairns heli pad, you will farewell your friendly pilot before enjoying return coach transfers to your accommodation in Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches or Palm Cove. 

Upgrade To Scenic Helicopter Flight 60 Minutes

Departing from Cairns, your 60 minute helicopter flight will have you experiencing the very best of the Tropical North Queensland region in an hour long scenic adventure. 

Your Coach Awaits

Begin your day with a courtesy pick up in an air conditioned coach from your accommodation in Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches or Palm Cove.

Return coach transfers from Port Douglas can also be arranged at an additional cost. If you are self driving, you can check in at the General Aviation in Cairns 30 minutes prior to departure.

Pick up and departure times will be provided when booking. Upon arrival at the heli pad, you will be provided with a pre departure safety briefing before boarding the luxury helicopter.

Each guest will receive a head to set to enjoy in flight commentary throughout the flight. 

Cairns Helicopter Flight - World Heritage Listed Rainforest

Taking off from the Cairns heli pad, you will immediately be greeted with stunning views of Cairns city and its surrounding coastline, mangroves and vegetation.

Beginning your helicopter flight north west, your pilot will guide you above Lake Morris and Copperlode Dam, the main water source to Cairns, and above the spectacular Atherton Tablelands.

Soon the landscape will transcend into a sea of lush rainforest canopies and rugged mountainous peaks as you make your way above World Heritage Listed rainforest.

Have your camera ready as your pilot flies you over the mighty Barron Gorge National Park. The park is home to the iconic Barron Falls which flows its water deep into the valley’s gorge.

As you fly over Stoney Creek Falls you will soon be able to spot the rainforest village of Kuranda before circling back towards the coastline. 

Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight

As you farewell the lush rainforest and mountain ranges, you will soon be soaring above Palm Cove and the golden sands and palm trees of the coastline surrounding Cairns in the helicopter.

From here, your journey above the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef will begin.

As you make your way above the unique reef and coral formations, keep your eyes peeled for the abundance of marine life that can regularly be spotted from above.

If flying in the winter months, you make be lucky to see Humpback Whales as they continue their migration along Australia’s east coast.

As you continue north east, you will soon find yourself flying above the outer reef.

Your pilot will point out the many reef formations below including Moore Reef, Saxon Reef and Hasting Reef.

From here, your helicopter pilot will guide you above Vlasoff Cay and Upolu Cay. These cays are sand islands that sit upon the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and really are one of the many natural wonders of the reef.

Soon you will be greeted by the beautiful views of Green Island and its sparkling blue waters, white sand beaches and lush rainforest.

The island sits upon the stunning Arlington Reef system where you will have plenty of photo opportunities!  

Circling back to Cairns, your pilot will point out the many reef formations and landmarks as you continue back towards the coast.

You may even be able to spot Fitzroy Island as you approach Yarrabah Peninsula.

The sweeping coastline extending to Yorkeys Knob and back to Cairns provide a spectacular views as you begin you arrival back to the Cairns central heli pad. 

Return to Cairns

Returning to the Cairns helicopter pad, you will farewell your friendly pilot before enjoying return coach transfers to your accommodation in Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches or Palm Cove.

See more Cairns and Port Douglas helicopter flights.

Departs From

Cairns

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove

• Courtesy return transfers from your accommodation in Cairns, Cairns Northern Beaches and Palm Cove are included.
• Transfers from Port Douglas available at an additional cost. Pick up times and location will be provided at time of booking.
• Self Dive: you can check in at the Nautilus Aviation office Hangar 9, Bush Pilots Avenue, General Aviation in Cairns 30 minutes prior to departure

Destinations

• 45 Minute Reef & Rainforest Scenic Flight Ex Cairns: Green Island, Fitzroy Island, on low tide Vlasoff and Upolu Sand Cay, Cairns World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Gorge National Park & Falls and Kuranda's surrounding rainforest.
• 60 Minute Reef & Rainforest Scenic Flight Ex Cairns: same as above plus Atherton Tablelands, Copperlode Dam and Lake Morris.

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

2 options available:

Fitness Level Required

Low

Restrictions

Weights of individual passengers and accompanying carryon luggage (max 5 kg) MUST be advised at time of booking. A weight variance greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single seat payload of 130kg.

Additional Information

Minimum 2 passengers

Eco Certifications

Your camera for some amazing aerial photos

• Children 3 years and older are legally required to occupy their own seat and therefore must pay the per seat price
• Children 0-2 years travel FOC on the lap of a parent / guardian (max 1 per flight).

• Cancellation notice of 48hours is required for a full refund claim and 24-48 hours, for a 50% refund claim. No refund applies if booking is cancelled inside 24 hours.
• Weights of individual passengers and accompanying carryon luggage (max 5 kg) MUST be advised at time of booking. A weight variance greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single seat payload of 130kg.