• Enjoy panoramic views of the northern coastline, the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Rainforest on a return scenic helicopter flight to the Daintree
• Discover the rainforest and its uniqiue history, wildlife and nature on a half day 4WD Cultural Adventure tour
• Enjoy a lunch at Daintree Village with a glass of wine or beer
• Have your camera ready as you dive deep into the rainforest by 4WD. The rainforest sights fauna provide the perfect backdrop for a selfie

The ultimate Reef & Rainforest day tour experience showcasing Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and a visit to famous Cape Tribulation beach. This real-life nature documentary combines a stunning Reef-Scenic Helicopter Flight with rainforest exploration

What to Expect

The ultimate Reef & Rainforest day tour experience showcasing Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and a visit to famous Cape Tribulation beach on a helicopter scenic flight from Cairns.

This real-life nature documentary combines a stunning Reef-Scenic Helicopter Flight with rainforest exploration by purpose-built river cruise vessel and 4WD tour vehicle for a day of discovery you’ll be talking about for years to come!

Our 45-minute private charter helicopter tour from Cairns combines the best of Tropical North Queensland’s natural beauty with a cultural journey through the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Start your adventure with a scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, then land for an immersive half-day cultural exploration that includes a river cruise, rainforest tour, and a beach visit. Lunch at a local cafe in Daintree Village rounds out this unforgettable day of tropical discovery.

Features and Highlights

Cairns Reef and Rainforest Scenic Helicopter Flight (45 Minutes)

• Great Barrier Reef Views: Fly over vivid coral formations, spotting marine life like turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and even humpback whales during migration season.
• Daintree Coastline: From the reef, your helicopter flight heads back toward the mainland, crossing over lush rainforest landscapes and the Daintree River.

Daintree River Cruise and Exploration

• Daintree River Cruise: Begin with a morning tea before embarking on a guided river cruise. Discover local wildlife, including crocodiles, tree snakes, butterflies, and diverse birdlife among the mangroves.
• Alexandra Range Lookout: Ascend in a 4WD to this iconic viewpoint for panoramic views of the rainforest and coastline.

Guided Rainforest Tour and Wildlife Spotting

• Boardwalk Tour: Join a naturalist guide on an elevated boardwalk, exploring unique flora and fauna, including sightings of Boyd’s Rainforest Dragon and the endangered Southern Cassowary.
• Emmagen Creek: Take a refreshing swim in a rainforest creek, keeping an eye out for turtles, fish, and the striking Blue Ulysses butterfly.

Cape Tribulation and Beyond

• Cape Tribulation Beach: Visit the only place in the world where two World Heritage sites meet, with stunning views of rainforest-clad mountains meeting the reef.
• Ice Cream Stop and Ferry Ride: Enjoy local treats (at your own expense) before crossing the Daintree River by ferry on your return journey.

Return Journey to Cairns

• Head back to your accommodation along the scenic Great Barrier Reef Drive, passing lowland rainforest and tropical farmland with views of the coast.

Helicopter & 4WD Tour Times

• Return to Port Douglas: 5:30 pm
• Northern Beaches: 6:00 pm
• Cairns: 6:30 pm

This helicopter and cultural tour delivers a complete experience of North Queensland’s natural and cultural highlights, ideal for those seeking a memorable day exploring reef and rainforest wonders.

See all Cairns and Port Douglas helicopter rides.

View the highly popular Helicopter & Reef Combo tours.

Read the Barrier Reef Australia Blog for all the things you need to know before you go. 

Check in

Check in at Cairns General Aviation in Cairns 30 minutes prior to departure.

Check in times will be provided when booking. Upon arrival at the helicopter 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. 

Scenic Helicopter Flight

Take off & be greeted with spectacular views of Cairns City & surrounds.

Your pilot will provide commentary throughout the flight as you head north along the coastline enjoying views of Cairns northern beaches and its palm tree lined waters.

Flying over Palm Cove, Ellis Beach and Port Douglas, you will see the Great Barrier Reef to your right.

To your left, you will see the rainforest clad mountains of World Heritage listed rainforest.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Daintree River and headland of Cape Tribulation as you begin your descent.

Your helicopter offers great views & photo opportunities of natural wonders throughout your journey.

After around 45 minutes your heli will land deep in the Daintree Rainforest.

Return to Cairns

Feeling full and satisfied, you will return to your accommodation through lowland rainforest and tropical farmland before following one of the most picturesque coastal drives in Australia, The Great Barrier Reef Drive.

Return Times

• Port Douglas 5.30pm
• Northern Beaches 6.00pm
• Cairns 6.30pm

See more private charter scenic helicopter flights.

Cairns Helicopter Reef & Rainforest Itinerary

7:50am – Meet & Greet

• Check in at Hanger - 9 Bush Pilots Avenue Aeroglen. 

8:15am   Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight (45 minutes)

• Enjoy sweeping panoramic views from the tropical rainforest clad coastline, across the azure waters of the Coral Sea and into the very heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. 
• Only from this unique aerial perspective can the vibrant hues and sheer expanse of the reef’s thriving coral gardens be truly appreciated.
• Your highly skilled pilot will share their local knowledge of the region while on the lookout for Turtles, Dolphins, Manta Rays, large schools of pelagic fish and even majestic Humpback Whales (Jul-Sep).
• As we approach the mainland again, shades of blue merge seamlessly into the lush, emerald green coastline of the Daintree Rainforest. 
• Crossing the coastline at the mouth of the majestic Daintree River we follow this ancient waterway to our landing site at the Daintree River Cruise Centre to join up with a small group 4WD tour with Billy Tea Safaris. 

Stop 1 - Daintree River Cruise

• Morning tea served before embarking on a 1-hour Daintree river cruise, home to the prehistoric estuarine crocodile.
• Your experienced river guide will discuss the unique characteristics of the regions birdlife, butterflies, tree snakes, reptiles, mangrove systems and other endemic plants.

Stop 2 - Alexandra Range Lookout

•  Climb aboard your purpose-built tour vehicle and ascend the Alexandra Range stopping for a breathtaking photo opportunity at the iconic Alexandra Range Lookout

 Stop 3 - Guided Boardwalk Tour

• Join you naturalist guide on an elevated boardwalk tour – learn about the regions unique and diverse flora and fauna including chance sightings of the endemic, prehistoric looking Boyd’s Rainforest Dragon plus the elusive and endangered Southern Cassowary

Stop 4 - Lunch at a Local Cafe

Stop 5 - Emmagen Creek Wildlife Spotting and Swim

• Journey beyond Cape Tribulation along 7kms of the 4WD-only Bloomfield Track to pristine Emmagen Creek with opportunity for a refreshing rainforest creek swim.   
• Search the creek for turtles and fish and keep an eye out for the dazzling Blue Ulysses butterfly with endemic bird life identifiable by their characteristic calls. 

Stop 6 - Cape Tribulation Beach

• Continue on to Cape Tribulation beach with time for a beach stroll or to visit the photographer’s platform.  With a backdrop of majestic rainforest clad mountains, this is the only place on earth where two World Heritage areas coexist, as Wet Tropical Rainforest meets The Great Barrier Reef.

Stop 7 - Ice-Cream Shop

• Ice-cream at own expense before a cable-ferry crossing of the mighty Daintree River.
• The homeward journey commences through lowland rainforest and tropical farmland before following one of the most picturesque coastal drives in Australia, The Great Barrier Reef Drive.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Instructions

Check in at 7.30am at General Aviation, Aeroglen, Cairns

Destinations

• Cairns
• Daintree Rainforest

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

10 hours approx

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Restrictions

• Guests over 110 kg may be subject to additional charge.
• 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.

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

Additional Information

Minimum of 2 passengers are required for the scenic helicopter flight aspect of the tour

Eco Certifications

• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Swimming costume
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Comfortable shoes for walking in the water
• Insect repellent

• 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).