• The visual beauty of the brilliant blues of the Great Barrier Reef and the lace like coral formations are fascinating  
• Flying above the World Heritage Listed Rainforests of Cairns to enjoy the vibrant lush green landscape that contrasts the blue of the Great Barrier Reef. 
• Choice of 45 or 60 minute flights 

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

What to Expect

Combining two of the region’s greatest World Heritage Listed natural wonders, our exclusive helicopter flights from Cairns are the ultimate Tropical North Queensland experience,! Choose a 45- or 60-minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns and experience breathtaking views of the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed rainforest. From lush rainforest canopies to vibrant coral reefs, this tour reveals the diverse natural beauty of Tropical North Queensland. Departing from Cairns, these eco-rated, air-conditioned helicopters will take you on an unforgettable journey, complete with in-flight commentary by knowledgeable pilots.

With panoramic views of the Barron Gorge National Park, the coastal beaches, and the colourful reefs, this Cairns scenic flight is an ideal way to experience both of the region’s iconic World Heritage sites in one aerial tour.

Features and Highlights

Unmatched Aerial Views

• 45-Minute Helicopter Flight Option: Soar over Barron Gorge National Park, the historic rainforest village of Kuranda, and the Great Barrier Reef’s beautiful reef formations.
• 60-Minute Helicopter Flight Option: Includes all the highlights of the 45-minute flight with an extended route over Copperlode Dam, Lake Morris, and additional reef sites like Moore Reef and Hastings Reef.

World Heritage-Listed Rainforest

• Barron Gorge and Barron Falls: Fly above this iconic national park, home to the stunning Barron Falls, which cascade down into the deep gorge.
• Kuranda and Stoney Creek Falls: Take in views of Kuranda Village, the Kuranda train, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and the cascading Stoney Creek Falls as you fly over ancient rainforest.

Stunning Coral Reef Views

• Arlington Reef and Green Island: Marvel at the turquoise waters of Arlington Reef and the tropical paradise of Green Island, complete with sandy beaches and rainforest.
• Sand Cays – Vlasoff Cay and Upolu Cay: See these pristine sand cays surrounded by coral reefs, often frequented by marine life like reef sharks, rays, and tropical fish.

Comfort and Amenities

• Experienced Pilots and In-Flight Commentary: Enjoy insightful commentary on the landscape and its history through voice-activated headsets.
• Modern Helicopters: Fly in comfort in eco-rated, air-conditioned helicopters with complimentary beverages available before departure.

Upgrade to 60-Minute Flight for More Scenic Highlights

• This option adds 15 extra minutes to cover Lake Morris, Copperlode Dam, and the rugged Atherton Tablelands, offering a comprehensive view of both the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest.

Return to Cairns

• End your journey back at the Cairns helicopter pad, where your pilot will escort you to your return coach transfer, included to your accommodation in Cairns, Northern Beaches, or Palm Cove.

With options for 45 or 60 minutes, this scenic helicopter tour is perfect for travellers wanting to capture the best of Cairns and Tropical North Queensland’s reef and rainforest from above.

See all Cairns and Port Douglas scenic helicopter rides.

See the highly popular Helicopter & Reef Combo tours.

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

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

Departure Instructions

To ensure smooth operations, passenger check in comfort & minimise delays, all 30, 45 & 60 minute Scenic Flight bookings up to 6 passengers (1 Helicopter) will continue to depart from the Pier Heliport while all bookings for 7+ passengers. (2+ Helicopters) will now depart from our General Aviation Airport location

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• 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

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

All product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed

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).