Great Barrier Reef & Rainforest Scenic Helicopter Flight

Fly Over the Only Place on Earth Where Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites Meet

  • Free cancellations*
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Ticket Details

  • 60-minute scenic helicopter flight over the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforest
  • Spectacular aerial views of Cairns city, Stoney Creek Falls, Kuranda Rainforest, Green Island, Vlasoff Sand Cay and Barron Gorge & waterfall
  • Voice-activated headsets for clear and seamless communication
  • Engaging in-flight commentary from your experienced local pilot
  • Comfortable air-conditioned helicopter for a smooth ride
  • Flexible Booking – cancel for a full refund or change your date for free!*
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Full details

Experience Cairns’ Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest from the Sky

Soar over Cairns’ most spectacular sights on a 60-minute helicopter flight, combining the vibrant Great Barrier Reef, lush tropical rainforest and breathtaking waterfalls for an unforgettable aerial adventure.

Our guide to Great Barrier Reef & Rainforest Scenic Helicopter Flight

Cairns sits between two of Tropical North Queensland’s most iconic natural wonders — the spectacular Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest. There’s no better way to experience the sheer scale and beauty of both than from the air!

Your 60-minute scenic helicopter flight begins over the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, taking in stunning islands and sand cays. From there, the flight turns along the coast to reveal picturesque Palm Cove Beach before heading inland over the lush, rainforest-covered mountains of Barron Gorge National Park.

Enjoy panoramic views of Stoney Creek and the majestic Barron Falls, and marvel at the patchwork of farmland and rainforest across the Atherton Tablelands, including the serene Lake Morris, before returning to Cairns.

This aerial adventure is perfect for first-time visitors and nature lovers alike, offering breathtaking views, unforgettable photo opportunities and a unique perspective on two of Queensland’s greatest treasures.

Departs

Daily, year-round except 25th December and 1st January. Flights depart from the Cairns Heliport located at 2 Pier Point Road, Marina Point, Cairns.

Start times

Varies, please see the calendar. 

Duration

60-minute flight.

Terms and conditions

Terms and conditions for Great Barrier Reef & Rainforest Scenic Helicopter Flight

  • Hotel transfers are NOT included. The departure point is Cairns Heliport - 2 Pier Point Road, Marina Point, Cairns.
  • Flight paths and timings may vary due to weather or air traffic control. Flights are weather-dependent and subject to the pilot's final discretion.
  • A minimum of 2 persons are needed to book this tour.
  • Bookings are subject to availability, weather and achieved booking minimums.
  • Infants 0-2 years are free of charge if sitting on a parent's lap. A maximum of one infant per helicopter may travel as per CASA regulations. At the time of booking, please advise if travelling with infants, as additional seating regulations apply.
  • Children aged 3 years to 13 years must be accompanied by an adult on all flights.
  • Due to Aviation Weight Restrictions, a client's body weight must be advised at the time of booking. A weight variance greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single-seat payload of 130kg. For passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance, passengers exceeding 130kg are required to purchase an additional seat at 50% of the ticket price – this is payable to Nautilus Aviation on the day of travel.
  • All passenger body weights (kg) must be advised at the time of booking.
  • The maximum single-seat payload is 130 kg.
  • Passengers with special needs or travelling with more than one infant must advise at the time of booking for pilot assessment.
  • Pregnant passengers are welcome to fly at their own discretion.
  • Nautilus Aviation advises passengers to consult their doctor prior to making a reservation and that seatbelts must be worn at all times during the flight.
  • With fluctuations in world oil prices, it may be necessary to apply a fuel surcharge to the ticket price. In such cases, any charge will be collected locally on departure.
  • Personal items should not exceed 10kg and be carried in a small soft-sided bag for easy stowage.
  • Window seats are never guaranteed or assigned to requesting passengers. The Pilot makes the final seating assignments based on helicopter weight and balance.
  • All passengers will receive a safety briefing prior to departure.
  • When flying over water all passengers must wear a life jacket for the duration of the flight.
  • Please note that check-in time is 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Check-in will close 30 minutes before departure, and you will not be able to check in after this time. When planning your arrival at your departure location, please ensure you allow enough time to check in. Failure to adhere to check-in times, may result in you missing your flight and forfeiting the fare paid.

*CANCELLATION POLICY:

Free cancellations and amendments are allowed for bookings cancelled with the tour operator up to 48 hours before your chosen activity date. Please keep in mind that there is a significant time difference between Australia and the UK, so be sure to allow for this when making your cancellation. After the 48-hour window, no amendments or refunds will be provided.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions for Great Barrier Reef & Rainforest Scenic Helicopter Flight

Frequently Asked Questions for

General Information

  • Can we take photographs in the helicopters

    All helicopters have clear windows which enable you to take some incredible photographs. Some of the helicopters have windows that can be opened for photo shooting as well. All we ask is that when taking pictures no part of the body or camera is placed outside of the helicopter, and straps are not to be placed around the neck for safety reasons.

  • Why are weights so important on a helicopter?

    Like aeroplane flights, weights play an important role in helicopters. We need to ensure that helicopters on all flights are not overloaded under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations. For this reason, we need you to provide accurate weights when booking. There is no need to be concerned as your weights are kept strictly confidential and you will also be weighed on arrival, including your luggage.

  • What happens if the weather is bad?

    If at the time of departure, the pilots deem that the flight cannot go ahead due to bad weather conditions and thus raising safety concerns, the flight will be cancelled. If this occurs, the tour operator will make every endeavour to place you on an alternate flight that will meet your requirements. If this is not plausible, a full refund will be offered.

Frequently Asked Questions for

General Information

  • Can we take photographs in the helicopters

    All helicopters have clear windows which enable you to take some incredible photographs. Some of the helicopters have windows that can be opened for photo shooting as well. All we ask is that when taking pictures no part of the body or camera is placed outside of the helicopter, and straps are not to be placed around the neck for safety reasons.

  • Why are weights so important on a helicopter?

    Like aeroplane flights, weights play an important role in helicopters. We need to ensure that helicopters on all flights are not overloaded under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations. For this reason, we need you to provide accurate weights when booking. There is no need to be concerned as your weights are kept strictly confidential and you will also be weighed on arrival, including your luggage.

  • What happens if the weather is bad?

    If at the time of departure, the pilots deem that the flight cannot go ahead due to bad weather conditions and thus raising safety concerns, the flight will be cancelled. If this occurs, the tour operator will make every endeavour to place you on an alternate flight that will meet your requirements. If this is not plausible, a full refund will be offered.