Helicopter tour destinations

Australia's landscapes are vast, and many of its most famous places look completely different from above. A helicopter or scenic flight reveals the pattern of reefs and lagoons on the Great Barrier Reef, the scale of Uluru against the desert, the striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range and the sweep of limestone stacks along the Great Ocean Road. For remote destinations, flights are often the most practical way to see them at all.

This section brings together our destination guides, with advice that applies to scenic flights anywhere in Australia.

Destination guides

• Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays: Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, the outer reef and reef rules.
• Uluru and Kata Tjuta: flights from Yulara, the best light, Anangu culture and flight rules.
• Kimberley and the Bungle Bungles: Purnululu, the Horizontal Falls, Lake Argyle and the dry season.
• Twelve Apostles and Great Ocean Road: the limestone stacks, Loch Ard Gorge and coastal weather.

Other popular destinations

Sydney Harbour. Short scenic flights take in the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the beaches and the coastline. Airspace around Sydney is busy and controlled, so flights follow set routes.

The Gold Coast and hinterland. Flights over the beaches, high-rises and hinterland ranges are popular.

Tasmania. Flights explore wilderness areas, coastlines and mountains, including the World Heritage-listed Tasmanian Wilderness.

The Blue Mountains. Scenic flights over the escarpments and valleys west of Sydney.

Kakadu and Litchfield. In the Northern Territory, flights reveal escarpments, wetlands and waterfalls, especially spectacular in and after the wet season.

Wine regions. The Hunter, Barossa, Yarra Valley and Margaret River all have helicopter flights, often combined with winery visits.

Choosing a destination

• What do you want to see? Reefs and beaches, desert, gorges, coastline or cities?
• How far will you travel? Some destinations are remote and need significant travel to reach.
• What season is it? Tropical destinations are best in the dry season; southern coasts are affected by wind and cloud.
• Do you want to land? Some destinations offer landings; others don't.
• What's your budget? Remote destinations and longer flights cost more.

Flying responsibly

Many scenic flight destinations are World Heritage areas, national parks or marine parks, and some are places of deep cultural significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Flights follow rules on heights, distances, landings and noise. Choose operators who follow these rules and respect cultural values.

Seasons at a glance

• Tropical north (Whitsundays, Cairns, Kimberley, Kakadu): best in the dry season, roughly May to October.
• Central Australia: best from about May to September; summer is very hot.
• Southern coasts (Great Ocean Road, Tasmania): year-round, weather permitting; wind and cloud are common.
• Cities: year-round.

Planning tips

• Book early in peak season, especially for sunrise and sunset flights.
• Allow a spare day in case weather cancels a flight.
• Check what's included: landings, transfers, photos and park passes.
• Use our group planner to work out how many flights your group needs.

Getting there

Many scenic flight destinations are remote. Uluru and the Whitsundays have airports with flights from major cities, while the Kimberley and the Twelve Apostles may involve long drives or connecting flights. Factor travel time into your plans, and allow a spare day at the destination in case weather cancels your flight.

Accessibility

Some operators can assist passengers with limited mobility, depending on the aircraft. Ask before booking.

Booking checklist

Before you pay, run through a short checklist. Confirm the date, departure time and check-in time, and the exact address of the helipad or airport, which may not be where you expect. Confirm how long the flight is in the air, not just the total experience. Ask what the weather and cancellation policy is, and whether refunds or rebooking are offered. Check any weight limits and whether you need to provide passenger weights in advance. Ask about seating, especially if a front seat or window matters to you. Finally, read the terms and conditions, including any fees for changes, and keep your confirmation handy on the day.

Key points

Australia's reefs, deserts, gorges and coastlines are spectacular from the air. Choose a destination that matches the season and what you want to see, check inclusions, respect park and cultural rules and allow time for weather.