Melbourne: City Helicopter Tour with up to 5 Passengers

If you’ve ever wondered what Melbourne looks like from the sky, this private helicopter tour offers a pretty incredible way to find out. Designed for small groups of up to five, it combines the thrill of flight with some of the city’s most famous sights, all in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a unique perspective, this experience promises both excitement and memorable views.

From the moment of lift-off to the final glide back to Moorabbin Airport, you’ll enjoy close-up views of landmarks like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Luna Park, and Brighton Beach bathing boxes. We love the personalized nature of this tour, the knowledgeable commentary, and the opportunity to snap stunning photos. But keep in mind, with a relatively short flight window, this tour is more about highlights than an exhaustive city tour. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, scenic escape with a small group or loved ones.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Up to five passengers, making it ideal for couples, small families, or friends.
• Affordable Luxury: At $808 per group, the cost covers a high-value, intimate helicopter ride.
• Iconic Views: Pass over Melbourne’s key landmarks and seaside highlights, from Luna Park to Albert Park Lake.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable pilots provide engaging commentary, enhancing the experience.
• Photo Opportunities: Plenty of chances to capture Melbourne’s skyline and coastal scenery.
• Flexible & Convenient: 20-minute flights usually in the afternoon, with a straightforward booking process and full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A First Look at the Melbourne Helicopter Tour

Our review of this tour is based on detailed feedback and the general structure of the experience. It’s designed to give you a vivid aerial snapshot of Melbourne, balancing scenic vistas with a touch of adventure. The fact that it’s a private group means you won’t be sharing your flight with strangers — a plus for those seeking a more personalized experience.

The tour kicks off at Moorabbin Airport, where you’ll receive a pre-flight safety briefing. This is a good chance to ask questions and get comfortable with the helicopter — our sources note that the pilots are not only professional but also great at making first-time flyers feel at ease. Once seated, you’ll experience the exhilaration of lift-off, which is surprisingly smooth and quiet compared to what you might expect.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Feel

Lift-off from Moorabbin Airport

Starting your adventure with a gentle ascent, the pilot’s commentary is both informative and friendly. You’ll immediately notice the city starting to come into view as you soar higher.

Wreck of the J7 Submarine

One of the tour’s unique highlights is passing over the 1930s scuttled wreck of a J7 submarine. This maritime relic, sitting quietly at the bayside, offers a fascinating glimpse into Melbourne’s naval history. “We loved the way the wreck was framed against the bay,” one reviewer mentioned, appreciating the photo opportunities this site provides.

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Seaside Suburbs and Marinas

Next, you’ll fly past the seaside suburb of St. Kilda, with its iconic Luna Park, colorful amusement rides, and the famous St. Kilda Sea Baths. The contrast between the historic amusement park and the modern city skyline makes for striking photos. The pilot provides insights into local attractions, making it more than just a sightseeing flight.

Brighton Beach & Bathing Boxes

A definite crowd favorite, the vivid bathing boxes at Brighton Beach are a quintessential Melbourne photo spot. The vibrant colors, set against the calm sea, are stunning from above. This stretch of coast is perfect for a quick glance at Melbourne’s laid-back seaside charm.

Albert Park Lake & the Australian Grand Prix

Flying inland, you’ll circle Albert Park Lake, home to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. The view of the lake’s manicured grounds and the surrounding cityscape offers a blend of sports excitement and urban beauty.

City Highlights: MCG, Rod Laver Arena, and More

As the helicopter guides you toward the city center, you’ll pass over the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Rod Laver Arena, both legendary sports venues. These sights give you a sense of Melbourne’s vibrant sporting culture. Other landmarks include the Royal Melbourne Golf Course and the Melbourne Museum, visible from the air.

Docklands & Exhibition Buildings

The tour also sweeps past the Melbourne Docklands, with its modern buildings and the Victoria Market. These views showcase the city’s blend of old and new, and the pilot’s commentary helps contextualize each site.

Return Route & Final Views

Heads south along the coast, passing Half Moon Bay and the scenic bayside areas—where you might catch a glimpse of the wreck of the J7 submarine again—before returning to Moorabbin Airport. The entire flight is filled with sweeping vistas, each one an excellent photo opportunity.

The Experience: What It’s Like on Board

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable pilots, who are adept at balancing safety info with engaging commentary. They tend to be locals with a passion for sharing their city from a fresh perspective. The tour is particularly appreciated for its quiet, smooth ride, especially considering the helicopter size.

The 20-minute duration is enough to see the major highlights without feeling rushed. Reviews note the photos taken in front of the helicopter are a fun keepsake, and many guests mention that the experience exceeded their expectations in terms of both scenery and professionalism.

While the flight is short, it packs a lot into a concentrated window—perfect for those with limited time or who prefer a quick, adrenaline-pumping adventure. It’s worth noting that flights generally take place in the afternoon, which often provides the best lighting and weather conditions.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

At $808 for up to five people, this helicopter tour offers good value for an exclusive, scenic experience. When you consider that private helicopter flights can easily cost several hundred dollars per person, sharing the cost with friends or family makes this affordable luxury.

What sets this apart is the personalized nature of the experience. You won’t be part of a large group, and the small aircraft means a more intimate, less crowded flight. Plus, you get to capture stunning photos and enjoy commentary tailored to your flight.

That said, it’s a relatively short experience, so if you’re seeking an in-depth exploration or multiple routes, you might find this more of a highlight reel. However, for a special occasion or first-time heli-flight, it offers an excellent balance of cost, comfort, and spectacular views.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for couples celebrating a milestone, small groups of friends, or families with older children. It’s ideal if you want a quick yet memorable way to see Melbourne from above. The private setting ensures a relaxed environment, and the knowledgeable pilot makes the experience accessible for first-timers.

It’s also a great activity for those interested in photography or wanting to tick a bucket list item without committing to a longer or more expensive tour.

The Sum Up

This Melbourne city helicopter tour offers a compact, scenic, and private way to see some of the city’s most iconic sights. The value comes from the combination of exclusivity, expert commentary, and breathtaking views—all in just 20 minutes. It’s well-suited for travelers seeking a special experience, especially if they’re short on time but want a memorable adventure.

While it doesn’t cover every detail of Melbourne’s sprawling landscape, it captures the essence of the city’s highlights in a way that’s accessible and fun. The knowledgeable pilots and high safety standards add peace of mind, making it a trustworthy choice for a once-in-a-lifetime view from above.

Overall, if you’re after a luxurious, personalized, and photo-friendly way to see Melbourne, this tour checks many boxes—especially when shared with loved ones or friends.

FAQ

How many people can fit on this helicopter tour?
Up to five passengers can share this experience, making it ideal for small groups or families.

What is the duration of the flight?
The flight lasts approximately 20 minutes, usually scheduled in the afternoon.

Are there any age or size restrictions?
People over 275 lbs (125 kg) are not suitable for this tour. The experience is designed for comfort and safety within certain weight limits.

What should I bring with me?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera for photos, and weather-appropriate clothing. The pilot provides a safety briefing and commentary, so just dress for the weather.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, the tour is for private groups of up to five people, ensuring a personalized flight.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within that window are generally not refundable.

Will I have a guide during the flight?
Yes, an expert pilot provides live commentary throughout the flight, sharing insights into Melbourne’s landmarks and scenery.

This helicopter tour offers a well-rounded, scenic adventure with a good balance of value, comfort, and exclusivity—a perfect choice for those wanting a taste of Melbourne from above.

You can check availability for your dates here: