You’ll Love These 5 Helicopter Flights & Tours In Cairns and the Tropical North

Cairns and the Tropical North of Queensland are a natural playground for those who love aerial views, underwater wonders, and remote island retreats. Unlike many destinations, this part of Australia offers a unique mix of stunning reef scenery, lush rainforests, and rugged coastlines, all accessible from the air. If you’re looking for a way to see these spectacular landscapes, helicopter tours are hard to beat. We’re especially fond of the Full Day Reef Cruise combined with a helicopter for its mix of adventure and comfort, or the Ultimate Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest helicopter for those who want a quick but immersive flight. Whatever your style, these tours deliver unforgettable perspectives that are hard to match from the ground.

If you’re trying to decide between a luxury private experience or a group adventure, Cairns has an option for you. Whether it’s soaring over Hastings Reef, exploring Barron Gorge, or landing near the remote Vlasoff Cay, each tour offers something different. Check out the options below to find the best fit for your trip.

1. Full Day Reef Cruise and 10 Minute Helicopter Scenic Flight

This tour combines the best of both worlds — a full day at the Great Barrier Reef plus a scenic helicopter flight— and it’s a favorite for its balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and value. The day begins with a luxury super-yacht cruise from Cairns, where you’ll spend up to five hours at two different reef sites, Norman and Hastings Reefs. You’ll enjoy a barbecue buffet lunch onboard, with options like fresh fish, steak, prawns, and salads, making it a true feast after some underwater exploring.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of activities: snorkel, swim, scuba dive, or relax on the deck. The highlight is the 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over Hastings Reef, offering a breathtaking aerial perspective of the reef’s vibrant colors and marine life. Reviewers often mention the “incredible” views and the “perfect service,” with many emphasizing how the helicopter ride is a must. Given its 4.5-star rating and thoughtful itinerary, this tour appeals to travelers wanting a comprehensive reef experience with a dash of aerial adventure.

Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a full reef day with the iconic helicopter view — perfect if you love both water and sky. Price reflects a well-rounded experience at around $283 per person.

2. Ultimate Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest 45-minute Helicopter Tour

For around $451, the Ultimate Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest helicopter offers a short but intensely scenic flight that captures both the lushness of Barron Gorge and the spectacle of Arlington Reef. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive aerial view without spending the entire day in transit.

The flight begins with a check-in at Nautilus Aviation, where you’ll be briefed before taking off. From the air, you’ll swoop over Barron Gorge National Park, marveling at waterfalls and dense rainforest, then fly over the vast reefs of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests report that the informative commentary and small group size make this a very intimate experience, and the views of Green Island and the reef are often described as “unforgettable.”

Reviewers praise the pilot’s professionalism and the “seamless booking process,” emphasizing how this tour provides excellent value for a quick, high-impact overview of Cairns’ most famous natural sights.

Bottom Line: Perfect for time-conscious travelers wanting a high-quality aerial tour with impressive views of rainforest and reef — a true highlight for nature lovers.

3. Great Barrier Reef 30-Minute Scenic Helicopter Tour from Cairns

At just over half an hour, the 30-minute scenic helicopter offers a swift but spectacular glimpse of the reef. Starting with a check-in 30 minutes prior, you’ll fly over the reef’s colorful corals and marine life, with memorable views of Green Island and Upolo Cay. It’s a great option if your schedule is tight but you still want to experience the reef from above.

This tour is praised for its stunning visuals and a pilot who shares informative narration. Many reviewers mention that the clarity of the weather makes the experience even better, and the opportunity to capture aerial photos of the reef is a big plus. It’s particularly suited for first-timers who want to see the reef without committing to a full-day tour.

While it doesn’t include underwater activities, it provides a high-impact snapshot of the reef’s scale and beauty in a short timeframe. With a 4.5-star rating, it’s a solid choice for a quick but memorable experience.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a short, high-quality flight above the reef, especially when time is limited.

4. Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch

If privacy and luxury are your priority, the Private Helicopter Tour delivers an exclusive escape. For around $834, you’ll enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef before landing on Vlasoff Cay, a remote sand island perfect for relaxing, snorkeling, or exploring.

This tour’s highlight is the luxurious picnic—think sparkling wine, fresh nibbles, and all the beach gear you need. The private landing on the cay means you’re away from crowds, and the personalized service makes it stand out. Reviewers consistently mention the smooth check-in process and the pilot’s friendly demeanor—“Nick took photos of us in the water,” says one traveler.

The main benefit here is the completely private experience—ideal for couples, celebrating special occasions, or anyone wanting a tailored, stress-free day. The snorkeling gear and beach amenities included elevate the experience, making it more than just a helicopter ride.

Bottom Line: Best suited for honeymooners or those seeking a luxury, private reef day with excellent service and scenery.

5. 1 Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise and 10 Minute Helicopter Flight

Finally, for a comprehensive day trip, the Great Barrier Reef Cruise with helicopter offers a full day at the reef combined with a scenic flight. For around $336, you’ll spend about 3 hours on the reef platform, with plenty of activities like snorkeling, diving, and exploring the underwater observatory.

The highlight, however, is the 10-minute helicopter ride, providing a bird’s-eye view of the reef, Green Island, and the surrounding waters. Reviewers appreciate the well-organized schedule and “the variety of options for non-swimmers to enjoy the reef,” making this a good pick for family groups or those wanting a bit of everything.

While some mention the trip feels busy, most agree it’s an excellent value for a full-day adventure. The inclusion of multiple activities makes it suitable for travelers wanting a balanced experience, especially if they want to see a lot without a huge price tag.

Bottom Line: An all-rounder for those who want a full day of reef exploration with aerial views included.

How to Choose the Best Helicopter Tour for You

When selecting your Cairns helicopter experience, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you want a full-day adventure with underwater activities, the Full Day Reef Cruise and Scenic Flight might be best. For a quick yet impactful view, the 30-minute or 45-minute flights are ideal.

Looking for privacy and luxury? The private Vlasoff Cay tour offers an exclusive touch. If you prefer a mix of rainforest and reef, the 45-minute ultimate flight provides both perspectives in one go. Check tours’ reviews, inclusions, and duration carefully to match your trip style.

Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons (May-October). And consider whether you want to include snorkelling, diving, or just the aerial views, as not all tours include underwater experiences.

Final Thoughts

Cairns and the Tropical North are packed with exciting helicopter options that suit different tastes and schedules. If you’re looking for a full, immersive reef experience combined with aerial highlights, the Full Day Reef Cruise and 10 Minute Helicopter Scenic Flight is hard to beat. For those with limited time yet craving a stunning viewpoint of the reef and rainforest, the Ultimate Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest helicopter delivers a compact, unforgettable experience.

If privacy, luxury, or specialized experiences appeal to you, the private Vlasoff Cay trip is hard to surpass. No matter your choice, booking ahead and understanding your priorities will ensure you get the most out of these spectacular tours.

Enjoy your aerial adventure in Cairns — it’s a trip you’ll remember long after you’ve returned home.