Scenic Reef Helicopter Flights

Inner Reef Explorer - 30 min

This 30-minute Great Barrier Reef scenic flight takes in the highlights of the inner reef. There is simply no better way to appreciate the sheer size and scale of the Great Barrier Reef than from the air. Expect picture-postcard views of the reef and an abundance of wildlife - sharks, turtles, rays and even whales (July to Nov).

Outer Reef Odyssey - 40 min

A fabulous scenic Cairns helicopter flight. In forty minutes, we'll go beyond the inner reef, to the outer regions of the Great Barrier Reef where the frequency of coral structures is outstanding. The additional time allows us to explore more widely, watching out for the incredible reef wildlife flourishing in this World Heritage listed icon.

The Reef Spectacular - 60 min

The Reef Specialists. A motto we're very proud of and this hour-long extended reef tour clearly shows why. We tailor each flight over the vast Outer Reef archipelago. Flying south of Cairns peninsula past Fitzroy Island we explore Sudbury, Elford and Moore Reefs then track north to massive Arlington Reef and world famous Vlasoff Cay. This really is the ultimate reef experience.

Reef Rainforest Duo - 60 min

A spectacular reef & rainforest combination.
For 60 minutes, cruise over 120km from Cairns City to the highlights of the Great Barrier Reef. Upolo - Vlasoff Cay, Arlington Reef and Green Island. Heading coastal, the Northern Beaches pass under as we soar the Great Dividing Range passing Barron Falls, Kuranda and Lake Morris.

Barron Gorge & Falls - 20 mins

Majestic rainforest reveals and a taste of the Tablelands. Our 20-minute rainforest scenic Cairns heli tours provide a ‘taste' of this incredible World Heritage-listed natural region. Cairns sits on a floodplain to the south of the mouth of the mighty Barron River. The Barron's headwaters start in the Mount Hypipamee National Park at an elevation of 3,900 ft. The river flows 65 kilometres across fertile volcanic soils of the Atherton Tablelands and then journeys through the quaint village of Kuranda before cascading down the 850 ft high Barron Falls and moving across the Cairns floodplains out into the Coral Sea.
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The Barron Gorge is an impressive natural feature carved out of the Great Dividing Range and the Falls at its head are intimidating to behold when in full flight during the tropical wet season. Our Cairns heli tours track up through the Barron Gorge up to and over the Barron Falls, passing the over the world-famous Skyrail Rainforest Cableway where it spans the river and around the village of Kuranda before turning for the coast and descending over the lush eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range on the return leg with panoramic views over Cairns city and out to the Reef.

Beyond The Range - 30 mins

Conquer the Great Dividing Range and get the bigger picture. Extend your scenic helicopter Cairns flight to 30 minutes and we start this experience by climbing quickly with a clearance to 2,500 ft over the City of Cairns headed West for the Great Dividing Range. Ascending the lush eastern slopes, our helicopter flies over beautiful Lake Morris, the remote water catchment that supplies fresh water to Cairns and attracts an abundance of birdlife to its pristine waters. Passing over Copperlode Dam we'll track along the range and down over the bubbling rock pools of Crystal Cascades before flying over the Kuranda Scenic Railway at Stoney Creek.

​We continue on, flying into the mighty ‘Instagram' worthy Barron Gorge. Here we'll gently climb, passing through 1,000 ft over the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, flying over the Barron Falls and nearby Kuranda rainforest village where the famous Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway begin their return journey back to Cairns. From Kuranda, your scenic helicopter Cairns tour turns east for the coast and descend over the lush eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range with views of Double Island, Palm Cove and panoramic views over Cairns city and out to the Reef on the return leg.

Reef Rainforest Fusion - 45 mins

This flight offers real ‘bang for your buck' in spectacular fashion. Savour our beautiful Inner Reef as Green Island, Arlington Reef and iconic Vlasoff Cay sweep below. Then fly the coast - Double Island and Palm Cove herald a climb to 3,000ft over the Range with crystal clear views of Kuranda, Barron Falls to Stoney Creek and the Great Barrier Reef shining in the distance on your return.

Departure Location: 21 Bush Pilot's Ave, General Aviation, Cairns Airport

Minimum 2 passengers for each flight

*The maximum single seat weight limit for Zoom Helicopters' fleet of aircraft is 130kgs.