Airlie Beach is the gateway to some of the most iconic helicopter flights in Australia. From soaring over Heart Reef to landing on Whitehaven Beach, these flights offer unforgettable views of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef — and access to places boats simply can’t reach.
Top Helicopter Tours from Airlie Beach

- Whitehaven Beach Landing – Land on the soft silica sand of Whitehaven Beach for 75+ minutes of relaxation, sparling wine and water.
- Heart Reef Flight – See the famous Heart Reef coral formation from above (only visible by air)
- Fly, Fly & Snorkel – Helicopter to the outer reef interactive pontoon at Hardy Reef, snorkel in remote coral lagoons, and fly back in helicopter
- Combo Tours – Pair your helicopter with jet boat, sailing or cruise experiences
Helicopter Flight Durations & Inclusions

- Scenic Flights: 30–60 minutes
- Landing Tours: 1.5 to 3 hours including time on beach or pontoon
- Private Charters: Fully customisable durations and routes
- Combo Tours – with a jet boat and snorkelling tour
What Can You See from the Air?
- Heart Reef – Only visible by helicopter; book in clear weather
- Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet – Silica sands and swirling turquoise water
- Hardy Reef, Hook Reef, and Coral Lagoons – Teeming with colour and life
- Whitsunday Islands – From Conway National Park to Hamilton and Hook Islands
Best Time to Take a Helicopter Flight
- Late Morning to Early Afternoon – Best light and visibility for reef colours
- Sunset Flights – Available on request for private experiences
- Flights operate year-round, weather permitting
Cost of Airlie Beach Helicopter Tours
- 20-Min Scenic Flight: from $300 per person
- Whitehaven Beach Landing: from $475per person
- Heart Reef Flyover: from $660 per person
- Combo Tours: from $660 depending on inclusions
Who Are These Flights Best For?

- Couples looking for romance or proposals
- Families wanting to see the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet
- Time-limited travellers seeking maximum impact such as cruise ship passengers
- Luxury travellers seeking tours out of the ordinary and once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Book a Helicopter Tour from Airlie Beach
The Tour Specialists curate top-rated helicopter experiences from Airlie Beach that maximise your time in the air and on the Great Barrier Reef. Fly with experienced local pilots who provide interesting commentary and choose from scenic, snorkel, or Whitehaven Beach landing options — all bookable direct.
Explore Airlie Beach Helicopter Flights and secure your seat above the Whitsundays.
- Cairns Helicopter Flights
- Cairns Helicopter & Reef Combo
- Port Douglas Helicopter Fllights
- Port Douglas Helicopter & Reef Combo
- Townsvile Helicopter Flights
- Whitsundays Helicopter Flights
- Gold Coast Helicopter Flights
- Darwin Helicopter Flights