If you're planning to take to the skies over Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, helicopter rides provide a one-of-a-kind viewing experience. Whether you're seeking an adventurous way to see the Great Barrier Reef or looking for a luxurious travel option to nearby destinations like Port Douglas, helicopter rides offer unparalleled views and dynamic experiences. But what about the cost, how much is a helicopter ride? In these few paragraphs, our travel team at The Tour Specialists will delve into how much the helicopter rides in Cairns can cost so you know what to expect before booking your sky-high adventure.
Types of Helicopter Rides in Cairns & How Much They cost

Scenic Flight Tours
Cairns offers various scenic helicopter flights that showcase iconic landmarks like the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage listed rainforests, and outback savannahs and each helicopter ride has a different cost based on number of passengers, weights of passengers, flying conditions and distance of flight.
- Prices: Ranging from $285 to $1200, depending on the length and route of the helicopter flight.
Private Charter Helicopter Rides

Private charter flights to nearby destinations, such as Port Douglas, can be a luxurious and efficient way to travel. Taking a loved one and landing on a solitary sand cay in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef is the ultimate experience.
- Prices: Starting from $599 to $1,200, based on destination, inclusions such as snack and beverages and flight duration.
3. Special Occasion Flights
Celebrate a special occasion with a unique helicopter experience, complete with personalized touches. Land on a sand cay or on a floating pontoon in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef or on the rock edges and cliffs overlooking a waterfall in the Daintree Rainforests.
- Prices: Packages start at $599 and can go upwards of $1500.
4. Aerial Photography Flights



For professionals or enthusiasts, aerial photography flights provide unmatched vantage points for capturing Cairns' beauty.
- Prices: Typically starting around $600.
Helicopter & Great Barrier Reef Combo Flights

Helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo flights are the best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef by far. You can depart from Cairns or Port Douglas either on the helicopter which then flies out to a pontoon on the outer reef to meet the boat or you can choose to go out to the reef on the boat and fly back to your depature destination in the helicopter which is normally a 25 minute scenic flight.
You may even wish to fly out and fly back on the helicopter and totally skip the boat ride for the ultimate James Bond day. The most popular tour at the moment is the half day fly/fly or cruise/fly that goes out to the Sunlover floating pontoon at Moore Reef.
The newest combo package is the outer reef and island helicopter deal that takes visitors to the Sunlover pontoon and to the very popular Fitzroy Island giving guests the ultimate experience of 3 tours and attractions in the one day.
Helicopter and Great Barrier Reef combo package prices start at $369.00
What Influences Cairns Helicopter Ride Prices?
Several factors can influence the cost of helicopter rides in Cairns:
- Duration of Flight: Longer flights typically cost more.
- Route and Destination: Specialised routes may have premium pricing.
- Type of Helicopter: Different helicopters have varying price points.
- Inclusions: Extras like refreshments, snacks, or photography services will impact the price.
Booking Your Cairns Helicopter Ride

When looking for helicopter flights in Cairns, it's essential to:
- Compare The Scenic Flight Options: Look at the various options to find a helicopter ride that fits your budget and preferences.
- Ask For Assistance: The number and choices of helicopter flights can be confusing so its always best to ask the local team at The Tour Specialists for advice.
- Book Early: It’s essential that you book your helicopter flight early as daily flights are limited to only a number of helicopter seats and destinations daily.
- Terms & Conditions: Ensure you comply with the weight and baggage requirements.- There are no refunds for not giving correct weights to The Tour Specialists team.
So Now You Know How Much a Helicopter Ride Costs in Cairns.
Helicopter flights in Cairns offer a diverse range of experiences to suit different tastes, occasions, and budgets. By understanding the types of flights available and what influences the pricing, you will find that perfect helicopter ride for you.
- Look here at all scenic flights or a helicopter and reef combo flights for the ultimate day on the Great Barrier Reef. Helicopter flights depart from both Cairns and Port Douglas year round.
Explore Cairns like never before with an unforgettable helicopter ride adventure and let the local team at The Tour Specialists be your guides to the region of Tropical Far North Queensland Australia.
Top Tips For Booking Helicopter Rides
- Be sure to book far in advance for your Cairns and Great Barrier Reef helicopter ride as there are limited flight departures daily due to commercial aviation schedules, reef tour operator departure times and helicopter seat capacities.
- Some helicopters only carry 3 passengers and the maximum capacity is up to 6 guests and all are subject to body weights and flying distances.
- For private charter helicopter tours we can cater for 1 - 2 guests or up to 6 guests without luggage.
- Learn all you need to know before you go on The Tour Specialists scenic flight Blog.
Should you have any question regarding helicopter flights over the Great Barrier Reef speak to the team at The Tour Specialists 7 days a week.