• The visual beauty of the brilliant blues of the Great Barrier Reef and the lace like coral formations are fascinating  
• Flying above the World Heritage Listed Rainforests of Cairns to enjoy the vibrant lush green landscape that contrasts the blue of the Great Barrier Reef. 
• Choice of 45 or 60 minute flights 

Choice of 45 or 60 minutes helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Listed rainforest of Cairns. The perfect way to see the beauty of Cairns & Tropical Far North Queensland in a day.

What to Expect

Choose from a 45 or 60-minute scenic helicopter flight over the breathtaking landscapes of Cairns, showcasing the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforest. This journey offers a rare perspective on two of North Queensland's most iconic natural wonders, blending the beauty of coral reefs, cascading waterfalls, and dense rainforest, all from the comfort of a helicopter. Ideal for those wanting to experience the vibrant scenery of Tropical North Queensland in a day.

Features and Highlights

Cairns Helicopter Flight Options

• 45-Minute Scenic Flight – Reef & Rainforest: Begin with a sweeping view over the Great Barrier Reef before heading inland toward the rainforests. Fly above Double Island and Palm Cove, crossing into the lush mountains of Barron Gorge National Park. Witness the Barron River, Kuranda village, and the impressive Barron Falls cascading down a 250-meter rock face—especially striking after green-season rains.
• 60-Minute Scenic Flight – Extended Rainforest Experience: Enjoy all the highlights of the 45-minute tour with an additional 15-minute extension along the Lamb Range. See Crystal Cascades and the stunning Lake Morris, set in the rainforest-covered escarpment. This extended option is the ultimate scenic helicopter flight in Cairns, capturing the region's two most remarkable ecosystems.

Key Sights

• Great Barrier Reef: Start with an aerial view of the vibrant reef system, witnessing the colors and textures of the coral formations and turquoise waters.
• Barron Gorge National Park: Ascend over coastal rainforest, revealing the Barron River, Kuranda village, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway tracks. Fly over Barron Falls, especially breathtaking after seasonal rains.
• Lamb Range (60-Minute Flight): Follow the rainforest-clad escarpment to Crystal Cascades and Lake Morris, a peaceful reservoir encircled by untouched forest.

Why These Cairns Helicopter Rides Stand Out

• Choice of 45 or 60 Minutes: Tailor your experience to see exactly what you want, from a shorter but impactful tour to the more comprehensive extended flight.
• Two World Heritage Sites in One Tour: Experience the unparalleled beauty of both the reef and rainforest from the air.
• Unique Blend of Ecosystems: Soar over the merging of waterfalls and coral reefs, capturing the symbiotic beauty of these natural landscapes.
• Thrilling Helicopter Lift-Off: Feel the excitement as the helicopter lifts off, giving you a dynamic view of Cairns and beyond.

Additional Information

• Departure Location: Cairns (on-demand departures)
• Passenger Requirements: Minimum of two passengers; flights are shared unless booked as a private charter.

Explore the stunning Great Barrier Reef and the lush rainforest of Tropical North Queensland in one unforgettable journey, immersing yourself in two of Australia’s most treasured landscapes. Book early to secure your seat on this popular scenic flight experience.

See all Cairns and Port Douglas helicopter rides.

See all helicopter and reef combo package tour deals.

Read The Tour Specialists Blog to learn all the things you need to know before you go.

60 Minute Scenic Flight Reef & Rainforest

Departing from Cairns during your 60 minute scenic helicopter flight you will see the Barron Gorge and Stoney Creek Falls, Kuranda Rainforest, Palm Cove and the beaches.

Then we fly over the ocean and head towards Vlassoff and Upolu Sand Cay, Green Island and head back towards the beautiful city of Cairns which is surrounded by lush green mountains.

This is truly absolute perfection. The Barron Gorge features beautiful rugged peaks, steep gorges, tumbling waterfalls with lush rainforest and a variety of wildlife.

The Barron Gorge has a colourful history and a range of recreational opportunities that make this one of Queensland’s most popular national parks.

Stoney Creek Falls is one of the beautiful tumbling waterfalls you will see when flying over the Barron Gorge. The falls are formed where Stoney Creek starts to descend in steps from the shoulders of the Gorge.

The falls are best known for the curved lattice railway bridge that passes in front of them. The history of Kuranda is only surpassed by the wonderful natural beauty in which the village thrives.

You then start to make your way back to Cairns, to fly over Palm Cove and the other beautiful beaches we have on our coastline.

Palm Cove is well known for its wide arrange of restaurants lining the streets with ocean views. However, is best known for its beautiful tropical palm trees long white sandy beach and views of Double Island.

Palm Cove is the tourist hub of all the beaches surrounding Cairns. From here our helicopter scenic flight heads out toward the Great Barrier Reef to see pristine Vlassoff and Upolu Sand Cay and Green Island before heading back towards the beautiful city of Cairns.

Vlassoff Sand Cay and Upolu Sand Cay is a naturally formed, un-vegetated sand cay, surrounded by fringing coral reefs and shallow, protected waters.

You may spot some small white tip Reef sharks, Turtles and Blue Spotted Rays resting in the sand. Flying at around 500ft above the Cay gives you a great close view of all the amazing wild life and coral formations.

Upolu Cay is located approximately 40km north-east of Cairns, the cay is sometimes completely covered by water at high tide, re-emerging at low tide. It offers visitors the chance to see a young cay in action.

Green Island is a coral cay on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, located 27 km offshore from Cairns. Green Island is a picturesque island with unique Island rainforest and is surrounded by white sandy beaches, magnificent fringing coral reef and an abundance of marine life.

View the spectacular reef, marine life, rainforest and white sandy cays as you saw above and around this beautiful island before making your way towards Arlington Reef.

See more Cairns Helicopter flight options

Important Information: Weights of individual passengers and accompanying carryon luggage (max 5 kg) MUST be advised at time of booking. A weight variance greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single seat payload of 130kg.

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Instructions

To ensure smooth operations, passenger check in comfort & minimise delays, all 30, 45 & 60 minute Scenic Flight bookings up to 6 passengers (1 Helicopter) will continue to depart from the Pier Heliport while all bookings for 7+ passengers. (2+ Helicopters) will now depart from our General Aviation Airport location

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• 45 Minute Reef & Rainforest Scenic Flight Ex Cairns: Green Island, Fitzroy Island, on low tide Vlasoff and Upolu Sand Cay, Cairns World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Gorge National Park & Falls and Kuranda's surrounding rainforest.
• 60 Minute Reef & Rainforest Scenic Flight Ex Cairns: same as above plus Atherton Tablelands, Copperlode Dam and Lake Morris.

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Fitness Level Required

Low

Restrictions

Weights of individual passengers and accompanying carryon luggage (max 5 kg) MUST be advised at time of booking. A weight variance greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single seat payload of 130kg.

Additional Information

All product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed

Eco Certifications

Your camera for some amazing aerial photos

• Children 3 years and older are legally required to occupy their own seat and therefore must pay the per seat price
• Children 0-2 years travel FOC on the lap of a parent / guardian (max 1 per flight).