What to Expect

Take off on a comprehensive 45-minute helicopter ride from Townsville, offering expansive aerial views of Magnetic Island and the historic Cape Cleveland Lighthouse. This flight is perfect for those looking to maximize their sightseeing of Far North Queensland without spending too much time away from other attractions.

Features and Highlights

Comprehensive Helicopter Pre-Flight Preparation:

• Prior to departure from Townsville Airport, each guest will be weighed and provided with a detailed safety briefing. You'll be securely strapped into your helicopter seat and equipped with a headset for clear communication with your pilot throughout the scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef.

Rich Historical Insights:

• As you hover over Cape Cleveland, your pilot will share intriguing historical facts about the Cape Cleveland Lighthouse, built in 1879. Situated on a windswept cliff at the northern tip of the cape, this lighthouse marks the entrance to Cleveland Bay and is a notable heritage site.

Scenic Route and Wildlife Spotting:

• From the southern gateway of Cleveland Bay, the flight path covers a 40km stretch along the coast, featuring rivers, creeks, wetlands, and diverse ecosystems. Look out for wildlife, including the elusive Saltwater Crocodile. The return trip offers views of the Ross River, the Strand, and the Townsville cityscape, with Castle Hill as a prominent backdrop.

Extended Scenic Highlights:

• Beyond the standard Magnetic Island tour, this extended helicopter ride includes vast panoramas of the Great Barrier Reefs turquoise waters, rugged coastlines, and secluded islands. Your pilot will point out various geographical features and potentially sight large marine species such as sea turtles, sharks, manta rays, and seasonal humpback whales.

Custom Flight Options:

• Nautilus Aviation prides itself on flexible tour arrangements. Choose from existing helicopter flight touirs or discuss a customized charter that suits your personal preferences for an unparalleled aerial experience.

Allof our helicopter scenic flights are an ideal choice for cruise ship passengers looking for an exceptional shore tour in Townsville. For more information and to explore additional helicopter rides over Townsville and Magnetic Island, please visit our pages.

All cancellations must be in writing.

We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.

In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.

Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.

Operators policy:

All product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed: Scenic Flights, Exclusive Getaways and Special Interest Tours (excluding ‘You Fly’). All tours are subject to availability and weather (including tide fro Sand Cay Getaway and Touchdown Upgrade).

Individual passenger weights and accompanying carryon luggage MUST be advised at time of booking. Weight variances greater than 10% may incur an additional fee. Maximum single seat payload of 130kg. For passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance, passengers exceeding 130kg are required to purchase an additional seat at 50% of the ticket price – this is non-commissionable and payable to Nautilus Aviation on the day of travel.

Children 3 years and above are legally required to be seated in their own seat and are therefore required to pay the full ticket price. Subject to conditions, children under 3 years may travel free of charge when seated on a parents/guardians lap. For bookings of more than one infant (under 3 years), conditions apply – please contact Reservations.

48-hour cancellation notice required for a full refund claim; within 48 hours to 24 hours a 50% refund applies. If cancelled inside 24 hours no refund applies. Should a client advise a weight variance of more than 10% the right is reserved to cancel and no refund will apply. All refunds must be issued at the point of sale.

Sand Cay:

All aviation operators are governed by Marine Park permits allocating minimum heights, distances and restrictions. Sand Cay landings may only occur if the cay is vacant, in the unlikely event that the cay is occupied, Sand Cay guests will receive additional flying time to a private beach location and no refund shall apply.

Should a client advise a weight variance of more than 10% the right is reserved to cancel and no refund will apply. All refunds must be issued at the point of sale