Top 15 Coastal Helicopter Tours in Australia

1.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,003 reviews · 8h 30m · from $279Our pick

Spend a full day aboard the 35-metre Evolution, visiting Saxon and Hastings reefs for snorkelling or scuba. A 10-minute helicopter flight adds a sweeping view of the reef, while onboard guides, a BBQ lunch, and return wine make this a well-rounded Cairns outing.

“Absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Very well organised and staff very helpful and knowledgeable. The snorkelling was out of this world and the helicopter trip was sensational. Thank you all again for a fantastic day x”

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2.Full Day Reef Cruise and 10 Minute Helicopter Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 340 reviews · from $283

Cruise from Cairns aboard Evolution to two outer reef sites, with up to five hours for snorkeling or scuba, a BBQ lunch, and a 10-minute helicopter flight over Hastings Reef. The friendly crew, including team member Eddie, keeps the busy day safe, clear, and fun.

“It's a long lineup at check in as they only have 2 counters checking in ~100 passengers. Once checked in, we boarded Evolution which is a very nice boat and we have the same assigned seats for the whole trip. The big problem is the organization with the 10min helicopter ride. We paid an extra $260 for this option. We were Group 3 of the helicopter ride and were told not to snorkel before the ride as there would be lots of time afterwards for snorkelling. NOT TRUE! By the time we came back from the helicopter ride, they were already announcing that people should get back to the boat…”

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3.Gold Coast: Coastal City Scenic Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 151 reviews · from $109

Join Sea World Helicopters for a 10-minute flight over the Gold Coast, Broadwater, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and South Stradbroke Island. Your English-speaking pilot provides live commentary from an air-conditioned Airbus. The small group holds up to six people, with flights usually offered morning and afternoon.

“Best fun in Gold Coast. Second to the DC rivals Hypercoaster”

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4.Gold Coast: Sea World and Broadwater Scenic Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 139 reviews · from $63Best value

Take a five-minute helicopter flight from the Sea World terminal over the Broadwater, Gold Coast beaches, Q1, South Stradbroke Island, Hinterland, and Sea World. Your English-speaking pilot provides live commentary, and you can take photos from your seat.

“The experience was far better than our expectations. Thankyou”

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5.Gold Coast: Jet Boat Ride and Scenic Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 127 reviews · 1h 30m · from $148

You get a 55-minute Jet Boat Extreme ride with sharp turns, 360-degree spins, and plenty of spray, followed by a helicopter flight over Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Q1, SeaWorld, and South Stradbroke Island. Guides including Toby and Jake keep the water ride lively, while the pilot points out the coast from above.

“Booked this for my parents and they loved every moment - great surprise present. Would definitely recommend.”

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6.Gold Coast Helicopter 10 min Flight and Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · from $212Top rated

Start near Surfers Paradise with a 55-minute Broadwater jet boat ride packed with spins and power slides, then fly over Q1, Broadbeach, Sea World, and South Stradbroke Island from the Sheraton Mirage Heliport. The small-group trip includes safety gear, but expect to get wet.

“Both the jet boat and chopper ride was fabulous. The only disappointment was the office ground crew at the chopper ride. We were lead to a room to watch a safety briefing (10mins), then abandoned for 25mins. No communication at all.”

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7.Ultimate Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest 45-minute Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · from $451

From Cairns, fly over Barron Gorge National Park, its waterfalls, the Great Barrier Reef, Arlington Reef, and Green Island. Nautilus Aviation operates the 45-minute flight for up to six people, with pilot commentary and no hotel transfers or refreshments included.

“Heli-tour was great! Punctual, safely organised and delivered exactly what was advertised. Would have preferred a larger Bell or Airbus chopper but understand the economics. Definitely recommended.”

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8.Pearls & Coast: 35-Minute Helicopter Flight & Willie Creek Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · from $436

You’ll fly 35 minutes from Broome over Cable Beach and Roebuck Bay to Willie Creek. At the family-run pearl farm, guides explain pearl growing, lead a boat cruise, show a live harvest, and finish in the showroom. Pickup, snacks, water, and return flight are included.

“Helicopter flight was amazing, our pilot Mitch was a legend pointed out everything. Was an amazing experience.”

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9.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef 30-Minute Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 36 reviews · 30 min · from $322

Take a shared 30-minute helicopter flight over Green Island, Arlington Reef, Vlasoff, and Upolu Sand Cay. An English-speaking guide points out reef features and possible wildlife sightings, including turtles, sharks, manta rays, dolphins, dugong, and humpback whales from July to September.

“Incredibly satisfying! Saw reef by glass bottom boat and semi submersible after and the helicopter was by far the most amazing experience. Not cheap but worth every penny.”

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10.Great Barrier Reef 30-Minute Scenic Helicopter Tour from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 36 reviews · from $328

From Cairns Pier Heliport, Nautilus Aviation takes you on a 30-minute shared helicopter flight over Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef. Your pilot provides commentary as you look for coral clusters, fish, rays, turtles, dolphins, and dugongs. Check in 30 minutes early and bring a camera.

“A first class outstanding tour with a company who deserve to be commended not only for the high quality of the service they provide but for also going out of their way, at their own expense, to make the experience unforgettable for their clients. I cannot praise them enough. The helicopter ride was breath- taking with spectacular views and the highlight of our Great Barrier Reef cruise. We were picked up from our cruise ship by taxi, the whole trip was clearly explained and throughout the ride we were able to request closer views, ask questions etc. Wonderful! Whilst waiting to board we asked the receptionist if she could possibly…”

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11.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & 10 Minute Helicopter

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 25 reviews · 7 hours · from $332

Spend seven hours with Great Adventures Reef & Island Cruises exploring the outer Great Barrier Reef from a spacious platform. Snorkel, ride a semi-submarine, enjoy lunch, and add a 10-minute helicopter flight. Pilot John has earned praise for making the aerial portion especially memorable.

“The price point for this activity was great! We enjoyed the boat ride out to pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef. We booked the 10 Min Helicopter ride and highly recommend it! Our pilot, John, was exceptional. He was friendly and fun - the sights of the reef above were stunning. On the pontoon, you could snorkel or dive with the fish into the Great Barrier Reef. Highly recommend doing the semi submersible as well. The lunch buffet was decent, though if you don’t time it right, the food will be gone quickly. I just wish we had more time on the excursion!”

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12.Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 22 reviews · from $833

Take a 25-minute private helicopter flight from Cairns over the Great Barrier Reef, then land on Vlasoff Cay for two hours with snorkeling gear, chairs, an umbrella, and a gourmet picnic with sparkling wine. Pilots such as Nick, Jules, and Jenna add friendly local insight.

“For a special occasion, or even just because, this is a sensational trip to do. On time, professional pick up from our hotel, followed by a required safety information session, but it wasn't long til we were in the sky. Landing on Middle Cay just as the tide was receding was fantastic. While we snorkelled, our pilot laid out a picnic rug and champagne brunch - a very generous offering compared to others we have experienced! Having two hours to snorkle, swim, lie in the sun and just enjoy the reef was wonderful. An experience we couldn't recommend more highly!”

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13.Cairns: Outer Reef Pontoon, Island & Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 14 reviews · 8h 30m · from $336

Spend a full day with Sunlover Reef Cruises exploring Moore Reef by helicopter, snorkel, glass-bottom boat, and semi-submersible, then relax on Fitzroy Island with buffet lunch, beaches, and self-guided walks. It is a busy but varied reef day for active visitors.

“Lots of inclusions. Plenty of snorkel/swim time. Lunch was good. Very informative and helpful crew. it was an amazing day.”

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14.Half-Day Helicopter Experience: Lunch at Eco Beach from Broome

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · from $816

Take a 60-minute return helicopter flight from Broome to Eco Beach Resort with pilot commentary and window seats for all. Enjoy a private three-course ocean-view lunch, sparkling wine, the infinity pool, sea kayaks, a beach walk, and time for a swim. Pilots Hilary and Captain Mitch have earned special praise.

“Excellent pilot, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, Thank you Mitch for making our day perfect Many Thanks Chris & Jen”

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15.Broome’s Creeks & Coast: 45-Minute Scenic Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · from $472

Take a 45-minute scenic helicopter flight over Broome’s peninsula with hotel pickup, return transfers, bottled water, and live pilot commentary. You’ll pass Cable Beach, Willie Creek Pearl Farm, Gantheaume Point, Broome Jetty, Roebuck Bay, Town Beach, and Dampier Creek. The helicopter carries no more than three passengers.

“Was a unique experience. Pilit was very good and knew a lot about the area. The scenery was esquisite”

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