Reef-Rainforest Scenic Helicopter Flight

$415.00 per person (minimum 2 passengers) for flights to operate. Solo travellers accepted
$455.00 per person effective 1st October 2025

Duration: 30 minutes
Sights • Green Island • Vlasoff sand cay • Upolu cay

Enjoy a spectacular view of Cairns city as you take off towards the world’s largest coral reef system. Experience the sheer size and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and gain a true appreciation of one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

This flight includes views of beautiful Green Island, Vlasoff Sand Cay and Upolu Sand Cay – three of the most striking sand islands on the Great Barrier Reef. Sightings of manta rays, turtles and other marine life are not uncommon on the reef scenic flight and if you’re flying with us in the winter months there is even a chance of spotting whales; however, as the marine life are wild animals, we can’t make any guarantees.

$515.00 per person -minimum 2 passengers for the tour to operate. Solo travellers accepted

$625.00 per person effective 1st October 2025

Duration 45 minutes Commencing over the reef, we cross back over the coast near Double Island and the resort township of Palm Cove before ascending the coastal rainforest-clad mountains into the heart of the Barron Gorge National Park.

Emerging from the canopy below, you will see the Barron River and the quaint rainforest village of Kuranda. Keep an eye out for the tracks of the historical Kuranda Scenic Rail and the gondolas of the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. From the top of the gorge, we descend over the 250m rock face of the mighty Barron Falls, which, while impressive year round, provides an awe-inspiring photo opportunity after heavy green-season rain (Dec-Apr).

We follow the Barron River for the next 5km as it snakes its way back down the gorge towards the ocean, providing hydroelectricity to the city of Cairns and thrills for rafters riding on its rapids.

Meeting point is Nautilus Aviation - Pierpoint Road Cairns - map/directions will be on your confirmation email

Check-in required 45 minutes prior to departure.

Check-in will close 30 minutes before departure and you will not be able to check in after this time.

What to Bring
Camera – polarising filter for best results
Sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)
Personal items should not exceed 10kg and be carried in a small soft sided bag for easy stowage

Maximum individual seat weight limit of 130kg applies

• Helicopters (as with all light aircraft) are subject to strict weight specifications per aircraft type.
• Accurate individual passenger weights and accompanying carryon luggage MUST be advised upon booking.
• It is a legal requirement for all passengers and luggage to be weighed at the time of check-in. Weight variances greater than 10% may incur an additional fee and/or luggage allowance may be further reduced.
• Nautilus Aviation operate a fleet of helicopters with individual specifications. The maximum single seat payload is 130KG.  For passengers exceeding 130KG, aircraft seating four or more (4+) passengers are required for private charters and for listed tours and packages, an additional seat at 50% of ticket price may need to be purchased for passenger comfort and aircraft weight and balance.

All tours are confirmed subject to availability, weather and achieved booking minimums.  Solo traveller bookings welcome.

Cancellation notice of 48 hours is required for a full refund
Any flight amendments made inside 48 hours with incur a 50% penalty.
Cancellation within 24 hours is non refundable
No amendments accepted inside 24 hours prior to departure

Flights are subject to Management and/or pilot discretion, weather, air-traffic control and availability.

The decision of the pilot in command is final with regards to cancelling a flight due to inclement weather and/or the refusal of the passenger/s if the passenger/s are deemed unfit for flight.

• 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.
• Children aged 3 years to 13 years must be accompanied by an adult on all flights.
• Children under the age of 3 are classified an infant and may travel free of charge.
• At the time of booking, please advise if travelling with infants as additional seating regulations apply.
• Under Australian regulations, an infant is a passenger who has not reached their 3rd birthday.
• Routinely one (1) infant (under 3 years of age) is permitted per flight and may travel free of charge when seated on a parent’s/guardians lap with a company provided infant seat belt restraint.
• If travelling with more than one infant please contact us by phone on 0740283567