Scenic Flights Tours in Australia: The 15 We Would Pay For

1.Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,376 reviews · from $151Our pick

Take a 40-minute fixed-wing flight from Cairns over Green Island, Arlington Reef, Vlasoff Cay, Oyster Reef, and the Outer Barrier Reef. Every passenger gets a window seat, air conditioning, a headset, and live English commentary. Pilots such as Justin, Harvey, Daniel, and Cameron are known for friendly, informative guidance.

“it was perfect. the pilot made sure to go left and right so everyone had a good view of everything.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,810 reviews · 1h 10m · from $211

Take a small-plane flight from Proserpine over Conway National Park, Airlie Beach, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, the Whitsunday Islands, and Heart Reef. You get a guaranteed window seat, live English commentary, and hotel pickup. The group is limited to seven, with pilots such as Adam, Celeste, and Jesse praised for calm, clear flying.

“The flight was amazing I had the best time. Our pilot gave a great and informative commentary. My original flight got cancelled due to the weather but I easily got booked onto the next day, I would recommend making sure you have back up days if doing it in rainy season. Highly recommend the flight it’s amazing seeing the Whitsundays from the sky you get to see so much more. Pick up a drop off was also very convenient and friendly service too.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Whitsundays & Heart Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,426 reviews · 1 hour · from $237

From Airlie Beach, Ocean Rafting takes you by short shuttle to Whitsunday Airport for a one-hour fixed-wing flight over the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and Heart Reef. You get a guaranteed window seat, pilot commentary in English, and access to a comfortable airport lounge before and after the flight.

“Well-organised pick-up and drop-off, great scenery and a pleasant flight.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Whitsunday Islands & Heart Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,188 reviews · 1h 5m · from $274

Fly from Airlie Beach over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, the Whitsunday Islands, and Heart Reef. Your pilot provides live commentary while the high-wing aircraft and large windows give every passenger a clear view. Transfers, airport fees, refreshments, and a window seat are included. Chris, Alex, and Bilal are among the pilots praised for their friendly guidance.

“We had an amazing experience, the pilot was very informative, the flight was smooth and the views exceptional! Highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Fly Raft Package w Scenic Flight & Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 788 reviews · 1 day · from $378

See Heart Reef and the Whitsunday Islands from a fixed-wing aircraft, then board a 500-horsepower raft for Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and snorkeling. Ocean Rafting keeps groups to 12, supplies lunch and gear, and may include two snorkel stops. Guides such as Heath, Jenna, Daisy, and Scotty have been praised for safety and good humor.

“The crew of Nick, Josh and Temeka were super friendly and very keen to ensure we had a great time. Katy our pilot was also amazing”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 746 reviews Top rated

Fly for about 60 minutes over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach. Expect a window seat, live pilot commentary, low passes over Heart Reef and Hill Inlet, and possible views of whales, manta rays, or sharks. Pickup is available, and flights carry no more than 13 people.

“Nice views of the islands and Great Barrier Reef. Pilot gave plenty of time to allow us to get our cameras ready to take pics. Try to avoid 3rd row, which had some obstructed visibility due to plane wing and wheel. Plane was very hot during takeoff and landing - dress accordingly.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Spend about eight and a half hours aboard Down Under Cruise and Dive’s Evolution, visiting two outer reef sites near Cairns. You’ll have up to five hours for snorkeling or an included introductory or certified scuba session, plus a 10-minute helicopter flight, BBQ lunch, equipment, and afternoon wine with cheese and crackers.

“One of the best travel experiences. The crew was also amazing! Such a great time and fun all around :)”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Fly Raft Package: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkel and Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 316 reviews · from $383

Start with a 60-minute fixed-wing flight over the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef, including Heart Reef, then join Ocean Rafting for Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet walks, tropical lunch, and guided fringing-reef snorkeling. Guides such as Hayley, Daisy, Rich, Kayla, and Scotty are known for lively, helpful service.

“The boat ride was excellent and we really enjoyed it. However, this morning we unfortunately missed the flight due to misleading information shown in the app. We understood that the pick-up from our hotel would be at 7:00 am, while in fRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Bungle Bungle Scenic Flights, Domes & Cathedral Gorge Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 312 reviews · from $754

Fly from Kununurra over the Ord River, Lake Argyle, Argyle Diamond Mine, and Bungle Bungle Range. After landing, your guide leads a moderate 3-kilometre walk through Piccaninny Creek and Cathedral Gorge. Expect air-conditioned transport, lunch, park fees, and commentary. Guides may include Gabe, Fred, Corey, or Bill, with helicopter upgrades available.

“Top om vanuit vliegtuigje de omgeving van Kununurra te zien: Ord river en Lake Argyle. Duidelijke uitleg van onze piloot. Daarna mooie wandeling gemaakt met gidsen Corey en Bill. Tot slot nog met het vliegtuig een mooie rondvlucht over Bungle Bungles gemaakt. Mooie dag gehad.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns – Reef Hopper

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 207 reviews · from $185

Fly from Cairns over Green Island, Double Island, Palm Cove, Arlington Reef, and Upolu Reef in a high-wing aircraft with a maximum of seven people. GSL Aviation guarantees a window seat and includes a central Cairns pickup. Pilots such as Ben and Spencer provide commentary, and the flight can be rescheduled or refunded if poor weather cancels it.

“Picked up from my accommodation by friendly and helpful driver and taken to airport for flight In-house information then our friendly and helpful pilot Spencer took us for a spectacular flight over a number of coral island from both the left and right side of the plane. Such a beautifu and spectacular tour of the turquoise sea. There was along the way a mother whale and her calf that I saw along the edge of one of the coral islands. Thanks Spencer for a very informative tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.1hour Scenic Flight Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, GBR

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 134 reviews · from $240

Take a one-hour fixed-wing flight from Whitsunday Airport over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, the Whitsunday Islands, Heart Reef, and the Great Barrier Reef. You get a guaranteed window seat, pilot commentary, airport transfers, and big windows for photos. Sam and other experienced pilots provide smooth, informative flights, weather permitting.

“What an absolutely magical experience on our 10th wedding anniversary! My only regret is not booking the ‘Fly Raft Package’ so we could have not only seen it by air but also experienced the pristine white sand of Whitehaven between our toes!”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Outer Reef Odyssey – 40 minute Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · from $376

Take a 40-minute helicopter flight from Cairns Airport over Green Island, Vlasoff Cay, Arlington Reef, and the outer Great Barrier Reef. Your pilot, including Chris, Haley, Johnno, or Niels, points out reef life and explains the changing water below. The flight carries a maximum of four travelers and may include a brief sand-cay landing.

“This was a wonderful way to see the great barrier reef. We enjoyed our flight. It was just the two of us with the pilot.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Dampier Peninsula Tour (Optional Scenic Flight)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 53 reviews · 10 hours - 750 minutes · from $247

Travel north from Broome by air-conditioned coach to Beagle Bay, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, and One Arm Point. Expect Aboriginal community visits, a pearl farm tour, lunch, and a Trochus Shell Hatchery visit. Return by coach or pre-book a scenic flight for a shorter, more memorable finish.

“Enjoyed the trip but was disappointed Promoted indigenous visits could not be done and not replaced with anything.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Inner Reef Explorer – 30 minute Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · from $297

Take a 30-minute helicopter flight from Cairns Airport over Green Island, Arlington Reef, False Cape, and the Queensland coast. Your pilot provides live commentary, with possible views of sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and seasonal whales. Flights carry up to four people, and optional videos and Zoomy merchandise are available afterward.

“Would highly recommend, stunning views. Amazing experience. The colours of the reef are spectacular.”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Dampier Peninsula & Aboriginal Communities from Broome (Optional Scenic Flight)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 44 reviews · from $250

Travel from Broome in an air-conditioned 4WD coach to Beagle Bay, One Arm Point and Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. Meet Bardi Jawi guides, visit a trochus shell hatchery, learn how pearls are grown, enjoy lunch and free time by the pool. Some departures may include Lombadina, and a scenic flight upgrade is available.

“The friendly and down to earth nature of our driver Mick was great, as were the places we visited, the organisation and the guides who showed us around along the way.”

Check availability →Read our full review