Add dates

Cairns Air & helicopter tours

Our most recommended Cairns Air & helicopter tours

Cairns: Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

1. Cairns: Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

Take in the full spectacle of the Great Barrier Reef from the sky during a scenic flight from Cairns. Onboard a fixed-wing plane, see up to 140 kilometers of the Outer Barrier as well as many inner islands, reefs, and sand isles. Within 10 minutes of departing Cairns, the real adventure begins, as you get wonderful photo opportunities over Green Island, Oyster Reef, Vlasoff Cay, Upolo Reef, Pixie Reef, and Arlington Reef. Sit back in air-conditioned comfort as you glide through the sky. Take in the spectacular hues of green and blue from your window seat while listening to the pilot's informative commentary about the sights below. Get a chance to spot marine life with manta rays, green turtles, dugongs, sharks, and, if in season, whales, in clear view from the aircraft. Once your journey comes to an end, fly right back to Cairns.

Cairns: Reef Flight, Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Rail Combo

2. Cairns: Reef Flight, Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Rail Combo

On this full-day excursion, you'll see the best of the Great Barrier Reef on this 40-minute scenic flight in a high wing aircraft. You'll see Cairns, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Upolu Reef, Double Island and Palm Cove. After exploring the reef, you’ll head back toward the mainland with views of the North Queensland coastline. With window seats guaranteed, take in the stunning views as your professional pilot provides you with expert commentary along the way. After your scenic flight, you'll be taken to ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where you'll soar above 7.5 kilometers of pristine rainforest canopy in a cable car. Visit the beautiful town of Kuranda, nestled in the pristine World Heritage-listed rainforest. You'll have 2.5-hours of free time to explore the eclectic village, local markets, shops and walking trails or sit back and enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many amazing food stalls or cafes that the town has to offer.  Take the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and marvel at the views of the surrounding mountains along the way. Rising from sea level to 328 meters, the journey to Kuranda passes spectacular waterfalls and then will take you into the stunning Barron Gorge. At the end of your day, make your way back to your accommodation. Alternatively, transfers can be booked during check-in at Skyrail Smithfield Station for an additional cost of $11.50 per adult. Your combo will also include a free transfer courtesy bus from your centrally located Cairns accommodation.

Cairns: Hot Air Balloon Ride

3. Cairns: Hot Air Balloon Ride

Start with an early morning pickup and transfer from your accommodation in Cairns. Travel to the Atherton Tablelands and arrive at the launch site to see the amazing display of the balloons being inflated.  Take off from Mareeba and soar into the air. Enjoy the picturesque landscape at dawn as you float in a hot air balloon. Admire the scenic views of vast open spaces on all sides. Keep watch for local wildlife, including native birds or even kangaroos roaming free. Cruise through the air with a professionally-trained crew, who will maximize enjoyment and ensure your safety. After you land, help out with fun pack-up games and receive a commemorative certificate. Then, then head back to your accommodation in Cairns.

From Cairns: 40-Min Scenic Reef Window Seat Airplane Flight

4. From Cairns: 40-Min Scenic Reef Window Seat Airplane Flight

Experience bird's eye views of the Great Barrier Reef aboard a high-wing airplane with guaranteed window seats on a 40-minute scenic flight from Cairns Airport. Make your way to the Cairns Airport to climb aboard the panoramic flight. Then, experience the ultimate views of the reef system and surrounding landscape, including Green Island, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. Discover for yourself why the reef is considered one of the "7 Natural Wonders of the World. "Marvel at the contrast of colors as you fly over the Coral Sea and look down on some of the 2,900 reefs and 900 islands that make up the reef system. Get an informative commentary from your pilot as you fly over Arlington Reef, Upolu Reef, Michaelmas Reef, Oyster Reef, Double Island and Palm Cove.

Cairns: Tandem Skydive from 15,000 Feet

5. Cairns: Tandem Skydive from 15,000 Feet

Get the ultimate adrenaline rush and experience the freedom of the skies on a tandem skydive from up to 15,000 feet. Enjoy panoramic views of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest on an incomparable freefall. Benefit from a 10-minute instruction and training session before you head for the sky. Then, jump out of the aircraft attached to your instructor. Dive back down to earth at speeds of up to 200 kph, and freefall for up to 60 seconds before you pull the parachute cord! Soar over the rainforest canopy and get spectacular views of the Great Barrier Reef as you descend at a slow speed. You can also help steer the parachute during the ride down and land safely on the drop-zone.

Mission Beach Tandem Skydive

6. Mission Beach Tandem Skydive

Head to Mission Beach, Australia's best location for skydiving, for an unforgettable experience. Mission Beach is just a short drive from Cairns. The site offers Australia’s highest jump (up to 15,000 feet) and up to 60 seconds of freefall. Enjoy the warm tropical climate paired with the most idyllic landing on the shimmering sands of Mission Beach. A beach landing is guaranteed! Tandem skydiving over Mission Beach is an adrenalin-fueled experience with spectacular views of the Great Barrier Reef, tropical Islands, beaches, and the rainforest.

Green Island Fly & Cruise Package

7. Green Island Fly & Cruise Package

Experience the best of both worlds with this Fly and Cruise package. GSL Aviation have partnered with Big Cat Green Island to offer an amazing full-day experience. Start your day with a birds-eye view of Cairns, Green Island, and the Great Barrier Reef. Soar overhead with GSL Aviation aboard a high-wing aircraft, with guaranteed window seats for everyone on-board. The 40 minute ‘Reef Hopper’ flight departs Cairns Airport and gives you an appreciation of the region that you can only get from the air. Following the flight and your complimentary bus transfer, you’ll find yourself at the Cairns Reef Terminal ready to depart on a full day adventure cruise to Green Island with Big Cat on board Reef Rocket. Your full day cruise includes everything you need for the day, with a range of extras and activities available for no extra charge. Included in your cruise is a buffet lunch, and glass bottom boat coral viewing tour or snorkel equipment hire. On top of your tour inclusions are other activities on Green Island such as self-guided walks and fish feeding. After your entertaining afternoon, cruise back to the Cairns Reef Terminal where your tour concludes. *Please note that a return transfer is extra and can be booked with Big Cat on your day of travel if required.

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

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

Join this fast, comfortable cruise to visit two spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef destinations. Travel on 'Evolution'- a brand new, purpose-built, state of the art, 35-meter (120ft) superyacht, providing a superior ride in all weather conditions. Visit exclusive, protected locations on the pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef with superior reef quality. Professional, friendly and attentive staff ensure a safe and enjoyable fun-filled experience. This vessel is the most stylish and luxurious reef vessel available in Cairns. Depart the marina and travel to the true outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Choose from an abundance of seating inside air-conditioned, modern lounges or outside on full-length sundecks for sunbathing. Spend time snorkeling and spotting diverse marine wildlife, coral gardens, and much more below the surface. For lunch, enjoy a delicious Aussie BBQ including steak, fish, prawns, and tropical salads (vegetarians are catered for.) At the second reef site, take to the skies for your 10-minute Scenic Helicopter Flight to and from the exclusive Heli-Pontoon. Have your camera ready as you lift off from the helipad for an incredible scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. Appreciate from the air, the sheer size of the reef system as you search for marine life in their natural habitat. Be amazed at the colours and beauty of the coral gardens before touching back down to re-join the crew onboard the vessel. A complimentary glass of wine and a light snack is served on the return journey back to Cairns.

Port Douglas: Scenic Hot Air Balloon Ride

9. Port Douglas: Scenic Hot Air Balloon Ride

See the Atherton Tablelands from the sky on a hot air balloon tour. Marvel at the colors of the sunrise, spot birds soaring through the air, and see the balloon inflate.  Meet your experienced ballooning team at Atherton Tablelands first thing in the morning, in time to witness the inflation of the hot air balloons. Times vary seasonally to correspond with the sunrise. Experience the fun and unique sensation of a hot air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands, Australia. Enjoy the picturesque landscape at sunrise with a full flight experience.  Soar over the patchwork panorama below. Watch out for the variety of Australian birdlife and take in the peace and serenity that is hot air ballooning. This is a self drive meet at Mareeba option, this tour does not include return transfers from Port Douglas

Cairns: Reef & Port Douglas Scenic Flight

10. Cairns: Reef & Port Douglas Scenic Flight

See it all on this breathtaking tour. The signature 60 minute flight includes a bird’s-eye view of Green Island, the Great Barrier Reef and Port Douglas. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the amazing contrast of colors is something that’s best experienced from the air. After becoming airborne, you will enjoy a tour of all the offshore sights, before heading to Port Douglas and back to Cairns along the mainland coast.  Sights include Cairns, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Middle Cay, Michaelmas Cay, Upolu Reef, Batt Reef, Tongue Reef, Port Douglas, Double Island and Palm Cove. 

10 activities found
Sort by:

Frequently asked questions about Cairns

What top attractions are a must-see in Cairns?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Cairns?

The best day trips and excursions from Cairns are:

Port Douglas

What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Cairns?

Other Sightseeing Options in Cairns

Want to discover all there is to do in Cairns? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Cairns

seeing great barrier reefs from above is incredible. This option was great as pilot himself offered to pick up and drop off all passengers at hotels, was informative and made sure he flew by everything twice so folks on both side of small plane got pics. Also everyone had window. is a small plane which bounces a bit in wind...suggest taking motion sickness med if extremely prone to air sickness.

The tour was awesome! Loved the rooftop deck. Had enough time to explore under the sea. Just the seats were a lil bit narrow and there was no sofa couch like the pics.

Great time With fantastic views of the reef. Pilot very informative and knowledgeable would recommend for those who want to see the reef up close.

Great flight and super friendly pilot, highly recommended for anyone staying near cairns!

It was a nice expereince. Easy flight and nice pilot. The views are great