Inner Reef Explorer – 30 min Scenic Helicopter Flight
from A$464
30 mins
Cairns Airport - General Aviation
All Ages
Enjoy a 30 minute scenic flight from Cairns airport, passing over Cairns, Trinity Inlet, False Cape, Mt Yarrabah, Mission Bay, Cape Grafton, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Vlassoff Cay, and Upolu Cay, with stunning views of North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef.
Key Highlights
30 minute scenic flight departing from Cairns airport
See Cairns city, Trinity Inlet, False Cape, Mt Yarrabah, Mission Bay, and Cape Grafton
Fly over Green Island, a 6,000 year-old coral sand island with native rainforest
View the western side of Arlington Reef and its diverse marine life
Circle Vlassoff Cay, a small sand island in the middle of the reef
Fly over Upolu Cay and enjoy stunning views of the North Queensland coast and the Great Dividing Range
What’s included
30 minute scenic flight
Overview
Experience a breathtaking 30 minute scenic flight from Cairns airport, exploring the vibrant coastline and inner Great Barrier Reef. Your journey begins with sweeping views over the city of Cairns, Trinity Inlet, False Cape, Mt Yarrabah, Mission Bay, and Cape Grafton, offering a unique perspective on North Queensland's remarkable landscape.
Heading out to sea, marvel at Green Island, a 6,000 year-old coral sand island with its own rainforest ecosystem. Continue north to the western side of Arlington Reef, known for its rich marine biodiversity including turtles, sharks, and manta rays.
The flight circles over Vlassoff Cay, an isolated sand island surrounded by reef, and follows the route north over Upolu Cay. Your return to Cairns showcases panoramic views of the lush rainforest on the eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range.
This adventure is ideal for capturing stunning photos of both land and sea. Weight and luggage restrictions apply; please ensure all personal items do not exceed 10 kg and follow booking form requirements.
Commonly asked questions.
The scenic flights depart from Cairns Airport, with Zoom Helicopters located in the General Aviation area. The address is 21 Bush Pilots Avenue, General Aviation, Cairns Airport, Aeroglen. This is the opposite side of the Airport to where international and domestic flights are.
Flight altitude varies depending on the itinerary. Reef flights can operate from approximately 500 feet above sea level, with some of the longer reef and rainforest flights climbing to around 3,000 feet over the mainland and Great Dividing Range.
Yes. The clear tropical waters and shallow reef systems can provide excellent opportunities to look for marine life from above, although like all things in nature, sightings are naturally dependent on conditions and luck.
Yes. Scenic helicopter flights offer a unique perspective of the reef's coral formations, turquoise water, islands and sand cays, making them particularly appealing to photographers. Zoom also provides in-flight commentary from its pilots, adding information about the reef and surrounding region.
The listed scenic reef flights have a minimum booking requirement of two seats.
This 30 minute Scenic Flight will fly over Green Island, Arlington Reef, Vlasoff Cay & Upolo Reef as well as views of Cairns city and surrounds.
The 30-minute flight focuses on the highlights of the inner reef, while the 40-minute option travels further towards the outer reef. The longer flight can include East Arlington Reef, Vlasoff Sand Cay and Upolu Reef, giving you a broader view of the reef system.
Additional info by the operator.
What to Bring:
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Camera
Small soft bags only; personal items should not exceed 10 kg
Minimum of 2 passengers required. Weight restrictions apply, please follow the instructions on the booking form.
