Tours/Cairns and the Tropical North/60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight
Viator · group up to 6 pax

60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight

5.0(8)Cairns and the Tropical North1 hour
VIATOR5.0(2)TRIPADVISOR5.0(6)

Description

This 60-minute reef scenic helicopter flight is also known as the "pilots favourite". It takes in all the sights from every single one of our shorter duration flights and delivers them in a package that cannot be matched. Sweeping city views, rolling lush rainforest, tableland scenery, waterfalls, islands, reef and sand cays - this flight packs it all in.

Tour Options

No Transfers
  • Make own way: No transfer included - make own way to Zoom Helicopters base at 21 Bush Pilots Avenue, General Aviation, Cairns Airport.

Itinerary

60 min

Combine the best of our two World Heritage Listed environments in a single experience. Book the Reef Rainforest Duo helicopter flight and enjoy the ultimate highlight reel! The flight starts by climbing 2500 feet heading to Lake Morris, revealing spectacular views of Cairns City and the surrounding area. Tracking north we pass over Stoney Creek and then into the spectacular Barron Gorge leading up to the Barron falls – a cascading 850ft waterfall. We pass over the rainforest village of Kuranda before tracking out to sea where we meet the reef 20 miles off shore. Starting with Upolo reef we then head to Vlasoff reef with its impressive sand cay below. We then track over to Arlington Reef, one of the largest reefs in the Marine Park, and then across to Green Island before heading back to Cairns.

Highlights

60 minute reef and rainforest scenic flight
All Fees and Taxes
Informative, in-flight commentary

What's included

Included
60 minute reef and rainforest scenic flight
All Fees and Taxes
Informative, in-flight commentary
Not included
Personalised 'in-flight' video - optional
Unique, collectable 'Zoomy' Merchandise - optional

Traveller Ratings

5.0
8 reviews
5
8
4
0
3
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2
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1
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Important Information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(8)

J
Joe_S
February 9, 2026
Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Tour

Our pilot Callum was very knowledgeable and pointed out highlights of the various locations on the reef and surrounding areas. He ensured everyone onboard had an opportunity to get some great pictures. It was an awesome experience.

I
Iceman2008
September 7, 2025
Highly recommended helicopter tour in Cairns

We did the 90-minute Reef and Rainforest flight. Excellent outfit and our pilot, Neals, was great. Their smaller helicopter accommodates 3 passengers in addition to the pilot which worked great for us as there were exactly 3 of us. They also have a larger one that can take 4 passengers. Finding their location is easy, just Uber to the address. They had free drinks before the flight with some safety instructions. We enjoyed the flight over Reef much more than over land. The Reef is really the unique thing in Cairns, so recommend doing more Reef flight time than over land. I used my Garmin watch to do a Track Me activity so you can see our flight map in the attached photo. All in all, an excellent experience, highly recommended, although a bit pricey.

B
Brett U U
July 2, 2024
Gorgeous perspective and a stellar experience…

What an amazing experience with our pilot Chris at Zoom. Comfortable new helicopter offering unparalleled views of both the Cairns waterways and reefs as well as the gorgeous Kuranda rainforest along the coastal ridge. Highly recommend your personal insights and hope to join you again!

F
Freakinghappy
March 27, 2024
Amazing flight!

Amazing trip. Highly recommended to book this tour. Chris was a very knowledgeable guide of the area… and very aware of the conditions to go. He suggested delaying our trip due to weather in the area… once the rain past… we had a fantastic time. There is so much to see! Thank you Chris!

O
Odyssey09268063253
March 8, 2024
ENJOY

Neil was great. We had fun, our ride was smooth and Neil’s knowledge and love for flying a helicopter made for a great trip

K
Kathryn_M
January 5, 2024
Must do

Would highly recommend, tour provider was fantastic. Very kind and had great communication. They gave a safety briefing prior to getting on board (which has never happened on the other 4 tours I've taken before).

T
tanyawQ8652OX
December 23, 2023
Family Xmas gift

Would recommend, first time on a Helicopter & I must say it was a fantastic experience. Chris was great with his knowledge of the area. I would definitely go again. Thanks Chris

C
ChrisW7793
December 23, 2023
Family Christmas Present

We had a great hour of flying over the reef and rainforest. It was tuff seeing the devastation of recent events. Chris was a fantastic guide and pilot. Excellent service and would recommend.

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