14 luxury helicopter experiences in Queensland

Sunday sessions look a little different from above – which is how you’ll be travelling thanks to Pterodactyl Helicopters. A pub crawl you’ll never forget, the day involves a visit to four country pubs, a delicious lunch and unbeatable country views along the way.

Prefer wine? Spend a day vineyard-hopping with the crew instead.

Touch down at Heart Reef 

The Whitsundays is known as the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, and there’s one special spot that takes the label literally. Heart Reef is an iconic naturally formed reef among a sea of coral, and has long been a favourite for scenic tours with a romantic twist. Hamilton Island Air takes things a luxurious step further with Journey to the Heart, an exhilarating three hour tour with a return scenic flight to Heart Reef’s exclusive luxury pontoon, where you can take in the views – champagne in hand – travel right up to the heart on glass bottom boat, and snorkel nearby reef.  This is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Queensland.

Picnic on a private island in the middle of the Reef

There are secluded beaches, and then there’s Vlasoff Cay – a deserted sand cay in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. And it will become your own private playground if you jump on a heli tour with Nautilus Aviation.

Take in aerial reef views on the 20-minute scenic flight before touching down on the sand with a gourmet picnic hamper, snorkelling gear and two-hours all to yourself.

Heli fishing

Bravely go where no(t many) fishermen have gone before, choppering into some of the Gold Coast’s most spectacular fishing spots with ABC Heli. You’ll fly over beautiful terrain where the northern estuaries and waterways are just begging for your baited hooks.

There’s no roughing it on this six-hour day trip created with the help of coastal expert and fishing guru, Channel 7’s Paul Burt – all equipment, bait, tackle and lunch are part of the service.

Escape to the rainforest 

There’s nothing quite like walking among the lush trails of the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest, except perhaps soaring over it before touching down for a slice of nature no one else can access. Departing Port Douglas, Nautilus Aviation will open your eyes to a whole new side of World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park – soaring over rainforest and reef before a refreshing swim and private picnic at Stewarts Creek Waterfall.

This magical spot is only accessible by helicopter, your opportunity to leave the world behind on a truly private escape.

Fly over the northern tip of Australia 

Intrepid travellers tackle a rugged multi-day 4WD adventure to reach ‘The Tip’ of Australia at Cape York, but enlist the help of Nautilus Aviation and you’ll get a bird’s eye view of this iconic landmark instead.

Departing from either Horn Island or Thursday Island in the heart of the Torres Strait, take an awe-inspiring 40-minute scenic helicopter flight to the northernmost point of the Australian mainland. The journey will treat you to views of the strikingly turquoise waters of the Arafura Sea, along deserted white beaches, uninhabited islands, low lying wetlands, volcanic rainforest covered peaks and seasonal waterfalls that flow out to fringing reefs teeming with wildlife. You might even spot dugongs, dolphins, sea turtles and crocs along the way.

Heli mountain bike adventure

Hit the world-class single tracks of Hidden Vale Adventure Park – but make the commute into the Scenic Rim as adventurous as your day of mountain biking. Elite Helicopters will get you there in style from Brisbane – and gear you up with everything you need for a day out, where you can choose from 110km of terrain ranging from gentle rides to more extreme trails.

Take in the outback from new heights

Seeing the deep chasms and beautiful sandstone wilderness of Cobbold Gorge via helicopter is up there when it comes to natural wonders, but take the scenic flight one step further with a spot of gem fossicking at Agate Creek while you’re there. Cobbold Gorge Tours will organise everything you need for your flight and mini archaeological adventure.

Can’t get enough? Set your sights on a heli tour over Porcupine Gorge next.

Heli golf

Tee time looks pretty different when you arrive by chopper.

Departing Cairns, enjoy an exhilarating 20 minute scenic flight along the coastline, taking in views of Palm Cove, Double Island and famous Four Mile Beach before landing at the majestic grounds of the Mirage Country Club, Port Douglas. Designed by five time British Open winner Peter Thomson, this challenging 18 hole course is rated one of Australia’s finest, ending with a decadent long lunch.

If you’ve ever wanted to tee off at three iconic golf courses in one day, Pterodactyl Helicopters won’t let you waste any precious golf time in the car – with flights to three golf courses, all green fees, club and cart hire and lunch taken care of.

Prefer Topgolf? Sea World Helicopters will give you a VIP arrival, soaring over Gold Coast beaches before touching down for some high-energy golf fun. After the winner’s crowned, you’ll be flown back to Main Beach.

Fly, wine and dine

This luxury helicopter experience on the Sunshine Coast will whisk you from Caloundra to the Maleny hinterland, with breathtaking beach views morphing into countryside along the way, before touching down for a decadent high tea at Flaxton Gardens.

Soar over Carnarvon Gorge

Witness the remote beauty of Carnarvon National Park and fly over rugged landscapes you can only access by air with Heli-Central. While most visitors to Carnarvon Gorge stick to the walking tracks, this tour takes you over cascading gorges and sandstone cliffs, with sweeping views that stretch into the Arcadia Valley – this is one of the region’s best kept secrets.

Experience the Reef from above and below

Nothing quite beats the experience of your first time visiting the Great Barrier Reef – and if you’re in Cairns to do just that, there’s a way to up the ante and make this a day out to remember for a lifetime.

Nautilus Aviation and Sunlover Reef Cruises have joined forces to offer a truly unique day on the Reef. Skip the cruise out to Sunlover’s pontoon and fly in style - the kaleidoscope of blues from above will take your breath away and give you an appreciation of how truly expansive the Great Barrier Reef is, before touching down on a floating heli pad on the Outer Reef. With four hours to explore from the Moore Reef pontoon, snorkel, scuba, visit the underwater observatory, or learn more about the marine ecosystem on a guided glass bottom boat or semi-submersible tour.

Scenic flight over the Gold Coast

See the spectacular Gold Coast from above with Sea World Helicopters – there’s ten incredible routes to choose from, whether you want to soar over skyscrapers and local beaches or head into the hinterland to peek at rushing waterfalls tucked into UNESCO World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest. Want to head further afield? Book a flight out over Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) to see the famous Tangalooma Wrecks from above.

See Brisbane sparkle

Looking to travel with any extra dose of comfort? Kiff & Culture has launched its new collection of Heli-Tours so you can explore the rich tapestry of Queensland while taking in spectacular aerials views along the way.

From flitting between vineyards in Southern Queensland Country, to touching down for a private picnic on K’gari, or dining with a MasterChef at Tamborine Mountain, each tour offers the dream holiday mix of adventure and luxury.

Looking for more luxury? Discover these resorts and unique places to stay while you're here.