A Cairns helicopter tour puts you over the Great Barrier Reef in half an hour, or adds Wet Tropics rainforest and Barron Falls if you take the longer flight. From the Pier Heliport you see reef colour and Green Island, and on the reef-only route you may also catch Fitzroy Island plus low-tide sand cays such as Upolu and Vlasoff when the tide allows.
The Cairns hub has two shared scenic helicopters. Both are overflights only — no cay or island landings.
Which Cairns helicopter tour to book
- Great Barrier Reef 30-Minute Helicopter Tour, from A$491 per person. About 30 minutes in the air from the Pier Heliport over the reef shelf, past Green Island, with Fitzroy Island and low-tide sand cays such as Upolu and Vlasoff when tides and weather allow. Fuel surcharge and GST are included as listed when you book. Typical shared departures are for up to about six guests; a minimum often applies (often two).
- Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest 45-Minute Helicopter Tour, from A$681 per person. About 45 minutes combining Wet Tropics rainforest — typically Barron Gorge and Barron Falls — with reef colour and Green Island. Sand-cay views on the reef leg stay tide- and weather-dependent. Same Pier base, shared helicopter and no landings.
If the reef alone is why you came, take the 30-minute flight. If you want rainforest canopy and the reef in one outing, take the 45-minute reef and rainforest tour.
Before you go
- Where: Cairns Pier Heliport on Pier Point Road by the Esplanade. No hotel pickup — make your own way and return to the same place. Exact flight time is confirmed after booking.
- Check-in: plan about 45 minutes before departure; check-in closes 30 minutes prior.
- Who can fly: infants aged 0–2 may sit on a caregiver’s lap free of charge. Children aged 3 and over need their own seat at the adult ticket price.
- Weight: maximum single-seat payload is 130 kg. Advise weights at booking. Guests over that limit need an extra seat at about half the ticket price, payable on the day.
- Cancellation: free up to 24 hours before for a full refund. Reef and rainforest weather changes quickly; if a flight cannot operate, you can usually choose another date or claim a refund. Sand-cay views depend on tide and conditions.
Not sure which Cairns flight suits you? Email us at hello@flyovertheworld.com and we’ll help you choose.