Tours

Down Under Helicopters operates a range of exciting half day, full day and two day tours incorporating scenic flights, the Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics Rainforests, Cairns Tablelands and the Australian Outback.

Terms and conditions apply to all tours. For a complete list, please scroll to the bottom of this page.

Please note: All prices shown are in Australian dollars, GST inclusive and valid from 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011.

Fly / Cruise - Half Day Tour

Price : $299 pp

Take to the air in Cairns for a spectacular 25 min scenic flight viewing the rainforest covered mountains before flying over the azure Coral Sea and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Sweep over Coral Gardens, Sand Cays and see marine life as we land at our Outer Reef helipad to join Down Under Cruises for lunch and an afternoon of underwater activities including snorkelling and a glass bottom boat coral viewing tour. Scuba diving, either for the beginner or experienced diver, is also available for those keen to view the coral from beneath the sea. Enjoy a leisurely cruise back to Cairns with live entertainment, complimentary glass of wine, cheese and a tropical fruit platter.

Includes:

  • 25 min flight over Reef  to join Down Under Cruises
  • 2 hours at Reef
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Glass Bottom Boat coral viewing tour
  • Lunch
  • Return cruise with complimentary glass of wine, cheese and live entertainment.

 

Airport check-in: 12:15pm 

Arrive in Cairns: Approx. 5:00pm

Price includes transfers and Environmental Management Charge.

Fly / Fly - Half Day Tour

Price : $449 pp

Departing from Cairns, fly both ways over four stunning reef locations, before joining Down Under Cruises at North Hastings Reef. Your reef experience will be complete enjoying a tropical BBQ lunch, snorkelling and coral viewing in a glass bottom boat all inclusive, the option of an introductory or certified dive is available. Then reboard your helicopter for another exhilarating flight, taking in a different route highlighting the vastness and incredible colours of the Great Barrier Reef and pure white sand cays set in the aqua blue sea.

Includes:

  • 25 min flight over Reef  to join Down Under Cruises
  • 2 hours at Reef
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Glass bottom boat coral viewing tour
  • Lunch
  • 25 min return flight over different reefs to Cairns

 

Airport check-in: 12:15pm

Arrive in Cairns: Approx. 4.00pm

Price includes transfers and Environmental Management Charge.

Cruise / Fly - Full Day Tour

Price from only : $360 pp

Your day begins with a fast boat cruise to the Great Barrier Reef onboard Down Under Cruises. Spend five hours exploring two incredible reef destinations, each with its own unique coral formations and variety of marine species. Enjoy a tropical BBQ lunch, snorkelling and a glass bottom boat coral viewing tour. There is ample time to experience up to 3 scuba dives for either the beginner or advanced diver or simply relax and enjoy the ambience of being at sea. Your special day concludes with an exciting scenic helicopter flight over five reef systems and pristine sand cays before arriving back in Cairns.

Includes:

  • Fast cruise to 2 Reef Sites
  • 5 hours at Reef
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Glass bottom boat coral viewing tour
  • Lunch
  • 25 min flight over Reef and Sand Cays to Cairns

 

Depart Cairns: 8.30am

Arrive in Cairns: Approx. 4.00pm

Price includes transfers and Environmental Management Charge.

Cruise / Fly / Cruise - A Full Day Cruise with Scenic Helicopter Flight ex Hastings Reef

Price : $259 pp

Spend the day cruising to two stunning reef destinations, Saxon and North Hastings, aboard Down Under Cruises. Snorkel or dive in the warm waters watching the variety of marine life in their natural habitat and be awed at the incredible beauty of the coral reefs. Enjoy a lunch with fish, prawns and steaks then board a glass bottom boat coral viewing tour to see the reef from another perspective. Complete your reef experience by joining a reef scenic flight to view the majestic coral formations from the air. Enjoy a relaxing cruise back to Cairns, with live entertainment, cheese & biscuits and a tropical fruit platter.

Includes:

  • Fast cruise to 2 Reef Sites
  • 5 hours at Reef
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Glass bottom boat coral viewing tour*
  • Lunch
  • 10 min flight over Hastings Reef
  • Return cruise with complimentary glass of wine, cheese and live entertainment.

*Please Note: The glass bottom boat is a free inclusion and runs dependant on weather conditions

 

“Get High Up Top Dive Down Under” Upgrade

Experience the above tour including a short reef scenic flight plus the added bonus of either an Introductory or Certified Scuba Dive.

 

Depart Cairns: 8.30am

Arrive in Cairns: Approx. 5.00pm

Price includes transfers and Environmental Management Charge.

 

Price:

Tour Options Adult
Short Scenic (approx 10 min - Hastings Reef only)
$259pp
Long Scenic  (approx 20 min - Hastings, Norman & Saxon Reefs)

$299pp

Get High Upgrade  (short scenic flight & introductory or certified scuba dive)

$289pp

 

Cairns In A Day - Kuranda - Full Day Tour

Price from only : $420 pp

Ideal for visitors, who wish to make the most of their stay in Cairns! Enjoy a scenic, historical train journey, with informative commentary through the winding Barron Gorge, past waterfalls to the famous Kuranda Village. Departing Kuranda on Skyrail, you’ll glide over 7.5km (the longest passenger cable car in the world) of pristine World Heritage listed Rainforest…suspended high above the lush tropical canopy. Transfer to our Heliport for an awesome scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef to our exclusive helipad at North Hastings Reef. Enjoy lunch and a range of underwater activities including snorkelling, swimming and a glass bottom boat coral viewing tour. Scuba diving, either for the beginner or experienced diver, is also available. Choose between a cruise or helicopter flight back to Cairns at an additional cost. 

Includes:

  • Kuranda Scenic Rail to Kuranda and Return on Skyrail
  • 25 min flight over Reef  to join Down Under Cruises
  • 2 hours at Reef
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Glass Bottom Boat coral viewing tour
  • Lunch
  • Return cruise with complimentary glass of wine, cheese and live entertainment.

 

Depart Cairns: Approx. 8.00am

Arrive in Cairns: 5pm

EX Cairns: Adult Rate: $420 / Child Rate: $383

EX Northern Beaches: Adult Rate $445 / Child Rate $408

Cairns In A Day - Gone Wild - Full Day Tour

Price from only : $385 pp

Welcome to your ultimate wildlife adventure - Cairns Tropical Zoo! Enjoy a full morning zoo program with an opportunity to cuddle a Koala and hand feed the Kangaroos. Learn about snakes, crocodiles, dingoes and cassowaries. See the fabulous Free Flight Bird Show, hand feed Kangaroos and the option to cuddle a Koala. Then experience an amazing scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef to join Down Under Cruises. View the coral gardens snorkeling or in a glass bottom boat and dine on a delicious BBQ lunch. The option to scuba dive or upgrade to a return flight over different reef systems is available.

Includes:

  • Morning at Cairns Tropical Zoo
  • 25 min flight over Reef  to join Down Under Cruises
  • 2 hours at Reef
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Glass bottom boat coral viewing tour
  • Lunch
  • Return cruise with complimentary glass of wine, cheese and live entertainment.

 

Depart Cairns: Approx. 8.00am

Arrive in Cairns: 5pm

EX Cairns: Adult Rate: $385 / Child Rate: $325

Cairns In A Day - Sky High Adrenalin Package - Full Day Tour

Price from only : $570 pp

Feel the rush of a tandem skydive as you leap from 11,000ft for 30 seconds freefall with views of Cairns, World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Travel to your jump height in Australia’s fastest Skydive plane, the Cresco 750. Then board a helicopter for an awesome scenic flight over the Reef, land and enjoy lunch and a range of underwater activities – snorkeling and glass bottom boat coral viewing. Still feeling adventurous? Then upgrade to either a Scuba Dive or to the 14,000ft Skydive for double the freefall time and 1 minute of total adrenalin!

Includes:

  • 11,000ft Skydive over Cairns
  • 25 min flight over Reef  to join Down Under Cruises
  • 2 hours at Reef
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Glass bottom boat coral viewing tour
  • Lunch
  • Return cruise with complimentary glass of wine, cheese and live entertainment.

 

Depart Cairns: Approx. 8.00am

Arrive in Cairns: 5pm

Adult Rate: $545.00 + $25 APF

Cairns In A Day - Horse Riding - Full Day Tour

Price from only : $399 pp

Saddle up for a journey through the natural rainforest of the Kuranda Valley on horseback, experience the changes in scenery from Savannah land to freshwater streams and breathtaking views from our mountain top lookouts. Tours are completed with freshly made morning tea served by the Billabong lagoon. Transfer to our Heliport for a stunning scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef to our exclusive pontoon at Hastings Reef. View the coral gardens snorkelling or in a glass bottom boat and dine on a delicious BBQ lunch. Scuba diving is also available.

Includes:

  • Morning horse ride
  • 25 min flight over Reef  to join Down Under Cruises
  • 2 hours at Reef
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Glass bottom boat coral viewing tour
  • Lunch
  • Return cruise with complimentary glass of wine, cheese and live entertainment.

 

Depart Cairns: Approx. 8.00am

Arrive in Cairns: 5pm

EX Cairns: Adult Rate: $399  / Child Rate: $389

Cairns In A Day - ATV - Full Day Tour

Price from only : $439 pp

Prepare yourself for an adrenalin pumping journey as you experience purpose built obstacle courses with jumps, dirt mounds and mud pits before heading out to explore the rainforest and open bush trails. Our ATVs are Can-Am DS 250cc, with fully auto gear shifting making it easy for beginners to enjoy ultimate four wheel action. Then jump on your heli for an awesome scenic flight over the Reef to our exclusive pontoon. View the coral gardens snorkelling or in a glass bottom tour and dine on a delicious BBQ lunch. Scuba diving is available for the first time or experienced diver. 

Includes:

  • Morning ATV Ride
  • 25 min flight over Reef  to join Down Under Cruises
  • 2 hours at Reef
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Glass bottom boat coral viewing tour
  • Lunch
  • Return cruise with complimentary glass of wine, cheese and live entertainment.

 

Depart Cairns: Approx. 8.00am

Arrive in Cairns: 5pm

EX Cairns: Adult Rate: $439

Cairns In A Day - Extreme High - Full Day Tour

Price from only : $419 pp

Cruise on a high speed vessel to two outer reef locations, Saxon and North Hastings with Down Under Cruises. See two different reef sites snorkelling and view the coral on a glass bottom boat, upgrade the action with the option to experience up to three scuba dives. Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch then board your helicopter for an amazing flight over pristine sand cays and colourful coral formations to Cairns. Then its off to AJ Hackett for an adrenalin packed afternoon with your choice of a Bungy Jump or Minjin Swing!

Includes:

  • Cruise to two reef destinations
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Glass Bottom Boat
  • BBQ Lunch
  • 25 min helicopter flight to Cairns
  • Minjin or Bungy Jump

Depart Cairns: approx 7:45am

Arrive in Cairns: 5pm

Adult Bungy: $469 Adult Minjin: $419

10-minute Cairns Township Tour

Price : $120 pp

See the cosmopolitan City of Cairns from a totally new perspective as you fly along the palm tree lined Esplanade and over the busy city Lagoon. See The Pier, and the yachts harboured in the Marina as you sweep along Trinity Inlet and Admiralty Island. Have your camera ready to capture the incredible views of the city set against the lush mountain backdrop of the tablelands.

Includes:

  • 10 minute Scenic Flight over Cairns City

 

Minimum one passenger

1-3 Passengers: $125 per person

4 or more passengers: $120 per person

20-minute Barron Gorge, Kuranda & Northern Beaches Scenic Flight

Price : $215 pp

Explore ancient Rainforest covered mountain ranges and valleys only minutes from the centre of Cairns. You'll view the lush canopy of world heritage listed Rainforest, Cairns City and surrounds from the air. Swoop over the cascading Stoney Creek Falls, fly up through the Barron Gorge to see Kuranda, the village in the rainforest. Soar down the mountain range to fly along the stunning coastline with views out to Green Island before returning to the tropical township of Cairns. The memory of this flight will stay with you forever.

Includes:

  • 20 minute scenic flight over Rainforest and Waterfalls

 

Minimum one passenger             

1-3 Passengers: $225 per person

4 or more passengers: $215 per person

30-minute Reef Scenic Flight

Price : $345 pp

Enjoy a bird's eye view of the Great Barrier Reef with our most popular scenic flight. Take off with views over Cairns city and surrounding mountains as you head out over the Coral Sea, where the size and majesty of the incredible Great Barrier Reef can only truly be appreciated from the air. Search for a variety of marine life as you fly over famous sites such as Green Island, the jewel of the reef, see the vastness of Arlington Reef and the delightful Vlasoff and Upolu Sand Cays. Bring your Camera to capture this wonderful experience.

Includes:

  • 30 minute scenic flight over Great Barrier Reef and Sand Cays

 

Minimum two passengers

1-3 passengers: $355 per person

4 or more passengers: $345 per person

60-minute Ultimate Reef & Rainforest Scenic Flight

Price : $470 pp

With Tropical North Queensland on our doorstep, see the best that Cairns has to offer on this ultimate flight! Take in the magnitude and grandeur of the Great Barrier Reef and the lush green wet tropics rainforest in one spectacular scenic flight. Flying over central Cairns this flight takes you up and over the rainforest clad mountains to Lake Morris a reservoir nestled high in the rainforest overlooking Cairns. Glide above the lush tropical canopy of untouched rainforest whilst viewing Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Gorge, Barron Waterfall and Kuranda. Drop back down to sea level and see the golden Northern Beaches before flying out over the Coral Sea. Have your camera ready as you take in the pristine sandy cays of Upolu and Vlasoff Cay and the amazing reef systems Upolu, Vlasoff, Arlington and Green Island all before returning to Cairns.

Includes:

  • 60 minute scenic flight over Reef and Rainforest

 

Minimum two passengers

1-3 passengers: $490 per person

4 or more passengers: $470 per person

U Fly - Ultimate Heli Flights

Price : $359 pp

Put on your pilot’s cap and take advantage of this awesome opportunity to fly your own helicopter!  Following a briefing session, this 30-minute training flight gives you the opportunity to take the controls yourself under the supervision of a qualified instructor pilot. The flight will take you up through the Barron Gorge, over the surrounding rainforest to Kuranda and along the Northern Beaches before returning to the Aerodrome to try and hone your hovering skills. This is one of those once in a lifetime opportunities, which should definitely be on the “have to do” list! Experience the passion of flying..

Includes:

  • Training session with qualified Instructor
  • Flight over Rainforest and Northern Beaches
  • Opportunity to fly the helicopter under supervision

 

Depart Cairns: 10.00am

Arrive in Cairns: 12 noon

 

Maximum of 1 passenger 

Price: $359 per person

60 min Upgrade: $699

Fantasy Flight - Half Day Tour

Price from only : $449 pp

Imagine.... just you, your private helicopter and your footprints on your own secluded island set in the middle of the Coral Sea, with just the sound of gentle lapping waves for company. Experience Vlasoff Cay, an isolated coral sand cay with pure white sand surrounded by aqua blue sea and coral gardens. You’ll be equipped with some of life’s essentials - a gourmet picnic hamper complete with sparkling wine, snorkeling gear, beach umbrella, picnic blanket and cushions. After two hours in this secluded paradise, you’ll enjoy another reef scenic flight back to your life as you once knew it. 

Includes:

  • 2 hours on Sand Cay
  • Picnic with sparkling wine
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Private helicopter transfers over Reef

 

Depart Cairns: 7.30am                       

Arrive in Cairns: 11.00am

 

Minimum two passengers

Prices:    2 pax: $549 per person

                3 – 6 pax: $449 per person

Cascade Flight - Half Day Tour

Price from only : $499 pp

Soar over Tropical North Queensland's amazing Savannah Lands, to see the green lush rainforest change to the burnt orange of the Outback. Trek north to land beside a cascading waterfall that is only accessible by helicopter. Walk over the volcanic rocks and craters, swim in the serene waters and natural spas, revive with a delicious picnic and bottle of champagne. Feel yourself rejuvenate and refresh your senses in the tranquillity of this amazing uninhabited wilderness.

Includes:

  • Scenic Helicopter flight over rainforest
  • 2 hours at private waterfall
  • Picnic with sparkling wine

 

Depart Cairns: 7.30am

Arrive in Cairns: 11.00am

 

Minimum two passengers

Prices:    2 pax: $599 per person

                 3 – 6 pax: $499 per person

Atherton Tablelands - Scenic Flight - Half Day Tour

Price from only : $330 pp

Escape to a charming coffee plantation on the tranquil North Queensland Tablelands. Swoop over the Barron Gorge and view the lush rainforest surrounds from a completely new perspective. Soar high over the range before touching down at a local coffee plantation. Take part in an intriguing tour of the plantation before enjoying a taste of what this establishment has to offer. Return to Cairns with a flight over the Atherton Tablelands and Tinaroo Dam.

Includes:

  • Helicopter flight over Atherton Tablelands and rainforest
  • Coffee Plantation Tour and Morning or Afternoon Tea

 

Depart Cairns: 9.00am or 3.30pm

Arrive in Cairns: 11.00am or 5.30pm

 

Minimum two passengers

Prices:  2 pax - $435 per person

               3-6 pax - $330 per person

Indigenous Heli Touring - Spirit of Cooktown - Full Day Tour

Price from only : $1795 pp

Fly along the Northern Coastline or Reef to Cooktown to meet with Guurrbi Tours. This award-winning tour with Aboriginal Elder, Willie Gordon takes guests to visit his ancestral rock art sites, outside Cooktown, normally inaccessible to the public. Here Willie, shares the stories behind the art... he gives an amazing insight into Aboriginal society and spirituality, and how the lores of his people can apply to us all today.

Return to Cooktown for lunch at the Botanical Gardens and a private tour to the Captain Cook Museum, Art Gallery, Chinese Cemetery and Grassy Hill Lookout.

Reboard your helicopter to fly over the Annan River to The Lion’s Den Hotel, an Aussie outback pub with a wood & iron construction, famous for its quirky decorations and walls adorned with visitors signatures.

Includes:

  • Private Helicopter charter
  • Guurrbi Rock Art Tour
  • Lunch at Botanic Gardens
  • Tour of Cooktown incl museum and gallery
  • Lions Den Hotel

 

Depart Cairns: 7.00am

Arrive in Cairns: Approx. 4.30pm

 

Minimum two passengers

Rate: Return Helicopter, Guurrbi Tour, Lunch and Cooktown Tour $1795pp

*One way Reef Scenic Heli, One way 4WD Inland, Guurrbi Tour $1895pp

 

NOTE: This package can be customised to suit doing one aspect of the tour or adding overnight accommodation.

Indigenous Heli Touring - Heli Dreaming - Full Day Tour

Price : $795 pp

Board Adventure North’s 4WD to take you to the waters and mangroves of Cooya Beach north of Port Douglas, the Kubirri Warra brothers of Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours follow the traditions of their ancestors by educating visitors about their traditional country. The brothers teach their guests how to throw a spear, hunt for fish, mud crabs and mussels. Learn about bush tucker and medicine as they share some of their extensive knowledge of this special area and how they care for their country. Enjoy morning tea of fresh made damper, tea/coffee as the Walker boys show and explain artifacts, tools, or even how to play a didgeridoo. Come walk with us & Helli.

We farewell the Kubirri Warra brothers as we continue north to the Daintree Village, for a 1 hour Daintree River Croc spotting cruise. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch before we depart for Tranquility on the Daintree, a secluded private property where the spectacular Niau Waterfalls await. You will see strange, primitive plants and learn about the original French settler family, hear of their incredible story of survival. Your guided walking tour will unlock the secrets of this fascinating eco-system. Time for a swim, (don't forget your swimmers) and as your amazing fun day of discovery comes to a close you will be picked up by private Helicopter for a return flight along the Northern Coastline.

Includes:

  • 4wd Transfer one way/Helicopter Transfer one way
  • Kuku Yalangi Cultural Tour
  • Daintree River Cruise
  • Picnic lunch
  • Niau Waterfall

 

Depart Cairns: 6.30am

Arrive in Cairns: Approx. 4.30pm

 

Minimum two passengers

Rate: One way Helicopter, One way 4WD $795pp

One way Reef Scenic Helicopter, One way 4WD $995pp

Tropical North - Two Day Package

Price from only : $420 pp

Day 1

Enjoy a scenic, historical train journey, through the Barron Gorge and past cascading waterfalls to Kuranda, the village in the rainforest. Spend the day here wandering the unique township, exploring the markets, unusual handicrafts and all Kuranda has to offer. Transfer back to Kuranda to board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and glide over pristine World Heritage listed Rainforest…suspended high above the lush tropical canopy. Enjoy stops along the way with interpretive boardwalks through the rainforest. Return Transfer to your accommodation.

 

Rainforestation Upgrade: You can enhance your rainforest experience with an optional trip to Rainforestation. Experience a 45 minute rainforest tour, on a WWII Army Duck while your guide points out and explain ferns, orchids, strangler figs and stinging trees, as well as birds such as the Azure Kingfisher and a host of other animals and reptiles. Enjoy a buffet lunch and the Dreamtime Walk where you will learn aboriginal culture with a traditional corroboree and boomerang and spear throwing. Meet Australian Native animals including wombats, dingoes and crocodiles, hand feed kangaroos or have your photo taken cuddling a koala.

Includes:

  • Kuranda Scenic Rail
  • Free time to explore Kuranda and Markets
  • Return to Cairns on Skyrail

 

Depart Cairns: 8.30am

Arrive in Cairns: Approx. 4.00pm

 

Day 2

Your trip begins with a fast cruise to the Great Barrier Reef aboard Osprey V. Here you'll spend five hours exploring two incredible reef destinations. Enjoy a tropical BBQ lunch with Fish, Prawns, Steaks and salads. Snorkeling and glass bottom boat coral viewing tours are also included in your reef adventure with up to three optional dives available for either the beginner or advanced diver. The day concludes with an amazing scenic helicopter flight over five reef systems and cays arriving back in Cairns and finishing off your two day adventure in style.

Includes:

  • Fast cruise to 2 Reef Sites
  • 5 hours at Reef
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Glass bottom boat coral viewing tour
  • Lunch
  • 25 min flight over Reef and Sand Cays to Cairns

 

Depart Cairns: 8.30am

Arrive in Cairns: Approx. 4.00pm

 

EX Cairns: Adult Rate: $420 / Child Rate: $383

With Rainforestation: Adult $520 / Child $483

 

EX Northern Beaches: Adult Rate $445 / Child Rate $408

With Rainforestation: Adult $545 / Child $508

 

NOTE: This tour can operate in reverse and need not be consecutive days




Heli Charters Australia Terms and Conditions

  • Heli Charters Australia days of operation are every day except Christmas Day and New Years Day.
  • All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) & are subject to change with or without notice.
  • Passenger's individual weights MUST be advised at time of booking.
  • Passenger weight restrictions apply. If a weight variance of more than 10% is advised we reserve the right to charge a 100% cancellation fee.
  • 24 hour cancellation notice required for a full refund claim.
  • Tours are subject to Management and/or Pilots discretion, weather, air traffic control and availability.
  • Heli Charters Australia will not be liable for any loss, damage or inconvenience arising from or incidental to any delay in service, howsoever caused.
  • Heli Charters Australia does not operate the other packages attractions or the transfer coach. Travel and admissions will be subject to the conditions imposed by the respective operators which may limit or exclude liability for personal injury or property damage. Heli Charters Australia is not liable for other operators' acts or omissions whether negligent or otherwise.
  • Coach transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches are inclusive. Price differences, where applicable, are as indicated in above tour information.
  • EMC is inclusive.