Perfect for: Bucket-list photos and seeing “reef to rainforest” fast 📸
Good to know: Flight path may change slightly due to weather and operational conditions
If you want one big Cairns wow-moment, this reef and rainforest heli tour delivers it in style. First, you’ll lift off and head out over the Coral Sea, where the reef’s colours and patterns pop beneath you. Then, just as you’re filling your camera roll with turquoise blues, you’ll turn inland and swap the coastline for rainforest-covered ranges. ✨
Great Barrier Reef from above 🌊
Up high, the Great Barrier Reef looks unreal. You’ll glide over shimmering lagoons and coral structures, and you’ll also spot pale sand cays that stand out against the water. Because you’re viewing the reef from the air, you’ll see its scale instantly — and you’ll appreciate just how vast it really is. 📸🐠
A dramatic shift to rainforest 🌿
Next, the scenery changes fast. You’ll fly toward the Wet Tropics, following winding waterways and thick green canopy. After that, you’ll reach the Barron River and the impressive Barron Gorge, where the landscape cuts sharply through the rainforest.
Barron Falls and Kuranda highlights 💦
As you track across the Kuranda region, you’ll get an aerial look at the rainforest valley and the famous Barron Falls. In wetter months, the falls often roar over the rock face, so the view feels even more dramatic. Along the way, you may also spot the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail threading through the treetops. 🚂
Why choose the 60-minute option? ⭐
Because this flight gives you more time in the air, you cover more reef, more rainforest and more iconic sights in one hit. As a result, it’s a brilliant choice if you want maximum scenery without committing to a full-day tour.
If you’re chasing an unforgettable Cairns experience, this reef and rainforest heli tour combines two World Heritage wonders into one epic, photo-ready adventure from take-off to landing. 🚁📸
Spectacular views of the Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest.
(Depending on what time you choose to fly)
Pickup bus transfer from your Cairns City Accommodation
Depart from General Aviation, Cairns
60 minute Scenic flight
Return transfer back to your Cairns City accommodation
Return transfers from your accommodation (Cairns City – Northern Beaches)
Cairns Helicopter Tour 60-minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight
Cancellation Policy
A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any date change will incur a $20 administration fee.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 48 hours or more before departure
100% cancellation fee within 48 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather, etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover.
Operator Cancelations:
Flights are subject to Management and/or pilot discretion, weather, air-traffic control and availability.
The decision of the pilot in command is final with regards to cancelling a flight due to inclement weather and/or the refusal of the passenger/s if the passenger/s are deemed unfit for flight.
Nautilus strives to ensure your flight takes off as planned. However, unexpected circumstances like bad weather, staffing issues, or unscheduled maintenance may arise. In these instances, we will: Do our best to rebook you on another flight: If possible, we’ll happily reschedule your trip for a different date that works for you. Flight rebooking is subject to availability. Offer a full refund: If rebooking isn’t an option, you’ll receive a full refund for your cancelled flight. Please note the refund will be no greater than the flight amount.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavour to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
This booking is not yet confirmed. We will contact you to get all required information and provide the availability for your requested date. Should you wish to confirm the booking, payment will be required at that time.
You will need to provide all passenger names and individual body weights at the time of booking.
The maximum weight for a single seat is 130kg. However, if you exceed this, please contact our team to discuss the available options.
All flights will require a minimum of 2 people to operate.
Due to pilot discretion, weather, air traffic control, and other operational considerations beyond our control, flight paths and flight times may vary at times. For these reasons, Nautilus Aviation cannot guarantee exact arrival and departure times and will therefore not be liable for additional expenses arising from, or incidental to, any delay in service as outlined in our *Conditions of Carriage.
All flights are on a shared basis and are not on a private basis unless machine has been chartered. This product requires a minimum number of passengers to proceed.
Neither this site, nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of damage, delay or personal injury.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger.
Children policy:
Children 3 years and above are legally required to be seated in their own seat and are therefore required to pay the full ticket price.
Children aged 3 years to 13 years must be accompanied by an adult on all flights.
Children under the age of 3 are classified an infant and may travel free of charge.
At the time of booking, please advise if travelling with infants as additional seating regulations apply.
Under Australian regulations, an infant is a passenger who has not reached their 3rd birthday.
Routinely one (1) infant (under 3 years of age) is permitted per flight and may travel free of charge when seated on a parent’s/guardians lap with a company provided infant seat belt restraint.
