60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight worth booking?
60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight is a 1-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $628 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 53 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (9)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $628 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
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
What you'll see and do
Great Barrier Reef
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.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cairns & the Tropical North
Turn off the Captain Cook Highway into the General Aviation entrance to Cairns Airport, turn right and you will find us opposite the Aviation Skills Centre on the left hand side of Bush Pilots Avenue.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Turn off the Captain Cook Highway into the General Aviation entrance to Cairns Airport, turn right and you will find us opposite the Aviation Skills Centre on the left hand side of Bush Pilots Avenue.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Zoom Helicopters
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
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.
via Viator
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.
via Tripadvisor
Don't be a cheap skate
We hummed about which flight to take..ie short or long. Decided to suck it up ($$$ wise) and book the 1 hour flight over the Barrier and Daintree. Not disappointed one bit. Well worth paying the xtra. The pilot was a young lady (originally from Perth)that was full of enthusiasm and obviously loved her job. Thank you so much for the adventure and have a wonderful time on your visit to NZ.
via Tripadvisor
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!
via Tripadvisor
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!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $628 to $879
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Zoom Helicopters, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.7.
See everything Zoom Helicopters runsWhy this scores 53
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.
How much does 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight cost?
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Prices start at $628 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cairns & the Tropical North usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cairns & the Tropical North is not rushed.
Is 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cairns & the Tropical North, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cairns & the Tropical North can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cairns & the Tropical North and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cairns & the Tropical North within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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On Outty we rank every Cairns & the Tropical North experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Fun, Falls and Forest Day Trip from Cairns, Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran, Tully River Full-Day Rafting: Cairns, Mission Beach or Self-Drive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight?
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Included: 60 minute reef and rainforest scenic flight; All Fees and Taxes; and Informative, in-flight commentary. Not included: Personalised 'in-flight' video - optional; and Unique, collectable 'Zoomy' Merchandise - optional. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight?
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Turn off the Captain Cook Highway into the General Aviation entrance to Cairns Airport, turn right and you will find us opposite the Aviation Skills Centre on the left hand side of Bush Pilots Avenue. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about 60 minute Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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