Known as a favourite amongst travellers – there is nothing as unforgettable as a scenic flight over the stunning Whitsundays Islands and Great Barrier Reef!
$315 
60 Minutes Experience aerial views of the famous Heart Reef, the picture perfect Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, with a guaranteed window seat and awesome pilot commentary!
See how many of the 74 Whitsunday Islands you can spot from the sky in this 60 minute scenic flight. Make sure to have your camera ready for the beautiful Whitehaven Beach, where the sand formation changes every 4 hours, making this a truly unique experience. Don’t forget about the aquatic life, head out during Whale season to witness the migration of the Humpback Whales from above.
Also available as part of Ocean Rafting’s Fly and Raft package, enjoy the best of the Whitsundays from above and below in one day.
Make your way to Whitsunday airport, located at 12 Air Whitsunday Drive, Flame Tree, where your Ocean Rafting scenic flights take off. Conveniently located just an 8 minute drive from Airlie Beach main street, bus transfers are also included in your ticket.
Once at the airport, make the most of Hangar Cafe & Bar, where you can pre order your breakfast for when you return from your epic flight, or enjoy ‘airside access’ dining on your return.
Board the small aircraft and head out for your scenic flight! Your first epic views will be of the many Whitsunday Islands, highlights include Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
Then you’ll head out to the Great Barrier Reef, and see the picturesque Heart Reef and more before heading back to mainland Australia.
Soar over the breathtaking Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef on a 60-minute scenic flight, featuring aerial views of Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet. With guaranteed window seats and expert commentary, spot the Whitsunday Islands and snap photos of ever-changing sand formations. Fly during whale season for a chance to see migrating humpback whales.
Airlie Apartments on Airlie Crescent
Airlie Beach Hotel
Adventure Whitsunday Resort – BIG 4
Airlie Beach Motor Lodge
Airlie Central Apartments
Azure Sea
Airlie Guest House
Airlie Waterfront Backpackers
Base Backpackers Airlie Beach
Beach Court Holiday Villas
Boathaven Resort
Boathouse Apartments
Bush Village
Club Wyndham
Coral Sea Marina – North Village
Coral Sea Marina – South Village
Colonial Palms
Coral Sea Resort
Coral Sea Vista
Discovery Park – Airlie Beach
Fat Frog Cafe
Greyhound bus terminal at Port of Airlie
Harbour Cove
Heart Hotel
Island Drive bus stop
Island View B’n’B
Islands Inn Motel
Jubilee Tavern bus stop
Kipara
Macarthur Drive
Mango House Resort
Mantra Club Croc
Marina Shores
Martinique Resort
Mediterranean Resort
Mirage Whitsundays
Myaura B & B
NRMS – Airlie Beach
Paradise Court
Peninsula Apartments
Pinnacles Resort & Spa
Portside Whitsunday
Reef Gateway Hotel
Reefside Villas
Reflections Apartments
Seastar Apartments
Seaview Apartments
Serene Apartments
Shingley Beach Resort
Shute Harbour Marina
St Vincent bus stop
Stewart Drive
Summit Apartments
Sunlit Waters
Tasman Holiday Park – Airlie Beach
The Sebel
Toscana Village Resort
Waters Edge Resort
Waterview Apartments on Airlie Crescent
Whitsunday Moorings B & B
Whitsunday Plaza
Waves Apartments
Whitsunday Rainforest Retreat
Whitsunday Terraces
Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort – BIG 4
Whitsunday Vista Resort
Whitsunday Waterfront Retreat
YHA Airlie Beach
Ocean Rafting accepts cancellations and amendments for bookings up until 12pm the day prior to departures for the Northern Exposure tour, Southern Lights tour, Fly Raft Package and Scenic Flight tour. Any cancellations after 12pm the day prior is not eligible for a refund.
This is a 60 Minute Whitsundays Scenic Flight. It’s the optimal time for take-off, landing, and unbeatable views in between.
Ocean Rafting has two types of plane. One can hold 7 people, and the other 11. Both will guarantee you a window seat for optimal views of the reef and islands, and are more than roomy enough to hold everyone comfortably.
Yes! Everyone on the flight is guaranteed a window seat. Get ready for un-obstructed views.
The plane is pretty loud, and you’ll be wearing headphones with commentary from your pilot while flying, so it’ll be pretty difficult to have a conversation.
Because of weight distribution and the balance of the aircraft, the scenic flight team will allocate the seating for you. This is to ensure optimum safety for everyone onboard. The team will try their best to accommodate your request and to be sure you’re sitting next to any friends/family you’ve booked with, however just be aware that this can never be guaranteed.
There are no toilets onboard. The flight only lasts one hour. There are toilets at the airport, so be sure to use them before takeoff so you can simply enjoy the flight.
No, passengers must remain seated while the plane is in the air. But with breathtaking views of island paradises, turquoise waters, and marine life like whales, dolphins, and vibrant coral gardens, you’ll likely be too captivated to move!
Whitsunday Airport, Shute Harbour, at 7am, 8.30am, 10.00am, 11.30am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm. Courtesy pick up transfers are included. All timings will be confirmed upon booking confirmation. Ocean Rafting will send a confirmation to you as well.
Yes, transfers to and from a selection of Airlie Beach accommodations and locations are included in the price of your scenic flight! Just be sure to select an option when booking your tour above.
Of course, just be sure to select ‘Own Way’ from the location options in the booking form above. The address of the airport is Air Whitsunday Rd, Flametree QLD 4802, Australia. Just be sure to give yourself time to park and check in, and take into consideration local traffic conditions.
Don’t worry, even on a cloudy day you’ll still get great views of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands! The plane doesn’t go too high and you’ll be flying below the clouds.
Scenic flights can still operate in the rain or wind, and if the pilot is happy to go ahead, then you’ll be safe and still get great views. If the pilot deems that the weather is unsuitable, you’ll be contacted as soon as possible before your departure time. If this does happen, you can either change the time and/or date of your flight, or be given a full refund.
There won’t be enough space onboard for your luggage, and weight is important when it comes to scenic flights. Feel free to bring a small day bag with your phone, camera, water bottle, jumper etc. If you’re unable to store your luggage at your accommodation, the airport has some lockers that you can store your luggage for a small fee if you need.
There are some cafes at the airport, but you won’t have time to eat before your flight. We recommend having something to eat before departing for your trip, or bring a snack with you to the airport. After the flight however, you’ll have time to grab anything you want from the airport cafes.
Absolutely! Pregnant people can go on Scenic Flights. This one hour flight is very smooth from take off to landing. However, if you have any concerns, consult with your doctor before booking.
While everyone experiences air pressure changes differently, they’re generally not too intense. However, if you’ve recently had ear surgery or been scuba diving within 12 hours, it’s best to check with your doctor to ensure this flight is safe for you.
Your scenic flight team and pilot are dedicated to providing a smooth, comfortable journey, and most guests have no issues at all. But just in case, sick bags are available for peace of mind!
There’s no minimum age for an Ocean Rafting Scenic Flight, but children aged 2 and older must have their own seat.
No, passports are not needed. Just bring any photo ID and your tour vouchers for check in.
Your booking includes a 5% non-refundable booking fee for all cancellations as well as up to 50% cancellation fee. Cancellations after 7pm the night before departure offers no refund.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed).
World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.
We endorse the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that all travellers take out travel insurance. If you already have Travel Insurance please understand that it is your responsibility to ensure that your Travel Insurance covers you for all of the adventure style travel you have booked with us.
4.82 / 5.0
Based on 62 reviews
Seeing how the different reef sections connect, shallow inner reefs, deeper outer passages, sandy lagoons, made me understand the Great Barrier Reef in a way I never could from a boat. The colour gradient as the water depth changes is extraordinary.
The visibility in the water below was insane. You could see sandy channels between coral formations, the drop offs where the reef meets deep water, even some larger fish in the shallows. Combined with the island views it was a perfect half hour. So glad we booked it.
On the way back from Heart Reef our pilot spotted a pair of manta rays in a shallow lagoon, enormous, you could clearly see their wingspan from the plane. That unexpected wildlife moment on top of the incredible reef views made this the highlight of our entire Queensland trip.
We did the boat day tours and loved them but the scenic flight gave us something nothing else could. Seeing the full layout of the island chain and reef systems from above tied the whole trip together. The Hill Inlet swirls from altitude are something ill never forget.
Whitehaven Beach's silica sand is so white it almost glows from the plane. Seeing it curve around the island with deep turquoise behind it is just breathtaking. The swirling patterns in Hill Inlet right at the northern tip were the icing on the cake.
We'd seen so many photos but nothing prepares you for actually flying over it. The pilot circled low and the heart shape was crystal clear, surrounded by deep blue on one side and the lighter lagoon on the other. We were both speechless.
Flying over the Whitsunday Islands you get this incredible patchwork of dense green rainforest meeting white beaches and turquoise water. Some of the smaller uninhabited islands look like little jewels from the air. One of the highlights of our whole Queensland trip.
Fantastic experience. We went in the afternoon and the light wasn't quite as vivid as the morning photos online. Still stunning, the turquoise of the Coral Sea is unreal and Heart Reef was gorgeous. Id just suggest booking the earliest flight you can for the best colours.
As a photographer this flight was a dream. Morning light over Hill Inlet gave the sand swirls this golden glow and we circled twice so everyone could get shots. Heart Reef from directly above is perfectly symmetrical. Easily the best shots of my whole Australia trip.
ive snorkelled the Whitsundays many times but never done a scenic flight. The flight path over the northern end of Whitehaven was especially beautiful even though the weather wasn't the best
When you reach the outer reef edge and the colour just changes instantly from turquoise to deep ocean blue, that moment is something else. Looks like someone drew a line. The pilot pointed it out and the whole cabin leaned over. Absolutely wild.
We did this on our honeymoon and the pilot made it extra special, circling Heart Reef twice so we could get photos from both sides. The heart shape is shockingly perfect from altitude. Whitehaven below us looked like it was from another planet the sand is so white.
The pilot narrated the whole flight, pointing out reef formations, naming islands, explaining the tidal patterns at Hill Inlet. Felt like I actually learned something on top of having the most beautiful views. The turn over Heart Reef was a highlight.
You can snorkel and appreciate it up close but flying over gives you the scale. Reef after reef, lagoon after lagoon stretching in every direction, it really sinks in how massive this ecosystem is. The colours shift from turquoise to emerald to cobalt as the depth changes.
Really impressive flight. We passed over coral bommies on the way out and you could actually see fish schooling beneath the surface the water is that clear. Only reason im not giving 5 stars is we had a bit of cloud on the day but the views were still spectacular.
Flying low over the outer reef gave us views of coral formations you just cant see snorkelling. Different shades of the reef, deep greens, purples, browns all patched together like a quilt under the clearest water. The pilot was really knowledgeable about which sections we were flying over too.
We'd visited Whitehaven the day before on the boat but seeing it from the air was a completely different thing. The sand looks almost glowing white against the swirling teal of Hill Inlet. The inlet patterns change with the tide and from up there you see the full swirl. Stunning.
We flew out over Hardy Reef and the way the reef wall drops off into deep blue ocean is jaw dropping. You can clearly see the difference between the shallow lagoon water (bright aqua) and the open sea (deep navy). The contrast is unlike anything ive seen. Cannot recommend this enough.
honestly didn't expect to be this blown away. Flying over Heart Reef was surreal, its so perfectly shaped from the air like something out of a postcard. The pilot pointed it out right as we came around and the whole plane gasped. The colour of the water below was this impossibly vivid turquoise. Absolutely worth every cent.
It was FANTAAAASTIC! I got the front row seat. At first a little scared but right after take of I was okay. Our pilot was amazing. I would do it again in a heartbeat!!
Amazing. Great value and my partner absolutely loved it. Couldn’t have asked for more literally 10/10
The flight was incredible! Blue skies and clear water. Amazing.
The best way to experience the Whitsundays, incredible flight.
The islands looked surreal from the air, amazing hour spent flying!
The turquoise water from above looked incredible, highly recommend this flight.
Loved flying over the reefs, incredible to see everything from this angle.
This tour was the best Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet from above were truly mesmerizing.
Stunning and comfortable flight, views of Heart Reef were unforgettable.
heart reef has my heart!
The colors of the Whitsundays from the air were spectacular—great flight!
Pilot provided interesting commentary, amazing aerial experience!
We loved this tour so much, if you think the Whitsundays are great from the water you should see them from above
Loved seeing Heart Reef from above—definitely a bucket list experience!
Perfect 60-minute experience, aerial views were absolutely stunning.
Fantastic pilot, gave great insights about the islands—awesome tour!
Highly recommend, the scenic views of Whitehaven Beach were unreal.
Incredible flight! The views of Whitehaven Beach were absolutely stunning.
Smooth and enjoyable flight, stunning scenery every moment.
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Amazing experience, allows a totally different view upon the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. Even with wind, the pilots did a great job of keeping the plane stable and the flight pleasant.