45-minute scenic flight – Reef & Rainforest

Enjoy a spectacular view of Cairns city as you take off towards the world’s largest coral reef system. Experience the sheer size and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and gain a true appreciation of one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This flight includes views of beautiful Green Island, Vlasoff Sand Cay and Upolu Sand Cay – three of the most striking sand islands on the Great Barrier Reef. Sightings of manta rays, turtles and other marine life are not uncommon on the reef scenic flight and if you’re flying with us in the winter months there is even a chance of spotting whales; however, as the marine life are wild animals, we can’t make any guarantees, the extra 15 minutes adds sights of Cairns ‘world heritage listed wet tropics rainforest’ in one awe-inspiring flight, enjoy views if Stoney Creek falls, Barron Gorge national park & Falls and Kurandas surround rainforest.

Our most popular scenic flight combining the beauty of our 30 minute reef scenic with a birds eye view of the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest on earth. 

Commencing over the reef, we then cross back over the coast near double island and the resort township of Palm Cove before ascending the coastal rainforest clad mountains into the heart of the Barron Gorge National Park. 

Emerging from the canopy below you will see the Barron River and quaint rainforest village of Kuranda. Keep an eye out for the tracks of the historical Kuranda Scenic Rail and the gondolas of the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.  From the top of the gorge we descend over the 250m rock face of the mighty Barron Falls which, while impressive year round, provides an awe-inspiring photo opportunity after heavy green-season rain (Dec-Apr). 

We follow the Barron River for the next 5km as it snakes its way back down the gorge towards the ocean, providing hydro electricity to the city of Cairns and thrills for rafters riding on it’s rapids.