5 Reasons To Book A Scenic Flight In The Whitsundays
Don’t miss the chance to try a scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef during your next trip to the Australian tropics! During your stay in the Whitsundays, you can book quick, easy, and breathtaking scenic flights via seaplane or helicopter. Scenic flights depart from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island daily, and they offer unparalleled aerial views of the reefs, islands, forests, and mountains of the Whitsundays.
5 Reasons To Book A Scenic Flight In The Whitsundays
From the jaw-dropping views, to the photo opportunities, to the convenience and affordability, here are 5 reasons to book a scenic flight in the Whitsundays. If you’ve already admired the Whitsundays from the water on a boat tour or private charter, a scenic flight can further enhance your trip. So take to the skies and marvel at the wonders of the Whitsundays from a whole new perspective!
Find your ideal scenic flight in the Whitsundays!
1. See Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet from above
Whitehaven Beach is the crown jewel of the Whitsundays that draws in travellers from around the globe. Many people visit the Whitsundays solely for the purpose of visiting Whitehaven Beach on a day trip or overnight sailing tour!
The gleaming white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach and the natural swirls of Hill Inlet are gorgeous from ground level, but they are even more impressive from above. A scenic flight provides the most incredible views of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. You can view the entire 7km expanse of silica sand, the rippling effects of Hill Inlet’s shifting tides, and the dramatic mountainous landscape of Whitsunday Island all at once from a scenic flight.
2. Appreciate the vastness of the Great Barrier Reef
Another highlight of the Whitsundays is the Great Barrier Reef. Fringing reefs line the islands, and the colossal coral gardens of the Outer Reef sit along the eastern edge of the Whitsundays. Definitely take the time to snorkel or scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef on a day tour, overnight tour, or private charter, but consider a scenic flight over the reef as well.
A scenic flight is truly the best way to admire the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It’s the largest coral reef system in the world, and it’s mesmerising to see the unique shapes and colours of the reef stretching into the horizon as far as the eye can see. Scenic flights also take you right over the Heart Reef, a protected and iconic collection of corals shaped like a heart.
3. Capture once-in-a-lifetime photos and videos
Make sure you bring your phone or camera to capture those incredible views during your scenic flight! Yes, it’s important to live in the moment and absorb the scenery with your eyes so it imprints in your memory forever. But there is nothing like a good photo or video to ensure you remember just how beautiful those views actually are! Whether you want to frame the images in your travel photo albums, create captivating Tik Tok videos for your followers, or level up your Instagram game, scenic flights let you create some epic content.
A huge perk of scenic flights is the low group numbers as well. The seaplanes and helicopters are quite small, meaning they only take a few guests and everyone gets a window seat. So you’ll have uninterrupted views and spacious windows for snapping photos.
4. Learn about the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef
While gazing down at the lush tropical scenery from the comfort of your seaplane or helicopter seat, you’ll also get to learn about the area from your captain. On most scenic flights in the Whitsundays, the captain is not only an expert pilot, but also an expert on local knowledge.
Learn about the fascinating history and ecology of the ancient Whitsunday landscapes as you soar over paradise. Your captain will teach you about the stories and traditions of the indigenous Ngaro people, the flora and fauna of the pristine islands, and the marine life and underwater ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef.
5. Fit your scenic flight seamlessly into your Whitsunday itinerary
Scenic flights in the Whitsundays are convenient and affordable as well. Most flights only last about an hour, and many include accommodation pick-ups and drop-offs. So the entire experience from start to finish is pretty short, making it easy to slide a scenic flight into your itinerary. Many flights have several departures throughout the day so you can pick the time that best suits your schedule.
Scenic flights are also weather dependent, but the crew are highly trained and are determined to put your safety first. If the weather is not conducive to a safe flight, your trip will be rescheduled at no extra cost to you.
What is the best way to see the Whitsundays?
The best way to see the Whitsundays is by combining snorkelling, boat tours, and scenic flights so you get the full scope of the natural beauty and biodiversity. Boat tours let you cruise around the islands, admiring the beaches, coves, and bushwalking trails. Most boat tours include snorkelling as well so you can dive into the sea and admire the colourful corals and tropical marine life.
If you’re able to include a scenic flight as well, you’ll hit the trifecta for views in the Whitsundays! Admire the islands and reefs from the sky, gaining a whole new level of appreciation for this slice of Queensland paradise. Combine a boat tour with a scenic flight on a fly and cruise package, or browse our full range of scenic flight options to make the most of your Whitsunday getaway!
