Of all the ways to see Australia’s remarkable Great Barrier Reef, possibly the best way to get an overall perspective of this enormous living organism is by helicopter. And fortunately, there are numerous Great Barrier Reef helicopter tours in the region.
Excursions include half-day and full-day tours, which head out to areas such as Green Island. Located approximately 27km offshore, Green Island is around 15 hectares in size, and contains virgin rainforest which meets the translucent waters of the Coral Sea.
Tours fly visitors out to the island before dropping them off for lunch, swimming and reef snorkelling experiences. Here you can choose to return to Cairns (providing you want to!) by catamaran or helicopter. Other options include continuing by helicopter towards an outer reef pontoon, where you can enjoy a hot lunch while getting a close look at reef life from the underwater observatory.
Great Barrier Reef helicopter travel is not only a unique way to see the reef, it’s also the fastest, so you can have added time in the morning to relax, plan a massage or take in a romantic dinner upon return. Great Barrier Reef helicopter tours pickup and drop-off at Thala Beach Lodge.
If you’re really pressed for time, or you’re wanting to pack in as much as possible, there’s also 30 minute and 60 minute scenic flights. Tours going for 30 minutes typically include flights over areas such as Green Island, Arlington Reef and Vlasoff and Upolu sand cays. Here a camera is a must, as you will witness some of the most striking scenery earth has on offer.
Sixty minute tours typically include the above, with the addition of Stoney Creek Falls, Barron Waterfall, Barron Gorge and Kuranda in Cairns’ luscious tropical hinterland. Many tours also include gourmet meals and regular snorkel stops at any one of the coral island cays or pristine reefs.
There’s also Great Barrier Reef helicopter tours that will land on a catamaran in the outer reef, where luxury accommodation, lunch, snorkel and dive options await. Here a camera, sunscreen and swimwear are a must.
Contact Thala Beach Lodge for further information on Great Barrier Reef helicopter tour pickups and drop-offs from in and around Port Douglas.