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Fly above the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands with guaranteed window seats for everyone
Flight Information
Operator:
Fly Australia Charters (FlyAus)
Duration:
60 minutes
Departure Point:
Whitsunday Airport, Flametree
Phone:
1300 320 330
Departure Times:
8am, 9am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm
Group Size:
Maximum 5-13 passengers
Where This Flight Goes
Departure Point
Whitsunday Airport, Flametree
Beaches
Whitehaven Beach
Great Barrier Reef
Heart Reef, Hardy Reef, Bait Reef
Lookouts
Hill Inlet (aerial view)
Marine Park
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Departure Location & How to Get There
Meeting Point
Whitsunday Airport Terminal, 12 Air Whitsunday Road, Flametree
From Airlie Beach
5 minutes drive from Airlie Beach town centre
Hotel Pickup
Free courtesy transfers from most Airlie Beach accommodations
Parking
Free parking available at the airport
About Fly Australia Scenic Flights
Fly Australia Scenic Flights is a one-hour aerial tour operated by Fly Australia Charters, departing from Whitsunday Airport in Flametree, just 5 minutes from Airlie Beach. The 60-minute flight soars over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the iconic Heart Reef in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, giving you an unforgettable bird's-eye view of one of the world's natural wonders.
Every passenger is guaranteed a window seat - that's right, everyone gets unobstructed views. The small aircraft hold between 5 and 13 passengers depending on the plane, making this an intimate experience compared to larger tour groups. You'll wear headsets throughout the flight so your pilot can point out landmarks, islands, and marine life as you fly over.
Fly Australia Charters has an impeccable safety record and operates with full certification from both the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The pilots are experienced, professional, and genuinely passionate about the region - their enthusiasm is contagious and they make sure to fly past key spots like Heart Reef twice so both sides of the plane get perfect photo opportunities.
What Guests Are Saying
"Both travelling solo, we became best friends at the hostel and absolutely had to do the scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. What a crazy experience - tears were shed out of pure emotion and bliss, feeling entirely connected to Mother Nature. Absolutely breathtaking views, a memory we'll never forget. We spent around $300 each and will never look back on it. Leaving the Whitsundays without doing this would be an absolute crime! Best experience of both our lives so far!"
TripAdvisor
"The flight was smooth, the views were breathtaking, and the service was top-notch. Special shoutout to our pilot Matt who was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. He made the entire experience even more enjoyable with his expertise and enthusiasm. Our flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef was truly unforgettable. He even let our girls sit in the pilot seat for photos, which was a highlight!"
TripAdvisor
"What a once in a lifetime experience - right from the start our pilot Anthony put us at ease and regularly checked all was OK during the flight. The commentary was just right and not constant throughout the trip. We flew over some islands and at the midpoint spotted a couple of whales. The reef itself was amazing - we completed two laps around Heart Reef, left and right, to ensure everyone got photos. The Whitsunday Islands were stunning. 100% recommend this even if you're concerned about flying - the rewards of what you're seeing outweigh any worries!"
Google Reviews
Heads up: Like any small aircraft flight, there can be some turbulence and bumps, especially on windier days. If you're prone to motion sickness, take travel tablets beforehand. The flight is smooth most of the time, but you might experience a few bumps - nothing too dramatic, just part of flying in a small plane.
What's Included
Headset & Commentary
In-flight commentary from pilot
Window Seat Guarantee
Every passenger gets a window
Hotel Transfers
Free pickup and drop-off
Passenger Lounge Access
WiFi, bottled water, cafe, charging
Unlimited Photo Opportunities
Multiple passes over Heart Reef
All Permits & Fees
Marine park fees included
The Experience
A scenic flight with Fly Australia is the best way to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. From the air, you'll understand why this region is considered one of the most spectacular places on Earth - the vibrant blues and greens of the reef, the pure white sand of Whitehaven Beach, and the dense green rainforest covering the islands create a visual feast that's impossible to capture from sea level.
Your Itinerary
Pre-Flight: Free courtesy bus collects you from your Airlie Beach accommodation about 40 minutes before your flight time. You'll arrive at Whitsunday Airport's Fly Australia terminal where you'll check in and get a safety briefing. The passenger lounge has WiFi, air conditioning, charging ports, and a cafe if you want a coffee before departure.
Takeoff: Board the small aircraft (either 5 or 13 passengers depending on the plane) and settle into your guaranteed window seat. Your pilot will provide a final safety briefing, then you're wheels up! The plane climbs quickly and within minutes you're soaring above the crystal-clear waters.
Whitsunday Islands: You'll fly over multiple islands in the Whitsundays group, including Hamilton Island, Hook Island, Hayman Island, and Daydream Island. Your pilot points out resorts, secluded bays, and camping spots via the headset system, giving you fascinating context about the area.
Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet: The plane flies the entire 7-kilometre length of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. From above, the pure white silica sand creates an incredible contrast against the turquoise water. At the northern end, you'll see Hill Inlet where the swirling sands create those famous patterns - this view is spectacular and completely different from what you'd see from the ground lookout.
Great Barrier Reef: The plane heads out to the outer reef sections including Hardy Reef, Bait Reef, and Hook Reef. From this height, you can see the coral formations creating different shades in the water - light aqua over sand, deep blue in channels, and darker patches where the coral is thickest. Keep your eyes peeled for marine life - turtles, rays, reef sharks, and during winter months (June to September), migrating humpback whales.
Heart Reef: The highlight for most passengers is seeing Heart Reef - a naturally formed heart-shaped coral formation that's become one of the most photographed spots in Australia. Your pilot makes two passes (one on each side) so every passenger gets the perfect photo opportunity. Despite being only 17 metres wide, it's unmistakable from the air.
Return Flight: The journey back to Whitsunday Airport gives you another chance to soak in the stunning aerial views. The whole experience is about 60 minutes wheels-up to wheels-down, with every minute packed with incredible scenery. After landing, the courtesy bus returns you to your accommodation in Airlie Beach.
Before You Book
Important Information
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Flights are weather dependent - if the pilot deems conditions unsafe, you'll be offered a reschedule or full refund. Fly Australia will contact you approximately one hour before departure if weather is questionable. Remember to arrange your hotel pickup when booking - pickups occur 40 minutes before flight time.
What to Bring
Camera or phone for photos, sunglasses (the glare can be intense through the windows), and comfortable clothing. Enclosed footwear is required. If you're prone to motion sickness, take travel tablets before the flight. Don't bring large bags - storage space is limited in small aircraft. The pilot takes photos during the flight which you can purchase afterwards if you'd like professional shots.
Who Can Come
This flight is suitable for all ages from babies to seniors. However, due to aircraft weight and balance requirements, the maximum passenger weight is 130kg. Pregnant women should seek medical advice before flying. The aircraft has proper seat belts and the experience is generally smooth, though you may experience some turbulence. If you have concerns about flying, the pilots are experienced at putting nervous flyers at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really get a guaranteed window seat?
Yes, every single passenger gets their own window seat with unobstructed views.
Can you see Heart Reef on cloudy days?
The plane flies under the clouds when necessary, so you'll still see the reef and islands even on overcast days.
What islands do you fly over?
You'll see Whitsunday Island, Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Hook Island, and many others in the 74-island group.
Is the flight suitable for young children?
Yes, families with children of all ages are welcome and the pilots are excellent with kids.
When is the best time to see whales from the air?
Humpback whales migrate through the Whitsundays between June and September - book during these months for the best chance of spotting them.
More Great Barrier Reef & Island Experiences
If you loved seeing the reef and islands from above, you might also enjoy experiencing them at sea level. Check out Great Barrier Reef tours for snorkelling and diving adventures, or visit Whitehaven Beach with one of the many boat tours. For more aerial adventures, explore all scenic flights from Airlie Beach.
Why Trust This Guide?
We're Airlie Beach locals who've called the Whitsundays home since 2001. Over more than two decades living and working in this stunning corner of tropical North Queensland, we've personally experienced countless tours, walked every street, and know which operators genuinely deliver on their promises.
Fly Australia Charters operates under full Civil Aviation Safety Authority certification and holds permits from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The company has an impeccable safety record and consistently receives exceptional reviews from passengers. The pilots are experienced, professional, and truly passionate about showing visitors the natural beauty of the region.
The recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make your Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
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