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Ultimate Scenic Flight with Beach Landing at Whitehaven and Aerial Views of Heart Reef
Tour Information
Tour Operator:
Airlie Beach Helicopters
Duration:
2.5 hours (1 hour flight time)
Departure Point:
Whitsunday Airport (Shute Harbour)
Phone:
0482 627 165
Beach Time:
1.5 hours on Whitehaven Beach
Group Size:
Maximum 3 guests per flight
Where This Tour Goes
Departure Point
Whitsunday Airport (Shute Harbour)
Beach Landing
Whitehaven Beach
Lookout Views
Hill Inlet
Great Barrier Reef
Heart Reef, Hardy Reef, Bait Reef
Islands
Whitsunday Island, Hamilton Island, Hook Island
Other Beaches
Chalkies Beach
Departure Location & How to Get There
Meeting Point
Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour
12 Air Whitsunday Road, Flametree
From Airlie Beach
10km from Airlie Beach (15 min drive)
Hotel Pickup
Free courtesy bus from accommodations in Airlie Beach area
Parking
Free parking available at Whitsunday Airport
About Helicopter Whitehaven and Heart Reef
Helicopter Whitehaven and Heart Reef is a premium scenic flight operated by Airlie Beach Helicopters, departing from Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour near Airlie Beach. The 2.5-hour tour visits Heart Reef and other spectacular reef systems on the Great Barrier Reef, with a landing on Whitehaven Beach at Whitsunday Island.
This is hands down the most spectacular way to see both the Whitsundays and the Reef in one trip. Airlie Beach Helicopters are family owned and operated, flying a 2023 Robinson R44 helicopter that takes a maximum of 3 guests. That means every seat is a window seat with unobstructed views, and your pilot can provide personalised commentary throughout the flight. The small group size makes this feel like a private charter rather than a commercial tour.
The tour is perfectly timed - you get a full hour of flight time seeing the iconic Heart Reef from above (the only way to see it, as it's protected), plus you land on Whitehaven Beach for 1.5 hours to swim, relax, and explore. Nibbles and cold drinks are included for your beach time. The combination of aerial reef views and beach landing makes this the ultimate Whitsundays bucket list experience.
What Guests Are Saying
"We had an amazing trip this week to see the Great Barrier Reef and land on stunning Whitehaven Beach. The personal helicopter ride was fantastic and our pilot Justin was just great. Spectacular flight out to the reef and then 90 mins to relax on the beach with a picnic and a couple of drinks. This has been the best experience of our trip so far and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Airlie Beach."
TripAdvisor
"After booking, the communication with Airlie Helicopters was first class. They arranged pick up from the hotel right on time. At the airfield Justin, the pilot went through safety procedures, took photos for us and got us ready to fly. We booked for just the two of us and it was a perfect experience. Justin provided an excellent commentary as we passed over some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. I cannot think of anything that could have improved the overall experience."
TripAdvisor
"We just completed a 2 week tour of Australia's east coast and this was by far the BEST TOUR we booked! The helicopter views of the GBR and beach experience were beyond our wildest dreams. Justin was a fantastic pilot and great tour guide. Loved every minute of this trip!"
Google Reviews
Good to know: Weight restrictions apply - combined passenger weight limited to 230kg. All passengers must be able to get in and out of the helicopter unassisted. Flights are subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled if unsafe flying conditions occur.
What's Included
Helicopter Flight
1 hour scenic flight time
Beach Time
1.5 hours on Whitehaven Beach
Refreshments
Nibbles and cold beverages
Hotel Transfers
Free pickup and drop-off
Safety Equipment
Life jackets and safety gear
Expert Pilot
Personalised commentary
Photo Opportunities
Spectacular aerial views
Landing Permits
All reef and park fees
The Experience
This helicopter tour combines the two most spectacular sights in tropical North Queensland - the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach - into one unforgettable experience. Flying by helicopter means you can see both in just 2.5 hours, versus full-day boat tours that only visit one or the other.
Your Itinerary
Hotel Pickup: Free courtesy bus collects you from your accommodation in Airlie Beach and brings you to Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour. You'll meet your pilot, get a safety briefing, and board the Robinson R44 helicopter - everyone gets a window seat.
The Flight Out: Lift off and fly east over Shute Harbour and past South Molle Island. You'll see Hamilton Island below as you head towards Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the Whitsundays. The pilot provides commentary about the islands and reefs you're passing over.
Whitehaven Beach Landing: Touch down on the pure white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach. You get 1.5 hours to swim in the crystal-clear water, walk along 7 kilometres of pristine beach, and relax with the included nibbles and cold drinks. The beach is genuinely as stunning as the photos - 98% pure silica sand that stays cool even in the summer heat.
Hill Inlet Flyover: Take off from Whitehaven and fly low over Hill Inlet to see those famous swirling white sands and turquoise water from above. This is one of the most photographed landscapes in Australia, and from the air it's absolutely mesmerising.
Great Barrier Reef: Head east past Border Island towards the outer Great Barrier Reef. You'll fly over Hardy Reef, past the deep channel called "The River", and see Bait Reef with its underwater caves and canyons. Then comes the highlight - Heart Reef, the naturally heart-shaped coral formation that's become one of the world's most iconic reef formations. Heart Reef is protected, so flying over it is the only way to see it.
Return Flight: Circle back towards the mainland, flying past Hook Island with views over Butterfly Bay and Stonehaven Bay. You might spot turtles, dolphins, or dugongs in the clear water below. Pass South Molle Island one more time before landing back at Shute Harbour, where the courtesy bus returns you to your accommodation.
Before You Book
Important Information
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Flights are weather dependent and may be rescheduled if conditions are unsafe. Airlie Beach Helicopters will contact you to confirm pickup time and weather conditions. Minimum 2 passengers required for flight to operate. Combined passenger weight must not exceed 230kg.
What to Bring
Swimwear (wear under clothes), towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and camera. A waterproof camera or phone case is ideal for beach time. The helicopter has open doors for photos, so secure loose items. Light, comfortable clothing is best - you'll be getting in and out of the helicopter on the beach.
Who Can Come
All ages welcome, though children must be able to sit securely with a lap-belt. Not suitable for pregnant women or anyone with severe back or neck issues. All passengers must be able to get in and out of the helicopter unassisted for safety reasons. If you're nervous about flying, the pilot is very experienced at putting guests at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you spend on Whitehaven Beach?
You get 1.5 hours on Whitehaven Beach with refreshments included.
Can you actually land on Heart Reef?
No, Heart Reef is protected, so viewing from the air is the only way to see it.
What if the weather is bad?
Flights may be rescheduled for safety, and you'll get a full refund or alternative date.
Is this tour suitable for people scared of flying?
The pilots are experienced at making nervous flyers comfortable, and reviews mention this specifically.
What other places does this helicopter tour fly over?
You'll see Hamilton Island, Hook Island, Hardy Reef, and Bait Reef.
More Scenic Flights & Helicopter Tours
If you're interested in seeing Whitehaven Beach or Heart Reef from the air, check out other scenic flights departing from Shute Harbour. For more adventures to Whitehaven Beach, explore our Whitehaven Beach tours, or see all day tours 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 the tours, walked every street, and know which operators genuinely deliver on their promises.
Airlie Beach Helicopters is family owned and operated, and they've built an exceptional reputation for safety, professionalism, and creating unforgettable experiences. Their perfect 5.0 rating across both TripAdvisor and Google Reviews speaks volumes. The pilots genuinely love what they do, and it shows in every flight.
The recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make your Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
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