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Scenic flights in Cairns 2021

A handy guide to seeing the great Barrier Reef from above, for less.

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip

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The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. To really get a feel for its sheer scale, you need to see it from the air.

Flight options from Cairns include quick 30-minute flights with insightful commentary to experiences that combine flying with cruising and snorkelling and last a whole day.

Here are a few of the top options.

Compare scenic flights in Cairns
Our picks of the best scenic flights in Cairns
Get the latest scenic flight deals

Deals on scenic flights in Cairns and over the Great Barrier Reef

RedBalloonRedBalloon
Exclusive

Extra $10 off site-wide with code

Valid on all dates, including over Christmas, on activities like skydiving, quad biking, bridge climbing, canyoning, hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flights, abseiling, scuba diving, cruises, high tea and more. Destinations include Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart and more. Minimum spend of $80 required. T&Cs apply.

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RedBalloonRedBalloon
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Extra 10% off Australia activities with code

Valid on all dates on activities like skydiving, bridge climbing, canyoning, hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flights, abseiling, cruises, tours, high tea and more. Minimum spend of $100 applies. Destinations include Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.

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RedBalloonRedBalloon
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Northern Territory activities from $36 + and extra $10 off off with code

Available on select dates and experiences like sightseeing tours, zoo and wildlife experience, spas, sailings, hot air balloon flights, scenic flights and much more. Minimum spend of $80 applies. T&Cs apply.

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AdrenalineAdrenaline

Up to 33% off things to do in the Gold Coast

Available on select dates for activities like driving experiences, hot air balloon flights, helicopter scenic flights, jet ski and boat rides, skydives and more. T&Cs apply.

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AdrenalineAdrenaline

Up to 37% off flying experiences

Available on select dates and for experiences like hot air balloon flights, helicopter scenic flights, skydives, flying lessons and more. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Hunter Valley, Great Ocean Road, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.

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AdrenalineAdrenaline

Up to 85% off things to do in Perth

Available for activities like sightseeing tours, attraction passes, tandem skydives, helicopter scenic flights, kid's soccer trainings and more. T&Cs apply.

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RedBalloonRedBalloon
Exclusive

Rottnest Island activities from $79 + Extra 10% off with code

Available on select dates and activities such as sightseeing cruises, scenic flights, getaways, tours and more. Minimum spend of $100 applies. T&Cs apply.

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RedBalloonRedBalloon
Exclusive

Up to 31% off flying experiences + Extra 10% off with code

Available on select travel dates in Whitsundays, Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hunter Valley, Sydney and more. Activities include hot air ballooning, skydiving, helicopter scenic flights and more. Minimum spend of $100 applies. T&Cs apply.

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Who offers scenic flights in the Great Barrier Reef?

  • GSL Aviation: Flies to Great Barrier Reef and Port Douglas
  • Daintree Air Services: Flies to Great Barrier Reef and Lizard Island

Our top picks:

Best for price: 30-Minute Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight from Cairns

Best for price: 30-Minute Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight from Cairns from Viator

Highlights:

  • Spend half an hour in the sky for just $160.
  • Get a bird’s eye view of Upolu Cay, Arlington Reef, and False Cape.
  • Swoop over the northern beaches.
  • Count on your own window seat.
View details
Best for value: Scenic Plane Flight and Green Island Package

Best for value: Scenic Plane Flight and Green Island Package from Experience Oz

Highlights:

  • Soar over the Great Barrier Reef for 40 minutes and cruise to Green Island for $289.
  • Listen to the in-flight commentary as you fly.
  • Land and then board a catamaran to Green Island.
  • Spend four hours on the island exploring and relaxing.
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Best for experience length: Port Douglas and Reef Scenic Flight

Best for experience length: Port Douglas and Reef Scenic Flight from RedBalloon

Highlights:

  • Spend 1 hour in the air.
  • Listen to the in-flight commentary.
  • See Arlington Island, Upolu Reef, Batt Reef, Tongue Reef, Port Douglas and Palm Cove from above.
  • Relax in your guaranteed window seat.
View details

Scenic flight companies in Cairns compared

CompanyBook withPriceLocationDurationExtras/Inclusions
GSL AviationRedBalloon$259Cairns Airport60 minutesHotel transfers
Scenic Reef HopperExperience Oz$289Cairns, Great Barrier Reef40 minute flight, plus Green Island cruiseHotel transfers, buffet lunch
Daintree Air Services Viator$160Great Barrier Reef30 minutesHotel transfers

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