Ocean Rafting 60 Min Scenic Flight – Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, GBR and Heart Reef

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A 60 minute scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef, including Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

Days

1.5 hours, including a 60 minute flight

Group size

Small group, 4 to 7

Start / finish

Airlie Beach / Airlie Beach

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Courtesy bus from Airlie Beach to Whitsunday Airport, then a fixed wing aircraft with pilot commentary

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Ocean Rafting 60 Min Scenic Flight – Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, GBR and Heart Reef

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Included experiences

Heart Reef — scenic flight over the reef
Whitehaven Beach — aerial views
Hill Inlet — aerial views
Whitsunday Islands — flight over the islands
Great Barrier Reef — views from the window seat

Ocean Rafting 60 Min Scenic Flight | Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, GBR and Heart Reef

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

PICK-UP AND WHITSUNDAY AIRPORT

A courtesy bus collects you in Airlie Beach for the short run to Whitsunday Airport at Flame Tree, just 8 minutes from the main street. It's a small, relaxed airfield with an air-conditioned lounge, a water station, charging points and the Hangar Cafe & Bar, where you can pre-order breakfast before you fly and eat it outside when you land. Flights leave through the day, from early morning to mid-afternoon, in small groups of four to seven, and every seat is a window seat. Your pilot runs through the flight before you board. Bring sunglasses: the glare off white sand and shallow water is strong from above.

OVER THE ISLANDS AND WHITEHAVEN BEACH

Once you're airborne, the Whitsunday Islands open out below, 74 of them, the peaks of a coastal range the sea flooded at the end of the last ice age. Your pilot talks you through the view. You pass over Whitsunday Island, the largest of the group at about 109 square kilometres, and along Whitehaven Beach, 7 km of sand that is about 98 percent pure silica. At its northern end, Hill Inlet is where the tide drags sand and water into swirls of white, turquoise and deep blue that shift with every tide. From the air you see the whole pattern at once, which no lookout on the ground can give you.

OUT TO THE REEF AND HEART REEF

Next the plane heads out over open water to the Great Barrier Reef, which runs about 2,300 km down the Queensland coast. From up here the reefs show as pale shapes in the deep blue, cut by channels where the tide pours through. The moment everyone waits for is Heart Reef, a small coral formation shaped almost perfectly like a heart and only about 17 metres across. It is protected, so nobody snorkels or dives it, and the air is the way to see it. Have your camera ready, and shoot at a slight angle through the glass to cut down reflections.

BACK TO AIRLIE BEACH

After 60 minutes in the air you land back at Whitsunday Airport. If you ordered breakfast at the Hangar, it's waiting for you. The courtesy bus takes you back to Airlie Beach, and the whole outing takes about an hour and a half, so the rest of the day is free. Many people fly early in their stay, because once you've seen the islands from above it's easier to choose which beaches and reefs to visit by boat.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Courtesy pick-up from Airlie Beach only, to Whitsunday Airport. Flights depart from the mainland and are not available for guests of Long Island, Hamilton Island, Hayman Island or Daydream Island.
Departure time: Daily flights at 7am, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm, each returning an hour later. Times are confirmed with your booking.
Please note: Full names and exact weights for each passenger must be given when booking because of flight weight limits. Flights are run by Whitsunday Tiger Moth Adventures (WAVEAir) and Whitsunday Air Services, CASA-certified carriers.

What to bring

Camera
Sunglasses
Refillable water bottle

What is included

60 minute reef and island scenic flight
Guaranteed window seat
Pilot commentary
Courtesy bus transfers from Airlie Beach
Airport lounge with air-conditioning, charging station and water bubbler

Not included

Fuel or aviation fuel surcharge, if applied — payable at the check-in desk before departure
Food and drinks at the Hangar Cafe & Bar

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.