Zoom Helicopters 20 Minute Rainforest Scenic

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A 20 minute helicopter flight from Cairns into the Wet Tropics World Heritage region, through the Barron Gorge, over Barron Falls and around the village of Kuranda.

Days

20 minutes

Group size

Private

Start / finish

Cairns Airport, General Aviation / Cairns Airport, General Aviation

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Helicopter; make your own way to the airport

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Zoom Helicopters 20 Minute Rainforest Scenic

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Included experiences

Barron Gorge and Barron Falls — from the air
Skyrail rainforest cableway — flown past
Kuranda — circle the village
Great Dividing Range — eastern slopes

Zoom Helicopters 20 Minute Rainforest Scenic

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN AND TAKE-OFF

Meet at the Zoom Helicopters base in the general aviation area at Cairns Airport at the check-in time on your booking, for weighing and the safety briefing. Then you're up, climbing over Cairns, which sits on the flat land south of the mouth of the Barron River, and heading for the mountains past Lumley Hill and the Redlynch valley at the foot of the range. The whole flight is about 45 km, at up to 2,500 feet.

STONEY CREEK AND THE BARRON GORGE

The helicopter passes Stoney Creek Falls, where the Kuranda Scenic Railway, finished in 1891, crosses a curved trestle bridge right beside the water. Then it tracks up the Barron Gorge, which the river cut through the Great Dividing Range, and over Barron Falls. The Barron rises on the tablelands and runs 65 km to the falls, which drop 850 feet and are fullest in the wet season, December to April. You'll pass the Skyrail cableway where it spans the river; it opened in 1995 and runs 7.5 km over the treetops.

KURANDA AND THE RETURN

You circle Kuranda, the rainforest village at the top of the railway and Skyrail, with the volcanic tablelands stretching inland beyond it. This is the Wet Tropics, World Heritage-listed since 1988 and among the oldest rainforest on earth. Then the helicopter turns for the coast and descends over the eastern slopes of the range, with Cairns below and the Coral Sea reaching out toward the reef, before landing back at the airport 20 minutes after take-off.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Zoom Helicopters, 21 Bush Pilots Avenue, General Aviation, Cairns Airport, at the check-in time in your booking confirmation.
Please note: Minimum of 2 passengers. Give accurate passenger weights at booking; the maximum single seat weight is 130 kg. Weights more than 10% over those advised may incur extra charges or reduced luggage, and Zoom Helicopters may refuse travel with a 100% cancellation fee.

What to bring

Sunglasses and sunscreen
Camera
Small soft bags only; personal items no more than 10 kg

What is included

20 minute scenic helicopter flight

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.