Zoom Helicopters The Grand Tour

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The longest of Zoom's reef and rainforest flights: 90 minutes and about 300 km from Cairns out over the reefs and sand cays of the Great Barrier Reef, then back across the coast and up over the rainforest lakes and waterfalls of the ranges. It takes in both of the region's World Heritage areas in one flight, climbing as high as 3,000 feet.

Days

90 minutes

Age

All ages; under 2 on a parent's lap

Group size

Shared flight

Start / finish

Cairns Airport / Cairns Airport

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Helicopter from Cairns Airport

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

View map

Included experiences

Fitzroy Island — fly past on the way to Sudbury Reef
Moore Reef — see the outer reef from above
Arlington Reef — cross one of the largest reefs in the Marine Park
Vlasoff and Upolu cays — fly over the sand cays
Lake Morris and Crystal Cascades — rainforest lake, dam and falls
Barron Falls and Kuranda — waterfall and rainforest village

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN AT CAIRNS AIRPORT

The longest of the Zoom flights starts at its base in the general aviation area at Cairns Airport. Arrive at least 20 minutes early for weighing and the safety briefing, and you'll wear a life jacket over the water. Over 90 minutes and about 300 km, at 500 to 3,000 feet, you see both of the region's World Heritage areas: the Great Barrier Reef, listed in 1981, and the Wet Tropics rainforest, listed in 1988. In poor weather some parts of the route may be out of reach, and your pilot decides the line on the day.

SOUTH TO FITZROY ISLAND AND THE OUTER REEF

The helicopter heads out past Cape Grafton, named by James Cook in 1770, Mission Bay and False Cape, where Second World War defences still sit on the hillside, with Green Island off to the left. It carries on south past Fitzroy Island, home to a turtle rehabilitation centre that nurses sick and injured sea turtles, to Sudbury Reef and its small sand cay. Then it turns north with the Outer Reef in view and Moore Reef below, where the big reef day boats tie up to their pontoons.

ARLINGTON REEF AND THE SAND CAYS

Still heading north, you cross Arlington Reef, one of the largest reefs in the northern Marine Park, and reach the sand cays. Vlasoff Cay shrinks to a few square metres at high tide; Upolu Cay is where day boats anchor for snorkelling. On the way look back for Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay with its own rainforest. The helicopter then crosses to the mainland over the northern beaches, Palm Cove, lined with old paperbark trees, and Double Island, a privately owned island just offshore.

LAKES, FALLS AND THE DESCENT

The second half is rainforest. You climb to Lake Morris, the reservoir that holds Cairns' drinking water, pass over Copperlode Dam, follow the range and drop down over Crystal Cascades, a chain of rock pools on Freshwater Creek. Then come Barron Falls, fullest in the wet season from December to April, and Kuranda, the rainforest village at the top of a railway finished in 1891. Finally the helicopter turns east and descends over Cairns, with the reef you flew over earlier showing on the horizon.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Zoom Helicopters, Building 21, Bush Pilots Avenue, General Aviation, Cairns Airport (Aeroglen). Transfers are not included, so make your own way there; spare bags can be left at the office.
Departure time: Set when you book. Check in at least 20 minutes before your flight for weighing and the safety briefing.
Duration: 90 minutes in the air, about 300 km, at 500 to 3,000 feet. Allow about two hours with check-in.
Minimum age: No minimum. Under-2s fly on a parent's lap with an infant belt (one per helicopter); from age 2 every child needs their own seat, and children up to 13 must fly with an adult. Prams, capsules and child seats cannot go in the helicopter.
Please note: Every passenger and their bag is weighed at check-in, so give accurate weights when you book. The heaviest a single seat can take is 130 kg, and being more than 10% over the weight you gave can mean extra charges, less luggage or not flying. Each flight needs at least two passengers, and the pilot sets seating for balance. Pregnant passengers fly at their own discretion. If you need help getting in, say so when you book, as staff cannot lift passengers. In poor weather some parts of the route may not be flyable; if so, a change of date or time can be arranged when you book.

What to bring

Sunglasses and sunscreen
Camera
One small soft bag per person at most

What is included

90-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef and rainforest
Pilot commentary
Safety briefing and life jacket
Fuel surcharge

Not included

Transfers to and from the airport
Landings (this flight stays in the air)

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.