Zoom Helicopters Zoom Around Cairns 10-Minute Helicopter Flight

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A 10-minute helicopter flight that loops around Cairns at about 1,000 feet, over Marlin Marina, Trinity Inlet and the rainforest edge of the city. It is the shortest way to see Cairns from the air, and a good first flight for anyone unsure about helicopters.

Days

10 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

Map of Zoom Helicopters Zoom around Cairns

View map

Included experiences

Cairns city — circle the CBD and Marlin Marina
Trinity Inlet — see the inlet and Admiralty Island from above
Redlynch Valley — fly over Lumley Hill and the valley
Stoney Creek — rainforest slopes of the Great Dividing Range

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN AND LIFT-OFF

Check in at Zoom's base at Cairns Airport about 20 minutes before your flight. You're weighed, briefed on safety and shown to your seat, usually by a window. Then the helicopter lifts straight up, which many first-time flyers find easier than a plane's rush down a runway, and climbs to about 1,000 feet. Below you, Cairns, founded in 1876, opens out between the Coral Sea and the rainforest-covered ranges. It's a ten-minute flight, so have your camera ready from the start.

THE CITY, THE MARINA AND TRINITY INLET

First the pilot circles the city centre. Marlin Marina on the waterfront is where most of the reef boats leave from each morning, and from above you can pick out the long jetties and white hulls. Beside it, Trinity Inlet winds inland through mangroves. It takes its name from Trinity Bay, which James Cook named on Trinity Sunday in June 1770. In the middle of the inlet lies Admiralty Island, a low green sweep of mangrove forest with channels running through it, and the pilot's commentary picks out the landmarks as you go.

THE RAINFOREST EDGE: REDLYNCH VALLEY AND STONEY CREEK

Then the helicopter swings inland over Lumley Hill to the Redlynch Valley, where the suburbs give way to rainforest. At the head of the valley, Freshwater Creek runs through Crystal Cascades, the locals' favourite swimming hole. Further on is Stoney Creek, where the Kuranda Scenic Railway crosses the falls on a curved trestle bridge built in 1890. Behind it all rise the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, cloaked in rainforest that is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The pilot turns for home, and in about 30 km you're back on the ground at the airport.

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: 10 minutes in the air, about 30 km at around 1,000 feet. Allow 30 to 40 minutes 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.

What to bring

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

What is included

10-minute scenic helicopter flight over Cairns
Pilot commentary
Safety briefing
Fuel surcharge

Not included

Transfers to and from the airport

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.