Reef Wings Whitsunday Islands 70 min Scenic Flight

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Seventy minutes in the air over Whitehaven Beach, the swirls of Hill Inlet, Heart Reef and the outer Great Barrier Reef, in a high-wing plane where every seat is a window seat. Door-to-door transfers from Airlie Beach are included.

Days

70 minute flight, about half a day

Age

3 years and over

Group size

Shared scenic flight

Start / finish

Airlie Beach / Laguna Quays airstrip / Airlie Beach

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Return transfer from Airlie Beach and a GA8 Airvan plane

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Reef Wings Whitsunday Islands 70 min Scenic Flight

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Included experiences

Heart Reef — the heart-shaped reef from the air
Hill Inlet — swirling sand and water patterns
Whitehaven Beach — white silica sand from above
Great Barrier Reef — outer reef formations
Whitsunday Islands — islands and bays below

Reef Wings Whitsunday Islands 70 min Scenic Flight

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

TO THE AIRSTRIP AT LAGUNA QUAYS

A free transfer collects you from your accommodation in Airlie Beach and heads about 40 minutes south to the airstrip at Laguna Quays, on Kunapipi Road. Bring photo ID for check-in. Your plane is a GA8 Airvan, an eight-seat aircraft designed and built in Victoria's Latrobe Valley. Its wing sits on top of the cabin, so nothing blocks the view down, and every seat is a window seat. Choose your side, have your camera ready and settle in.

OVER THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

The plane heads north up the coast towards the Whitsunday Islands, a group of 74 islands named after the passage Captain Cook sailed through in 1770. From the air you see the forested hills, rocky headlands and empty bays that are hard to reach by boat. Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, the largest in the group, runs for about 7 km and its sand is almost pure silica, so fine and white it stays cool underfoot. At the north end, Hill Inlet is where the tide swirls white sand and blue water into patterns that change every hour.

OUT TO HEART REEF AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Then the plane crosses open water to the outer Great Barrier Reef. From above you see what you can't from a boat: the reefs as shapes, lagoons ringed with coral, and channels of deep blue between them. The highlight is Heart Reef, a small coral formation in the shape of a heart on Hardy Reef, spotted by a local pilot in 1975. It is protected, so seeing it from the air is the only way to see it at all.

BACK TO AIRLIE BEACH

After about 70 minutes in the air the plane lands back at Laguna Quays, and the transfer takes you to your accommodation in Airlie Beach. With the drive each way, the trip takes about half a day, so leave room for the rest of your plans.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from your Airlie Beach accommodation. The flight leaves from Laguna Quays airstrip, 253 Kunapipi Road, about 40 minutes south of Airlie Beach.
Departure time: You choose a session when booking and get a check-in time; departure can shift on the day, so plan for at least a half-day outing.
Duration: 70 minutes in the air; about half a day with transfers.
Minimum age: 3 years. Every passenger, including small children, needs their own seat and ticket.
Fitness: No fitness needed. Maximum passenger weight is 120 kg.
Please note: Flights go only when the forecast suits. From December to April the weather is less predictable, and cloud that wasn't forecast can hide parts of the route.

What to bring

Sunglasses
Camera or phone
Comfortable clothes
Government-issued photo ID

What is included

70-minute scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef
Guaranteed window seat for every passenger
Door-to-door return transfers from Airlie Beach accommodation
Experienced professional pilot
Marine Park fees and GST

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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.