Palm Island Helicopter Flight: 60-Minute Scenic Tour

The fringing reefs around Palm Island show best from the air, where the whole archipelago spreads below you.

A 60-minute helicopter flight from Townsville that circles Palm Island and its surrounding reefs, with views of Magnetic Island, the Strand and Castle Hill on the route. Check in 30 minutes before departure for a pre-flight briefing. A live guide provides commentary throughout. Infants under 3 can sit on a parent's lap at no charge. Children 3 and older require their own seat at full price. All flights operate on a shared basis unless chartered separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic helicopter flight over islands

• Check-in and pre-departure briefing
• Board the helicopter
• Fly out to Magnetic Island
• Fly over the Strand
• Fly over Castle Hill
• Circle Palm Island coastline
• Return flight to Townsville

The experience

The flight departs from Townsville and heads first toward Magnetic Island, giving you the lay of the coast before tracking out toward the Coral Sea. From there you follow the trail of small islands leading to Palm Island itself. The route is built around what the archipelago looks like from above: the size of Palm Island and the pattern of the reefs that fringe it are things the ground never shows you, and the helicopter is the only way to see them whole.

Once you circle Palm Island's rugged coastline, the fringing reefs that make it one of the most prized assets of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park come into view. The return flight brings you back over Townsville's city and port districts, passing over the Strand and Castle Hill so you see how they sit in relation to the water and the wider landscape. A live guide provides informative commentary throughout the 60 minutes, so you know what you're looking at as it passes below.

Check-in happens 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, when you'll get a pre-flight briefing before boarding. The flight operates on a shared basis, so you'll be flying with other passengers. Weather, air traffic control and pilot discretion can affect the route, and the operator notes that aircraft substitutions are possible depending on availability.

What’s included

• 60-minute scenic helicopter flight.
• live guide commentary in English.
• Australian Goods and Services Tax.
• fuel surcharge.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (4 to 90 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Nautilus Aviation

Is this one for you?Book this flight if you want to see the full scale of Palm Island's fringing reefs and how the archipelago sits in the Coral Sea: a perspective that only the air gives you. The shared flight keeps the price accessible. If you prefer to fly alone, the operator can arrange a private charter.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4): free.

How does the helicopter route work? What do I see first?

The flight starts by heading toward Magnetic Island for views of the coast, then tracks toward the Coral Sea and follows the trail of small islands out to Palm Island itself. On the return, you pass over the Strand and Castle Hill before heading back to Townsville.

Can my infant travel on this flight?

Children under 3 years old can travel free when seated on a parent's or guardian's lap, subject to conditions. Children 3 years and older are required to have their own seat and pay the full ticket price. If you're booking more than one infant, contact the reservations team about what conditions apply.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my flight?

Weather is one of the factors that can affect the flight, along with air traffic control and pilot discretion. The operator will work with you if conditions change, and the reservations team confirms availability after your booking is received.

Is this a private flight or will I be flying with other people?

All scenic flights operate on a shared basis unless you charter the helicopter privately. You'll be flying with other passengers on a standard booking.

What should I know about weight and baggage on the helicopter?

Individual passenger weight and carry-on luggage must be declared at booking. The maximum single-seat payload is 130kg. Passengers exceeding this weight are required to purchase an additional seat at 50% of the ticket price, payable to the operator on the day of travel. Weight variances greater than 10% above what you declared may incur an additional fee.