Top Australia In the Air

Sometimes driving through a small part of the Australian Outback isn’t enough. See the desert from above on a morning hot-air balloon ride. This tour from Alice Springs gets you up in the air near dawn for a scenic ride. Spot wildlife, including the elusive Red Kangaroo, from above, take in views of the landscape, and enjoy sparkling wine afterward.

Experience the thrills of parasailing while on the Gold Coast of Australia. First, you’ll receive a short safety training before being outfitted with a harness. Then, soar high above the Gold Coast, up to 400 feet (122 meters) high, and take in aerial views of the coastline. This is available for solo travelers or with one or two partners. Allow approximately 90 minutes for the full experience including briefing and flight time.

Enjoy aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef on a scenic flight from Cairns. With window seats guaranteed, this flight features informative commentary from your pilot as you fly over the city of Cairns, then head out over the turquoise sea to Green Island and Palm Cove. Pass over Arlington Reef, Upolu Reef, Double Island and North Queensland’s coast before heading back to the mainland. Your flight also includes a free transfer courtesy bus from your centrally located accommodations in Cairns.

Combine two popular Australia destinations in one day: the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. Following a scenic flight by fixed-wing aircraft, embark on an ocean rafting adventure to Whitehaven Beach. The bird’s-eye views, including Heart Reef, are unparalleled. A buffet lunch and snorkeling on the coral reef are included. Opt for more beach time with the Southern Lights tour or extra snorkeling with the Northern Exposure itinerary.

Enjoy sweeping views of Sydney Harbour during a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight over Sydney. If you’re short on time in the city or just want to see a lot in one go, take to the skies for a quick flight with stunning panoramic views. Check off Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Sydney Harbour Bridge without having to walk anywhere or struggle through the crowds.

Get an enchanting new perspective on Melbourne aboard a hot-air balloon flight over the city at sunrise. Soar over modern skyscrapers, urban parks, famous sporting arenas, and the Yarra River as early morning light bathes the skyline in a rosy glow. After your unforgettable flight, toast the new day with an optional buffet breakfast.

Fly over the Great Barrier Reef on this 40 minute helicopter flight, where your pilot/guide will give you a commentary about the landscape and sea you’re flying over. You’ll get to the edge of the reef where the water is over 1000 feet deep. You’ll also pass Vlasoff Cay, Green Island, and Arlington Reef. Learn about what lives in the water below from your pilot while you take incredible photos.

Looking for an unforgettable morning that fits into your schedule and your dreams? Ballooning, Bubbles & Go is your premium express escape into the skies. Operated by Australia’s most experienced balloon operator Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast, this early morning express adventure brings you the thrill of hot air ballooning with a touch of elegance. Start your morning with convenient hotel pickup before floating high above the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland. Take in sweeping views of rolling hills, stunning countryside and spot wildlife from the serenity of your hot air balloon basket. It’s a moment of peace, beauty, and exhilaration that will stay with you forever. After landing, celebrate in style with a sparkling wine toast and receive a commemorative flight certificate to mark the experience. Plus, you’ll take home a Premium Digital Photo Pack valued at $130, capturing your airborne adventure in high resolution.

Watch the golden rays illuminate the countryside on this sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Avon Valley near Perth. Starting from Northam, this ballooning and breakfast experience includes a relaxing and memorable flight through the sky and a delicious post-ballooning breakfast. While you’re in the air, your friendly pilot will also give you the chance to lend a hand—if you wish—and will join you for coffee and questions afterwards.

Discover the natural wonders of Purnululu National Park in the Kimberley region of Western Australia on a scenic flight from Kununurra. You'll fly over sights such as the Bungle Bungle Range, Ord River, and Lake Argyle, and then land inside the park to explore on the ground. Take a 1.8-mile (3-km) walk with a guide to see Cathedral Gorge and the beehive-shaped structures along the Domes Walk.

Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is widely considered among Australia’s most impressive natural attractions—but it’s difficult to feel its size and scale from ground level. On this tour, begin with pickup at your Ayers Rock Resort hotel and take to the skies by helicopter with your guide. Soar high over Uluru and nearby Kata Tjuta, and capture uninterrupted views over the 500 million year-old formations on camera.

If you’ve already seen Broome from ground level, get an entirely different view of the landscape on a helicopter ride. Marvel at the long stretch of white sand that is the famed Cable Beach as you soar into the air. Head north over Willie Creek Pearl Farm and keep your camera ready for shots of Gantheaume Point, the rugged red Pindan Cliffs, and other landmarks before returning to land.

Get up close to the beauty of the Horizontal Falls and pristine scenery of the Kimberley (the most northern region of Western Australia) on this small-group, half-day tour. Experience the thrill of a seaplane ride over Buccaneer Archipelago and Cape Leveque before landing in the calm waters of Talbot Bay. Next, take an exciting boat ride through the Horizontal Falls, followed by a more relaxed cruise around the surrounding bays and creeks. Enjoy a cooked breakfast or lunch onboard (depending on your chosen departure time) and then relax on a scenic flight back to Broome.

For travelers really short on time, there is probably no faster way to see the Hunter Valley than on this 10-minute helicopter tour. Hop on at the Cessnock Aerodrome and get airborne over valley highlights from vineyards to golf courses to the Broken Back Range. You can opt for round-trip transportation from your hotel for an extra fee.

Take a scenic flight by helicopter over the iconic sandstone formation known as Uluru as you sit back and relax taking in the incredible birds-eye views on offer. Views of Kata Tjuta while flying by Uluru.

Take off on a flight over the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, and see sights including Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet. Catch a bird’s-eye view of many of the Whitsunday Islands and fly over Whitehaven Beach and picturesque Hill Inlet before heading toward the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll see one of the most photographed reef locations, Heart Reef. The comfortable fixed wing aircraft offers big window viewing, plus enjoy pilot commentary.

Feel the adrenaline rush of flying over the iconic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and experience its sheer beauty from above. This is an amazing perspective shift if you've seen the gorge on the water by boat. Taking off from the Nitmiluk Gorge helipad you will fly past the Nitmiluk Visitors Information Centre and camp grounds before entering the mouth of the mighty Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Once over the Gorge we will take you on a birds eye experience over Jedda’s Rock, Butterfly Gorge and Lily Pond before turning homeward above the third Gorge.

Get a bird's eye view of Western Australia's beautiful Avon Valley on this early morning, small-group hot air balloon flight. See the valley at its most picturesque as the first rays of the morning sun cast their glow across the landscape. Departing from the Perth suburbs, your experience includes transfers to Northam.

Get a rounder perspective of the Great Barrier Reef by viewing it from the air on this scenic flight from Cairns. Soaring over the UNESCO-listed reef allows you to take in its colors and appreciate its vastness. Enjoy unobstructed photo opportunities from your window seat as you take in such sights as Green Island, Upolu Cay, Vlassof Cay, and Michaelmas Reef.

Get a bird’s-eye perspective of Tropical North Queensland on an unforgettable hot air balloon flight at sunrise. Soar over the Atherton Tablelands as golden sunlight breaks across beautiful farmlands, rivers, and forests. Choose the duration of your flights and enjoy pickup and drop-off from your Cairns, Northern Beaches, or Palm Cove hotel. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful way to start your day!

This action-packed day trip is the ultimate way to see the Kakadu National Park from Darwin, for travelers short on time. Travel by scenic flight for spectacular views as well as to save time by eliminating lengthy road travel. The day also includes many other Kakadu highlights, such as a river cruise, visits to waterfalls, an Aboriginal cultural center, and more, for an unforgettable day of learning and special views.

Take a magical flight over some amazing water and natural formations from Broome, including flying over the Horizontal Falls. You’ll also learn from your pilot all about pearling history of the area, making a quick stop, and then continue flying by King Sound and Buccaneer Archipelago, Cape Leveque, James Price Point and much more.

Explore some of the most inaccessible places in north-western Australia the easy way on this half-day tour. From Broome, you and your small group will be flown to the incredible Buccaneer Archipelago. Be impressed by the natural wonder of the Horizontal Falls (tide dependent) and the aerial views of the islands and the Dampier Peninsula coast. Stop at the Ardyaloon Hatchery for lunch and learn more about Aboriginal culture.