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These are examples of the many localised scenic flights available across Australia. For adrenalin-rush aerial sports and activities, see Adrenalin section

Fly and Dine, Sydney Harbour, NSW
Sydney Seaplanes offers a choice of spectacular scenic flights over the harbour and the sparkling coastline, but for me the pick of them is a Fly And Dine option which includes a delicious lunch at the isolated Cottage Point Inn waterfront restaurant on the Hawkesbury River. Departing from Rose Bay in Sydney Harbour, flying time is just under 20 minutes each way. The 4 hour trip ends with a great photo opportunity flying a circuit of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, before landing back at Rose Bay. It's not cheap, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll never forget. $445 pp, minimum 2 adults (includes seaplane flights and lunch) at time of publication.

Teepookana Huon Pine Forest Helicopter Flight, Strahan, Tas
Departing from the Strahan waterfront helipad you will fly over dense west coast rainforests and then intercept the King River Gorge. Descending into the gorge we fly down river to arrive at Teepookana Plateau where we land in the midst of the 2000 year old Huon Pine forest. Enjoy a short walk to the viewing tower with 360-degree views to Macquarie Harbour and the rugged West Coast Ranges. From Teepookana you descend into the Gorge and fly down river, following the route of the acclaimed West Coast Wilderness Railway. Revealing panoramic views of Macquarie Harbour and Hells Gates we return to Strahan village. Duration: 1 hour.

Whitsunday Islands, Qld
The Whitsunday Islands on Queensland's tropical coast are the epitome of the perfect tropical island holiday destination and are synonymous with the image of paradise. The main islands lie directly between the Queensland Coast and The Great Barrier Reef to the east. One of the best ways to see them is on a scenic flight by seaplane from Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour. A number of options are available - for a great overview of the islands, my pick is the 1-hour reef and Whitehaven Scenic Flight; it takes in Whitsunday Islands, Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach, Bait Reef, Hook Reef, Hardy Reef and Heart Reef. Other tours include landing at Whitehaven Beach, time aboard a glass bottomed boat viewing coral and snorkelling in a private sheltered lagoon.
Air Whitsunday Tours | Aviation Adventures (helicopter)

Kakadu and Arnhem Land, NT
Kakadu and neighbouring Arnhem Land is a vast panorama of changing landscapes, as varied as ancient sandstone plateau, edged with dramatic escarpments, trapped waters plunge (seasonally) as waterfalls, forming rivers, and thrust a winding path though an amazing diversity of eco systems. Much of it is inaccessible on the ground, so a scenic flight is the best way to take in the grandeur of it all. During the Dry Season, Kakadu Tours operate a 60 minute fixed wing flight that includes the Archway, Arnhem Land Escarpments, East Alligator Valley, Mikinj Valley, Billabongs and the Magela Floodplains. $130pp at time of publication.

South West World Heritage Tour, Tas
One of the easiest, cheapest and quickest ways to see the South West wilderness area of Tasmania is by air. Air Tasmania conducts 4-hour flights out of Hobart which take in Hobart, Mount Wellington, the Huon Valley and across the South West World Heritage Area, passing Federation Peak before landing at Melaleuca for a for a boat trip on Melaleuca Inlet. Refreshments included before the flight back to Hobart via the South Cost of Tasmania, passing the Ironbound range, South East Cape, Bruny Island. Excellent value at $220ppm (at time of publication), the price includes morning or afternoon tea, boat trip and ground tour at Melaleuca, scenic flights to and from Mealeuca and transport to and from a Hobart hotel.


Microlight Flights, Mareeba, Qld
At Jacques Coffee Plantation near Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands, one expects to sample some of the coffee grown there, or to take a tour of the plantation, but not the chance to take a 20 or 40 minute flight over the plantation and Mareeba in a microlight aircraft. A 20 minute introductory flight costs approx. $80 each. On the flight I took, we flew over a crocodile farm, mango wine plantation, and a golf course which had kangaroos grazing on it. Location: Leotta Road, Mareeba, North Qld.

Horizontal Waterfall Flight & Boat Trip, WA
The Horizontal Waterfall in the Kimberley region of WA is one of Australia's natural wonders. Here at the change of tides every day, water rushes through narrow gaps in the coastline into a large bay, causing what can best be described as a horizontal waterfall. Day flights from Broome or Derby first head across Buccaneer Archipelago to Cygnet Bay pearl farm. Passengers are then transferred to a fast boat which passes through the first set of falls at the the change in tides. The flight back takes in Cape Leveque, Dampier Peninsular, Beagle Bay, Carnot Bay and Willie Creek. Cost: $585pp at time of publication. Duration: 6 hours. Includes lunch on board a custom built air-conditioned Houseboat, with 360 degree viewing platform.

Port Campbell National Park, Vic
Most people have seen the stunning coastal features of Port Campbell National Park by driving the Great Ocean Road, but an increasing number are seeing it all from a different perspective - from above. A number of aviation operators offer scenic flights of the 12 Apostles and neighbouring rock formations, some locally and other out of Melbourne. Apollo Bay Aviation operates out of Apollo Bay, and offers a choice of flights covering everything from the Shipwreck Coast to Cape Otway and the inland rainforests. The 45-minute '12 Apostles Great Southern Gateway' trip, which focuses on Port Campbell National Park. Tiger Moth World flies vintage aircraft out of Torquay (45 mins. and 75 mins. flights); Direct Air Tours operates a 2-hour scenic flight twice daily out of Essendon Airport in Melbourne which takes in Cape Otway, the Shipwreck Coast and the Surf Coast. One of the cheapest is a 10-minute scenic flight over the Great Ocean Road with 12 Apostles Helicopters.

Lady Elliot Island, Vic
If diving on the Great Barrier Reef is on your holiday agenda but you don't have the time or motivation to travel all the way to the Whitsundays or Cairns, Lady Elliot Island is the prefect destination for you. It's only 46 nautical miles north-east of Bundaberg and even closer to the idyllic holiday town of 1770, so flight times from either location are short. Not only that, it is one of the few coral cays where you can fly straight in and land on the water right on the reef, a big advantage to maximise time in the water. Lady Elliot Island is the southern-most coral cay of the Great Barrier Reef. It is also one of only six island resorts on the Reef and one of only three with direct flight access.
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