Queensland By Air: Get High in the Sunshine State

There really is no better part of the world to admire from above than the drastically changing and beautiful landscapes of Queensland. From a wine tour of the Scenic Rim by helicopter, to paragliding over the majestic sand dunes of Rainbow Beach, or cruising over heart reef on a Great Barrier Reef in a seaplane, the list of places in Queensland you need to see from above is certainly substantial. With everything from adrenaline pumping skydiving and parasailing, to sophisticated heli-tours, whatever your style, you can glimpse beautiful Queensland from above.

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Heart Reef on the Great Barrier Reef is the most photographed reef in the world and best admired from above

Helicopter Tours

An obvious first choice, helicopter tours are one of the best, and most accessible ways to take in Queensland from the air. In the spectacular Scenic Rim, be swept off your feet with a helicopter tour of the region’s best boutique wineries and a long lunch amongst the vines. Arguably the most iconic scenic flight in Australia, take a chopper ride over the romantic heart reef in the Great Barrier Reef from the Whitsundays, then stop at nearby Knuckle Reef before the flight back to base. From Townsville you can charter a private helicopter to Havannah Island for private reef snorkelling and a gourmet hamper picnic. A stone’s throw from Brisbane, Tangalooma, on Moreton Island offers whale watching heli-tours between June and September, offering the best seat in the house of the annual migration.

The more adventurous will appreciate an epic heli-fishing adventure to remote lagoons, river and beaches, available from Townsville or Cairns. The uber-keen fishermen and women amongst us can even custom build a Cape York heli-fishing adventure. Golf lovers will prefer heli-golf charters taking in Palm Cove, Port Douglas and the remote Cooktown Gold Links course. For an authentic outback Australia experience, take a helicopter tour over Mount Mulligan (roughly 10 times the size of Uluru) before landing at Mount Mulligan Station for some serious 4WDing and mountain biking before a dip in a swimming hole and gourmet picnic lunch.

Sky Diving

If you’re keen on getting the full high up above it all feeling, complete with wind in your hair, skydiving is the go. Mission Beach, between Cairns and Townsville is consistently labelled one of the best spots in Australia to do the deed. The long golden stretch of beach, the clear Coral Sea and beautiful Dunk Island make the journey down simply breathtaking. Similarly, Airlie Beach on the Whitsunday Coast offers incredible views over islands, reef and the bluest water you’ve ever seen.

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The Glass House Mountains, just north of Brisbane are another beautiful location for hot air ballooning at sunrise.

Hot Air Balloons

Take it all in floating peacefully as the sun comes over the horizon. See the state capital from above with a balloon ride over Brisbane; see where the imposing Gold Coast skyline meets the sea from above, or see the majestic Great Dividing Range meet the sea in Cairns. There really is no more beautiful way to welcome in the day. 

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Rex Lookout, north of Cairns offers one of the most stunning launch spots for paragliding.

Paragliding

Do you fancy running off the side of a mountain to then float gracefully over breathtaking landscapes? That’s exactly what you’ll get when paragliding. Launch over the majestic coral sea from Rex Lookout, between Cairns and Port Douglas, fly over the dramatic Carlo Sandblow at Rainbow Beach, or enjoy the ever changing patterns of sea channels at Noosa Heads or North Stradbroke Island.

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There is no better feeling than having the wind in your hair, flying behind a boat across the ocean right?

Parasailing

A little bit of adrenaline, a whole heap of beauty, and not too much height; parasailing is the perfect entry point into thrill-seeking. Glide atop the azure water of the Whitsundays while parasailing at Hamilton Island. Take in the breathtaking sand dunes of the world’s largest sand island with a trip to Rainbow Beach. Or glide over the spectacular mountains in the Gold Coast Hinterland at Beechmont.

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A seaplane scenic flight to Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays is a real once in a lifetime experience.

Sea Plane Scenic Flights

There is no more authentic way to experience the stunning Queensland coastline than by taking off and landing right on the ocean itself. Plan a romantic afternoon getaway to North Stradbroke Island, complete with scenic flight, gourmet picnic and sunset over the sea. Experience the Great Barrier Reef from all angles with a sea plane flight above it all, before getting up close and personal on a glass bottom boat and snorkelling amongst the marine life. Or head to one of the whitest sand beaches in the world with a scenic flight to Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. 

Contact your local Travel Associates Consultant for the best luxury deals for your next escape to Queensland, where paradise awaits!