Our Scenic Flight Heart Reef gives you a chance to see one of Australia’s most romantic natural wonders in a way that no other tour does. This 60-minute journey on a fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter is perfect for couples who want to see beautiful things, relax, and connect. As you fly up from Whitsunday Airport, you can see the pristine waters and complicated coral formations of the Great Barrier Reef. The panorama culminates with the famous heart-shaped reef, a natural work of art that symbolises love.
- 7:00am – 8:00am
- 8:30am – 9:30am
- 10:00am – 11:00am
- 11:30am – 12:30pm
- 1:00pm – 2:00pm
- 2.30pm – 3.30pm
- Adult: $335 (15 years and over)
- Child: $335 (2-14 years, Infants 0-23 months old free of charge)
- Family: $N/A
SCUBA Diving
Seawalker Helmet Diving
Fitzroy Island
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Adult: $335 (15 years and over) $1,410
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Child: $335 (2-14 years, Infants 0-23 months old free of charge) $1,895
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Family: $N/A $2,379
Introduction
Heart Reef offers a personalised, once-in-a-lifetime tour of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays by scenic aircraft. Every day, the boat sails from Airlie Beach. You may be sure to have a window seat so you can enjoy the amazing sights, such as Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the world-famous Heart Reef. A full tour map is available to help you avoid missing anything on your trip across the blue expanse.
Advanced noise protection and precise air pressure control make flying inside the plane a pleasant and peaceful experience. Before you take off, your pilot will go over the most important safety rules and weight limits for the trip with you. As you fly above the pristine waters, your pilot will provide live commentary on the reef’s geological history and the many types of plants and animals that dwell there. This romantic trip is great for any occasion, such as honeymoons, engagements, or anniversaries. You’ll see coral like never before at every turn.
Tour Details
- Tour Number: WR-60
- Daily Operations
- Time: 60 minutes
- Departure Times: 7:00 am, 8:30 am, 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm
- Leaves From: Airlie Beach – Whitsunday Airport
- Cost: $335 per adult | $335 per child (under 2 years free)
- Not Included: meals
- Transfers: Complimentary hotel shuttle included
- Maximum Weight: 125 kg per seat
Highlights
- Fly above the Great Barrier Reef’s dazzling coral formations and tropical islands.
- Witness the striking contrasts of Whitehaven Beach and the swirling sands of Hill Inlet.
- See the iconic Heart Reef — a coral formation shaped naturally like a heart.
- Enjoy guaranteed window seating for the best possible photography.
- Hear expert narration from experienced adventure pilots.
- Relax with free hotel transfers from Airlie Beach.
- Travel in modern, high-performance Scenic Helicopters.
Begin your romantic adventure at Whitsunday Airport, only minutes from Airlie Beach. After a warm welcome and safety briefing, you’ll board your helicopter and take off over the turquoise Whitsunday coastline.
The journey begins with sweeping views of Whitehaven Beach, where pure silica sands meet the deep blue ocean. As the helicopter moves toward Hill Inlet, you’ll see patterns of swirling white and aqua that shift with every tide — a stunning natural artwork.
Soon after, the highlight appears: the legendary Heart Reef, perfectly shaped by coral into a natural heart. Visible only from above, this spectacular sight is an Australian icon and one of the most photographed locations in the world. Couples often choose this moment to propose or simply share a memory that will last a lifetime.
Your pilot provides fascinating insights into the reef’s marine life and formation. As you make a final circuit above the reef and islands, the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is laid out beneath you — the perfect ending to a romantic flight before landing back at Whitsunday Airport.
- 60-minute scenic helicopter flight over Heart Reef
- Guaranteed window seat
- Live pilot commentary
- Complimentary return transfers from Airlie Beach
- Optional aerial photo packages
- Breakfast and refreshments at Whitsunday Airport’s Hangar Café & Bar
- Camera or GoPro for reef photography
- Sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen
- Light jacket for cooler air
Full names and accurate weights are required upon booking.
Maximum weight limit: 125 kg per seat.
Flights depend on weather, pilot discretion, and air traffic control.
Tour unavailable to guests staying at island resorts (Hamilton, Daydream, Long, Hayman).
Reconfirm your booking 48 hours before departure.
All rates include Marine Park fees and GST. A fuel levy may apply if fuel prices exceed $1.50 per litre. Sites and routes depend on the weather and tides. Please reconfirm your booking 48 hours prior.
Ocean Rafting may use guest photos for promotional purposes unless advised otherwise. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Guests with back, neck, or hip injuries or those in their third trimester of pregnancy cannot participate. Minimum age: 6 months. Waiver required prior to flight.
No prior experience is needed — just good health and a relaxed mindset.
A 5 % non-refundable booking fee applies to all cancellations. Changes or cancellations are accepted until 12 noon the day before departure. After that, no refunds apply. In the rare event of cancellation due to weather, guests may reschedule or receive a refund less 5 %.
A 1.6 % processing fee applies to all card payments.
Prices valid for travel until 31 March 2026. Future dates automatically display updated rates.
Cruise-ship guests should note that Scenic Flight Heart Reef schedules do not align with cruise ship timetables; please book directly through your cruise operator.
Public-holiday surcharges apply to certain Ocean Rafting tours but not to scenic flights.
Key holidays include:
- APR 25 – MAR 26
- 05 May 25 – Labour Day
- 20 June 25 – Show Whitsundays
- 06 October 25 – King’s Birthday
- 25 December 25 – Christmas Day (CLOSED)
- 26 December 25 – Boxing Day
- 01 January 26 – New Year’s Day
- 26 January 26 – Australia Day
- APR 26 – MAR 27
- 03 April 26 – Good Friday
- 04 April 26 – Easter Saturday
- 05 April 26 – Easter Sunday
- 06 April 26 – Easter Monday
- 25 April 26 – Anzac Day
- 04 May 26 – Labour Day
- *Still to be announced* – Show Whitsundays
- 05 October 26 – King’s Birthday
- 25 December 26 – Christmas Day (CLOSED)
- 26 December 26 – Boxing Day
- 28 December 26 – Boxing Day public holiday
Private charters available via bank transfer or credit card (1.6 % fee).
Cancellations up to 5 days prior = full refund minus 5 %.
Cancellations within 5 days = 100 % charge.
Public-holiday charters incur a $200 surcharge.
Bookings made within 24 hours must be confirmed by phone (07 4946 6848).
All passengers are weighed before boarding. Exceeding 125 kg per seat or providing inaccurate information may result in denied boarding with no refund.
Flights depart from the mainland only.
Operators: Whitsunday Tiger Moth Adventures (WAVEAir Pty Ltd AOC# CASA.AOC.0067) and Whitsunday Air Services Pty Ltd (AOC# 1-KPVQ0-06), both CASA-licensed carriers.
We acknowledge the Gia, Giru, and Ngaro People, Traditional Custodians of the Whitsunday region, and honour their deep spiritual connection to land and sea. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
Enhance your experience with Vacationit Audio Guides, accessible with screen readers and available in audio and text formats for all travellers.
Why is the Scenic Flight Heart Reef so popular for couples?
It offers the perfect mix of adventure and romance, giving couples a private view of the world’s most heart-shaped coral formation.
Can I propose during the flight?
Yes — many guests choose to propose above Heart Reef. Notify the operator in advance for a discreet arrangement.
How long is the Scenic Flight Heart Reef experience?
The flight lasts 60 minutes, featuring Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet.