Season Rates
Standard pricing valid for travel between 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026
Here’s why you will love exploring the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef with the Ocean Rafting Scenic Flight
The Ocean Rafting Scenic Flight offers an unforgettable way to see the natural beauty of the Whitsundays from above. This 60-minute aerial adventure takes you over some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Starting with Airlie Beach, you’ll fly over Whitehaven Beach, known for its seven kilometres of pure silica sands stretching along the coastline.
Next, you'll soar over Hill Inlet, where the shifting sandbars and turquoise waters create a mesmerizing view that has become one of Australia’s most photographed locations. As you continue, the highlight of the flight appears: Heart Reef. This iconic heart-shaped coral formation, set against the backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef, is one of the most photographed natural wonders in the world.
Ocean Rafting Scenic Flight Highlights:
- Stunning aerial views of the 74 Whitsunday Islands
- Whitehaven Beach and its famous silica sands
- The iconic Hill Inlet and its swirling sandbars
- The world-famous Heart Reef, an unforgettable coral formation
- Panoramic vistas of the Great Barrier Reef
- Guaranteed window seats for the best views
- Informative pilot commentary about the region's geography and history
Throughout the flight, your experienced pilot will share insights into the region's geography and history. From your guaranteed window seat, you'll have an unobstructed view of the lush greenery, crystal-clear waters, and pristine islands that make up the Whitsundays.
The Ocean Rafting Scenic Flight is the ideal way to experience the Whitsundays from a unique perspective. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to admire the beauty of the region from the sky, this flight offers a breath-taking view of the Whitsundays like never before. With six daily departures to choose from, this experience is perfect for anyone looking to explore the Whitsundays in a truly memorable way.
Pricing
- $335 Per Person
- Infant (under 2 years) Free of Charge
Children under 2 years old can fly for free, provided they sit on a parent or guardian’s lap.
What's Included
- 60-minute scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef
- Views of Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet
- Guaranteed window seat for every passenger
- Informative pilot commentary
- Courtesy bus transfers from Airlie Beach
- Departures from Whitsunday Airport, just 8 minutes from Airlie Beach
- Comfortable pre-flight and post-flight facilities at Whitsunday Airport
- Hangar Café & Bar for food and beverages at the airport (additional costs)
What To Bring
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- Sunglasses
- Camera to capture stunning views
- Sunscreen
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Water bottle
- Light jacket or sweater (depending on weather conditions)
Extras & More Information
The maximum weight per seat is 125 kg, and each passenger's weight must be advised when booking to ensure flight weight availability.
Ocean Rafting Scenic Flight Tour Plan
Check-in & Departure
7:00 AM – 2:30 PM (Multiple Departures): Arrive at Whitsunday Airport, located just 8 minutes from Airlie Beach, where your exciting adventure begins. After check-in, you’ll be welcomed by the friendly crew who will assist you with any questions you have. They will guide you through a thorough safety briefing and introduce you to your modern aircraft, ensuring you're comfortable and prepared for the flight ahead. Take a moment to soak in the relaxed atmosphere before you take off.
Flight Experience: Scenic Aerial Tour of the Whitsundays
Departure from Whitsunday Airport: As you board your aircraft, you’ll be ready for a 60-minute scenic flight that offers a bird’s-eye view of the iconic landscapes that make the Whitsundays world-famous. With panoramic views of lush islands, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coral formations, this aerial tour gives you the opportunity to see the region’s beauty like never before.
Heart Reef: The first major highlight of your flight is Heart Reef, a natural wonder that is globally recognized for its heart-shaped coral formation. Located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, this unique reef is a breath-taking sight from the air. You'll have a clear, unobstructed view of this world-renowned formation, often regarded as one of the most photographed natural attractions on Earth.
Whitehaven Beach: Next, you’ll soar over Whitehaven Beach, often called one of the best beaches in the world. Its pure silica sands stretch over 7 kilometres, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding turquoise waters. From above, you'll witness the pristine beauty of this secluded paradise, and the sparkling blue water creates a stunning visual spectacle.
Hill Inlet: Continue your journey as you fly over Hill Inlet, where the landscape transforms into a mesmerizing natural masterpiece. The shifting sandbars and the brilliant turquoise waters create a swirling pattern, which is one of Australia’s most photographed views. From the air, you can fully appreciate the beauty of this striking landscape and the dynamic way the sands change with the tides.
Whitsunday Islands: As you glide across the archipelago, take in sweeping views of the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays. Each island offers unique features, from lush forests to pristine beaches, surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Coral Sea. The aerial perspective allows you to fully appreciate the vast beauty of the region and its untouched natural landscapes.
Return to Airlie Beach
Return to Whitsunday Airport: After capturing all the iconic aerial views of the Whitsundays, your aircraft will make its way back to Whitsunday Airport, where the flight journey comes to an end. As you descend, you’ll have one last chance to enjoy the breath-taking scenery before landing.
Post-Flight: Once back at the airport, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and reflect on your unforgettable experience. The Whitsunday Airport offers comfortable facilities for you to unwind, or you can head over to the Hangar Café & Bar to enjoy a refreshing drink or a light meal while you take in the sights of the airport and share stories from your flight.
This 60-minute scenic flight is ideal for anyone looking to explore the Whitsundays from a unique perspective. It provides incredible views of the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef, and the stunning Whitsunday Islands. With guaranteed window seats for the best views, this experience offers an unparalleled way to see one of the most beautiful regions in the world.
“supplier” means any tour operator or other supplier of the services “you” means the guest booking and person named on this reservation booking “we”, “our” means The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre and A.J.LAURENT PTY LTD These terms and conditions apply to all bookings made through The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre. Placing a booking with The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre and paying a deposit constitute acceptance of these terms and conditions.
Booking Conditions
For bookings made more than 30 days prior to travel, a 25% deposit is due to secure your booking with the balance due 30 days prior to travel. For bookings made within 30 days of travel, the full payment is due immediately to secure your booking. If we do not receive your full payment within 30 days of your travel date and you do not contact us to cancel, your deposit is forfeited and your booking may be automatically cancelled by us, the supplier or both.
Payments
Prices are quoted in Australian dollars, inclusive of GST, and all payments must be made in Australian dollars. Your reservation will only be confirmed when funds have been received and are cleared. The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre is not responsible for delays in postal delivery, bank or payment system processing. It is your responsibility to ensure that payments are received within the times specified. If the deposit or final payment is not received by the due date, The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre has the right cancel the booking. If your final payment is not paid by the due date and in any event within 30 days of your departure, we have the right to cancel your booking and retain the deposit in full without any reimbursement to cover our costs and those of any supplier.
Cancellations and Amendments to Bookings
If you wish to cancel or amend any booking made you need to contact us in writing. You can only cancel or amend a confirmed booking by contacting us directly. If you do not contact us to cancel prior to your booking departure date, you may forfeit your deposit and further costs.
Cancellation Charges and Amendment Fees
Any cancellation or amendment made more than 30 days before travel will incur an administration fee of 25% of the total booking fee. All cancellations or amendments made within 30 days of your travel date departure will incur both an administration fee of 25% in addition to the individual supplier’s fees. Any changes requested to your booking, including but not limited to dates, are subject to availability and if they are not available, you may be required to cancel and agree to the cancellation terms. IMPORTANT NOTE: Some services and activities may not permit any refund for certain bookings. You should check with the individual supplier or The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre prior to paying for your booking to confirm any special non-refundable conditions.
Travel Insurance
We recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover your reservation, and valuable items (e.g. cameras). Your travel insurance policy should include coverage to protect against unforeseen and last-minute cancellations or medical conditions that may prevent travel and also to cover any medical emergencies during travel at minimum.
Supplier Tours and Services Changes
In the unlikely case of a vessel break down, maintenance or unavailability, the supplier will supply an alternate vessel of a similar standard and quality. Itineraries may be affected by elements beyond our and the supplier’s control such as wind, tide, rain, storm or other weather conditions which make travel dangerous and require a delay or cancellation. It is the skipper's requirement to ensure passenger safety at all times and may use his/her professional judgment in any manner to keep his/her guests and crew safe. In the instance of such delay or cancellation, alternative options will be provided by the supplier. In the event a cancellation or delay occurs and your tour or service is cancelled and rescheduled, you will receive a full refund if you are unable to rebook your tour or service.
Liability
You are using these services and taking any tours at your own risk. We are not responsible for any loss or damage, including direct, indirect or consequential loss you may suffer as a result of your reservation, booking or anything related to your tour or services provided by any supplier. You need to ensure you are medically sound, fit and physically able to use the services. We are not liable for the event that you are refused access to any services or tours due to your medical, physical or other reasons, including intoxication. Any such claims should be addressed to the suppliers directly. You should note that sailing can be a dangerous activity and while crews will make every effort to ensure your safety, they cannot be accountable for actions or injury to you that may be ‘beyond their control’. Every effort is make to ensure your safety and you may be required to complete a pre departure questionnaire, and sign a travel agreement waiver during the check-in process of your tour with the supplier directly. We are not affiliated with nor responsible for our suppliers in any way other than as intermediary to arrange their services on you and their behalf. If you have any issues, injury, suffer any loss or damage, you need to take it up with the supplier directly. If we are obligated to cancel your travel arrangements for any reason, the liability of will be limited to a refund of all monies paid by you.
Ocean Rafting Terms and Conditions
All fares are inclusive of Marine Park fees and GST. Ocean Rafting reserves the right to charge our customers a fuel levy if fuel is over $1.50 per litre.
Sites are weather and tide permitting. Ocean Rafting reserves the right to arrange alternate itinerary when necessary. Please note departure times may sometimes be weather and tidal dependant. Please reconfirm your booking 48 hours prior.
Ocean Rafting may use photographs of our clients in promotional material, including but not limited to social media, however if you do not consent please advise Ocean Rafting.
Liability: Clients should note that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of the clients which are beyond our control. Tours are not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are in their third trimester of pregnancy (other pregnancy stages are weather dependant). Minimum age 6 months. A signed release will be required from all participants on departure. We recommend you take out travel insurance.
Fitness and Health: Although good health and a positive attitude are essential, you do not need any prior experience to partake in an Ocean Rafting adventure.
Cancellations/Refund Policy: Your booking includes a 5% non-refundable booking fee for all cancellations. Ocean Rafting accepts cancellations and amendments for bookings up until 12:00pm the day prior to departure for the Northern Exposure tour, Southern Lights tour, Fly Raft package and Scenic Flight tour. Any cancellations after 12:00pm the day prior are not eligible for a refund. Please Note: On occasion, in the interest of guest safety, we may have to cancel tours due to unfavourable weather conditions. In this unlikely event, you will be offered travel on another suitable day or issued a refund, minus 5% booking fee of your fare price.
Credit Card Surcharge: If you are paying by credit card please be aware these transactions incur a non-refundable 1.6% surcharge.
Rates: Tour rates shown are valid for travel until 31 March 25. For travel after that date, relevant rates will display when future dates are selected in the booking table.
Cruise Ships: Please be aware that if you are travelling to the Whitsundays on a cruise ship, the timings of our Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Fly Raft experiences do NOT align with the visiting cruise ship schedule. To avoid disappointment, please book through your cruise ship tour desk directly.
Queensland Public Holidays: A public holiday surcharge applies of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family (2ad and 2ch) on the Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Fly Raft package, as well as charters and all Rafting Squad bookings, including birthday travel. Scenic flights will NOT incur surcharge:
Fly and Raft and Scenic Flights.
As per Ocean Rafting T&C’s above. Minimum numbers of four passengers for flights/flight packages apply. Flights are subject to pilot discretion, weather and air traffic control. For legal and safety reasons all passengers are weighed prior to boarding. Maximum per seat weight is 125 kgs. Full names and exact weights per passenger must be advised when booking due to flight weight availability. Flights are conducted by Whitsunday Tiger Moth Adventures trading as WAVEAir Pty Ltd, AOC# CASA.AOC.0067 and Whitsunday Air Services Pty Ltd AOC#1-KPVQ0 -06, licensed and certified Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) carriers. Cancellation Policy: 100% cancellation fee applies for cancellations after midday the day prior.
Charters
As per Ocean Rafting T&C’s above except for charter payment and cancellation policy as follows:
- Payments can be made via Credit Card or Bank Deposit. (A 1.6% credit card surcharge applies)
- Cancellation up to 5 days prior to departure – Full refund less 5% non-refundable booking fee for all cancellations.
- Cancellation less than 5 days prior to departure – 100% cancellation fee applies
- A $200 Public Holiday surcharge is applied to rates for charters booked on Queensland public holidays