Attractions - Scenic Flights

Scenic Flights in and Around the Whitsundays

Aviation Adventures

Aviation Adventures won a 2004 Whitsunday Tourism Award and again in 2005 the Significant Tour and Transport Operators Award.

Aviation Adventures specialise in the Bell 47 Kawasaki KH-4 and are owned by local identity Capt'n Pete Ryan who has over 7500 hours experience, ranging from search and rescue, oil rig worker transfers, marine pilot transfers, executive charters to world renowned photographic charters.  The other amazing pilots are Alex and Ed.  Operations are expertly run by Abby.

The configuration in the KH-4 positions the pilot up front with 3 seats behind allowing us to take 2 or 3 adults, or 2 adults and two children. (weight limits do apply).  We have three Kawasaki Helicopters operating.

Aviation Adventures generally fly with the "Air-conditioned option", the doors off, giving our guests an amazing unobstructed view of the Whitsunday’s.

Private Tours

Aviation Adventures restricts Reef Trips, Picnics, and Whitsunday Unlimited tours to single bookings - one couple, guaranteeing complete privacy, therefore enhancing the tourism experience. Passengers are spoilt on these tours by having their own helicopter and pilot at their disposal.  Pilot’s assists our guests with everything from boarding, getting them to the destination safely, disembarking, pouring their first glass of champagne and pointing out the best snorkelling locations in the area. 

The larger helicopters hold more passengers, this ultimately means tours are shared with strangers and the privacy element is lost.   Additionally, this can restrict the times set for tours whereas Aviation Adventures consistently maintains both flexibility and privacy for its customers 

Diversity of Destinations

Every flight with Aviation Adventures, whether it's a transfer or tour, becomes a unique tourist experience and not just a means of transport. We don't just fly from A to B; we take the scenic route and avoid coming back the same way we went out so our passengers are met with ever-changing scenery.  The combination of broad local knowledge and good piloting skills ensure we present guests with the best and safest flight path to their destination.

Our pilots go so far as to fly the helicopter on alternate sides to ensure each guest enjoys all the highlights of their tour.  The helicopters travelling speed and low level flying (Not above 1,500ft) also ensures passengers are treated to the very best that the Whitsunday’s have to offer. 

Points of Interest

Our helicopters are fun versatile machines that have the ability to showcase parts of the Whitsunday’s that boats and other tours simply cannot reach.   Aviation Adventures can fly low and slow, circling points of interest throughout the tour to enhance each flight. Our pilots, with their extensive local knowledge and vibrant personalities offer fantastic factual, comical and informative commentary giving guests the opportunity to gain knowledge of the region.  Aviation Adventures Chief Pilot, Capt’n Pete has specialised in the Tourism Industry here in the Whitsunday’s for the past 10 years.  

Champagne Service

Everybody loves to feel special and everyone loves receiving something extra unexpectedly.   Aviation Adventures flights all include a complimentary drink upon arrival, with additional refreshments included on many of our tours at no extra charge.  We offer chilled champagne or beer plus bottled water and juice on all picnic rendezvous and tours that include a stopover on a beach.  We will also accommodate special requests if these drinks do not tantalise your taste buds. Guests appreciate the extra treat.

Aviation Tourism Australia (HeliReef)

Let Aviation Tourism Australia (AVTA) take your holiday touring to the highest level with luxury tours over the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands

We’ll take you for a romantic champagne picnic on famous Whitehaven Beach or a deserted tropical island.

And if you are celebrating a special occasion, want to pop the question or to commemorate your new wedded bliss – we have something special for you!

The multi-award winning Aviation Tourism Australia has the country’s most extensive fleet of luxury aircraft, including premier helicopter, seaplane and airplane services. All budgets, group sizes and itineraries are catered for by a highly experienced and trained team who have more than a decade of experience in delivering the ultimate air touring experiences.

Air Whitsunday's

Air Whitsunday, operating out of Whitsunday Airport, Airlie Beach, is delighted to welcome you aboard on one of our many tours, or transfers, in our De Havilland Beavers and Cessna C208 Caravans. Enjoy the thrill of a water landing as we collect you from your island resort, or from the back of your chartered yacht.

For the best seat in the house, come aboard as we highlight the beauty of Whitehaven Beach, unleash the majestic wonders of the outer Great Barrier Reef, and display world famous Heart Reef. Air Whitsunday pilots are dedicated to ensuring you have a safe and memorable experience.

experience our experience…….

Air Whitsunday pioneered seaplane services to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands in April 1973. The company was foundered by Kevin and Sue Bowe and commenced operations from Happy Bay on Long Island with just one Lake Buccaneer amphibious flying boat. The company quickly grew to the largest seaplane operator in the Southern Hemisphere and it retains that position today.

Air Whitsunday now operates a fleet of famous De Havilland Beaver amphibious floatplanes and has made many developments and enhancements to this reliable and rugged workhorse. With our own team of Aircraft Engineers, metal workers and painters, we rebuild and remanufacture the Beaver with a stretched passenger cabin, additional and larger passengers windows, modified wings, fuel and hydraulic systems.

Also operating are the luxurious Cessna C208 caravans providing passengers with air conditioning and whisper quiet comfort.

The Cessna caravan is a modern high speed turbine powered aircraft enabling us to offer connections to all ports with seat capacity of up to 10 passengers. It is world renowned as the most versatile commuter aircraft in production today, extending and highlighting on Air Whitsunday’s commitment to continue in being Australia's largest and most progressive, seaplane operator.