Flight Durations – Choose How Long You Want to Soar

Every minute in the air above the Great Barrier Reef feels like a movie scene — but what kind of scene you get depends on how long you’re up there.

Some people love the quick thrill of a 40-minute scenic flight, packed with all the highlights. Others want to stretch it out — gliding further along the reef, the islands, and the rainforest coast.

That’s why we offer different flight durations, so you can tailor your sky adventure to your time, budget, and wanderlust level.

Our Most Popular Scenic Flight Durations

40-Minute Scenic Flights Cairns

Short, smooth, and spectacular — our 40-minute flight is the perfect introduction to the Great Barrier Reef from the air. Perfect for: travellers on a schedule, first-time flyers, and photography lovers.

You’ll soar over:

  • The outer reef systems and coral cays

  • Green Island and Arlington Reef

  • The turquoise lagoons that make this world-famous view unforgettable

It’s our most popular duration for first-timers, families, and anyone who wants the full wow-factor without spending a full day in the sky.

Includes:

Luxury & Private Scenic Flights Cairns

Custom & Private Duration Options

Want to propose mid-air?
Need more time to photograph the reef edge?
Or planning a luxury Vlasoff Cay landing?

Because the longer you fly, the more you feel.
A 40-minute flight shows you the reef’s sparkle. A 90-minute flight lets you feel the vastness of it — how it stretches endlessly into the Coral Sea.

And if you choose a private or extended flight, you’re not just watching nature… you’re part of it.

We can adjust flight duration, route, and inclusions to match your exact vision.
Just tell us what kind of experience you’re chasing — and we’ll make it happen.

Longer Scenic Flight Options

Want to go further or linger longer?
We also offer extended durations that cover even more of the reef, coastline, and rainforest — with the option to include private charters, Vlasoff Cay landings, or custom routes.

Available Durations:

  • 60-Minute Reef + Rainforest Combination

  • 90-Minute Outer Reef & Daintree Adventure

  • Custom Duration Flights (Private Charters)

Every extra minute in the air adds another layer of beauty — deeper blues, wider coral patterns, and the kind of serenity that stays with you long after landing.

Three people, smiling and posing near a light aircraft, with one person being playfully lifted.
Airplane with open door, parked on tarmac surrounded by greenery at Cairns aviation facility.

How to Choose Your Perfect Flight Duration

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

DurationBest ForWhat You’ll See
40 MinutesFirst-timers, families, quick tripsInner & Outer Reef Highlights
60 MinutesReef + Rainforest explorersGreat Barrier Reef, Green Island, Barron Gorge
90 MinutesAdventure seekers, photographersFull Reef Circuit + Daintree Coast
Custom/PrivateSpecial occasionsTailored route — your way, your pace

Ready to Pick Your Flight Duration?

It’s your time in the sky — make it count.

No matter the duration, every flight includes:

  • Guaranteed window seats

  • Professional pilot commentary

  • Air-conditioned comfort

  • Complimentary transfers from Cairns hotels

  • Safety briefing and route overview

Because even a 40-minute flight deserves five-star attention.

Whether you want a quick 40-minute highlight reel or an extended journey across the reef and rainforest, we’ve got a flight that fits your pace perfectly.

Every minute tells a story — yours starts when the propellers spin.

Six pilots in uniform pose together on an airport tarmac beside a small aircraft in Cairns, Australia,
Propeller plane parked at an airport, with a clear blue sky and mountains in the background.
Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights logo

Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights provides safe and efficient Air Charter, Air Tours and Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights departing throughout Cairns Australia.