Reef & Rainforest Scenic Flights Cairns

Only in Cairns can you see two UNESCO World Heritage Sites sit side by side, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest

A Reef and Rainforest Combo Scenic Flight gives you the chance to see both in a single journey. From coral lagoons to ancient canopies, this experience shows you the very best of Tropical North Queensland.

Why Choose a Combo Scenic Flight?

A combo flight lets you experience two of the most iconic landscapes in one adventure. It’s the ultimate choice for travelers who want to make the most of their time in Cairns.

Two World Heritage Sites in a Single Flight

No other region offers the chance to see both reef and rainforest within the same flight path. This makes combo flights truly unique.

The Only Place Where Reef Meets Rainforest

At Cape Tribulation, the rainforest runs right down to the coral sea. Seeing this from above is a once-in-a-lifetime view.

Maximum Value – Twice the Experience

Instead of booking two separate flights, you enjoy the highlights of both ecosystems in a single, cost-effective journey.

Aerial view of a sandbank in the Great Barrier Reef surrounded by vibrant blue waters and coral formations.
Aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef, featuring a jetty, boats, and vibrant coral patterns in clear blue waters.

What You'll See on a Reef and Rainforest Flight

These flights combine the vibrant blue reef systems with the lush green rainforest landscapes that make Cairns famous. Every angle offers something different.

Best Scenic Flights Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Highlights

Fly over vibrant coral formations, sand cays, and turquoise lagoons. Depending on your route, you may see Green Island, Vlasoff Cay, Arlington Reef, or Moore Reef. From above, the reef patterns and colors are even more spectacular.

40-minute scenic Flight Cairns Coastline & Rainforest Edge

Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation

The Daintree is the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. From the sky, you will see its dense green canopy, winding rivers, and dramatic waterfalls. At Cape Tribulation, you will witness the famous point where rainforest meets reef. This view is unique and cannot be seen anywhere else on Earth.

Rainforest & Waterfall Adventures at Daintree Rainforest

Kuranda, Barron Gorge, and Waterfalls

On many combo flights, you will also pass over Barron Gorge with its waterfalls and the rainforest village of Kuranda. These inland highlights create extra contrast to the reef views.

Coral graphic in blue

Flight Durations and Package Options

Our reef and rainforest combo flight is a comprehensive 40-minute experience designed to showcase both UNESCO World Heritage sites in a single unforgettable journey.

40 Minute Combo Flight

Great Barrier Reef highlights

Green Island, Arlington Reef, Moore Reef, and coral lagoons

Daintree Rainforest

Ancient canopy and winding river systems

Cape Tribulation

Where rainforest meets reef

Barron Gorge

Dramatic waterfalls and mountain landscapes

Cairns coastline

Beaches, Trinity Inlet, and tropical shoreline

Private Charter Option

For travelers seeking exclusivity, we offer private aircraft charters for your group. Enjoy personalized commentary, flexible timing, and the same comprehensive 40-minute route with the entire aircraft to yourselves. Perfect for special occasions, family celebrations, or photography-focused experiences.

This perfectly balanced route gives you the best of both ecosystems without fatigue, making it ideal for families, couples, and first-time visitors.

Why Choose a Combo Scenic Flight Over Separate Tours?

Many visitors book separate reef and rainforest tours. A combo scenic flight saves time, offers better value, and gives you views you cannot get from the ground or sea.

Save Time and Travel Effort

Instead of spending two full days on separate reef and rainforest tours, you can see both in less than one hour. A combo flight reduces travel time and maximizes your holiday

Unique Aerial Perspective

Only a scenic flight shows you the full contrast between reef and rainforest. From above, you see coral cays and turquoise lagoons side by side with green mountain ranges and waterfalls. This perspective is impossible to experience from a boat or a walking trail.

Best Value for Seeing Both Icons

A combo scenic flight offers excellent value. You cover two World Heritage sites in one experience, with guaranteed window seating and professional pilot commentary.

How Much Does a Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight Cost?

A Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight costs around AUD $229 per person for a 40-minute tour. The price includes window seats, pilot commentary, and hotel transfers from Cairns city.

Standard Combo Flight Prices

Our 40-minute combo flight is AUD $229 per person and includes: 1. Complete coverage of Great Barrier Reef highlights 2. Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation aerial views 3. Barron Gorge waterfalls and mountain landscapes 4. Guaranteed window seat for every passenger 5. Hotel transfers from Cairns city 6. Noise-cancelling headsets with live commentary

Private and Luxury Combo Packages

Private charters provide exclusive use of the aircraft for your group, with personalized commentary and flexible scheduling. These packages are popular for proposals, anniversaries, family celebrations, and photography tours. Contact us for custom pricing.

Three people, smiling and posing near a light aircraft, with one person being playfully lifted.
Light aircraft parked at an airport with hills and blue sky in the background.

Our Aircraft for Combo Scenic Flights

We operate modern fixed-wing aircraft specifically chosen for their panoramic viewing capabilities and passenger comfort. Our planes provide the perfect platform to see both the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest from above.

Fixed Wing Aircraft Combo Flights

Planes cover more distance and offer wide-angle views of both reef and rainforest. 

Our fixed-wing aircraft feature:

Large panoramic windows

Large panoramic windows for unobstructed views

Comfortable seating

Comfortable seating for 6-12 passengers

Higher altitude

Higher altitude for wide-angle perspectives of both ecosystems

Smooth, stable flight

Smooth, stable flight suitable for all ages with Guaranteed window seats for every passenger

Perfect for families, couples, groups, and photographers who want comprehensive coverage of both World Heritage sites.

Reviews from Reef and Rainforest Flight Passengers

Our Reef and Rainforest Combo Flights are some of the most loved tours in Cairns. Guests often describe them as the best way to see two icons in one trip.

Matthew King
22:53 17 Oct 25
Harvey was great, easy flight super fun, safety briefing was very interesting.
iñigo barredo
07:54 17 Oct 25
This is a one of kind experience.
They were very kind calling us the day before to reschedule for a later time to enjoy a better weather
Tony Brindle
00:34 14 Oct 25
Excellent service.
Clean and professional.
Well priced
sandra jackson
05:05 13 Oct 25
Fantastic, memorable trip. Would highly recommend. Everything ran to time, the whole team were really friendly and our skilled pilot did a great job ensuring we had a smooth ride. The 40 min flight was perfect timing and being in a very small group made the experience even better. We also appreciated the ride back into town as an optional low cost extra.
yann dupouey
04:25 12 Oct 25
Free Rest Area.
Own.
At the top.
Alexandre Sanchez
01:37 10 Oct 25
Amazing flight with Justin !
Glen Burns
20:02 04 Oct 25
This flight is an experience you must do in your lifetime. The whole experience is fun with a very professional approach to air service and safety. The weather was clear sky's perfect for viewing at only 1500 to 1000 feet above the picturesque views of the reef. Our pilot was Cameron who gave us great commentary about the reef. Everyone is seated next to a window and Cameron piloted the GA8 Airvan so both sides got a great view of the different reefs. Cameron was very friendly and very professional. Thank you Daintree Air Services. I will definitely be back
TheSteve062
04:19 07 Aug 25
Absolutely fantastic to deal with. Friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff. Our Pilot Daniel was just fabulous and explained the new reef growth and pointed out areas where the reef is growing. Great value, highly recommended.
parul parihar
10:45 28 Jul 25
Amazing and informative. Recommended 🙂
Vivian Ng
13:15 25 Jul 25
Had an unforgettable scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef with Daintree Air Services, and it truly exceeded expectations! The views from above were breathtaking—gliding over vibrant reefs.
Offered guaranteed window seats in a comfortable, air‑conditioned aircraft—perfect for memorable photo opportunities and unblocked view.
C S
21:16 24 Jul 25
My experience with Daintree Air Services was seamless from the get-go.

Due to weather, my initial booking didn't proceed however the team kept me well informed and were extremely helpful in accommodating me the following day.
Our pilots, Justin and Cameron were both professional, personable and approachable. The smooth flight and information provided by the pilots allowed us to really take in the breathtaking views of the Great Barrier Reef and elevated the entire experience.

Thanks again to the team at Daintree Air Services - loved every minute!
McCallum Johnston
08:45 24 Jul 25
Once in a life time experience Heather and I throughly enjoyed the day at cape.
The other passengers were wonderful to travel with, flight was extremely enjoyable the banter between the junior pilot Frank and passengers was a memorable day.
Heather loved being the air hostess for the day, but I believe she needs a bit more training 🤣🤣 .
Frank(Greg) you are an excellent ambassador for Queensland, loved your work mate well done you please me and the others with an icecream, which we believe you were the one who wanted and icecream.
Macca
Kelly Charteris
01:32 24 Jul 25
Big thanks to Daintree Air!

We did the scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef this morning and it was insane! The views were so stunning, you could see so much of the reef! Definitely would book in again!

Everything felt super safe and smooth, the plane was comfy and clean. From booking, to arriving at the airport, to going on the plane, then lastly to going home the staff were all very accommodating and kind. They were really lovely and made the whole experience feel easy, safe, fun and relaxing.

Also love that they do airport transfers if you’re flying out the same day – so handy.

Thanks guys! 10/10 would do it again! 🙌✈️🌊
louise arnold
03:25 23 Jul 25
Daniel is the best pilot in the world he flew the plane correctly and didn't crash from Oli the future pilot
Linus Trempler
23:56 22 Jul 25
10/10 would recommend and do again, our pilot Daniel was what we call in germany “ein absoluter macher”
wouldn’t leave cairns without it!
Six pilots in uniform pose together on an airport tarmac beside a small aircraft in Cairns, Australia,

Book Your Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flight Today

There is no other place in the world where you can see the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest in one scenic flight. From turquoise coral lagoons to lush green canopies and dramatic waterfalls, this tour gives you the best of Tropical North Queensland in a single experience.

  • Daily departures from Cairns Airport 
  • Experienced, CASA-certified pilots 
  • Guaranteed window seating for every passenger 
  • Free hotel transfers from most Cairns city hotels

Reserve your seat online today and secure your chance to see two World Heritage icons in one flight. For private or luxury charters, contact our team to create a custom experience tailored to your special occasion.

FAQs About Reef and Rainforest Scenic Flights

How long does a combo flight from Cairns take?

Flights are usually 40 minutes or 60 minutes depending on the option you choose. Shorter flights cover the highlights, while extended flights reach the outer reef and deeper into the rainforest.

Yes. Routes are designed to show you reef lagoons, cays, and coral formations, followed by rainforest canopies, rivers, and waterfalls. The transition between the two is one of the most unique features of this flight.

Morning flights often provide the clearest skies. Afternoon flights give warmer light and softer colors, which are excellent for photography.

Yes. Combo flights are family-friendly. Children can join with adult supervision, and every passenger has a guaranteed window seat.

Yes. Private charters are available for couples, families, and groups. These flights can include extras like champagne, custom routes, or cay landings.

Have a question that’s not listed above? Give our friendly team a call on 0499 899 406 or send us an email at info@greatbarrierreefscenicflights.com.au or ask via our online form by clicking the button below.

Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights logo

Enquiry

Ask us anything you like. We’re happy to answer your questions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

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