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Heart Reef Scenic Flight: Fly Over the Great Barrier Reef

Bank over the impossibly heart-shaped coral formation at the Great Barrier Reef from a seaplane or helicopter — one of the most photographed natural wonders on earth and utterly impossible to reach any other way.

What to expect

You're collected from Airlie Beach's Whitsunday Airport or the seaplane base and climb into a de Havilland Beaver or Cessna Caravan to soar over the 74 Whitsunday Islands. The pilot circles Heart Reef — a naturally formed coral heart — at low altitude before sweeping across the turquoise shallows of Whitehaven Beach. Longer flights include a champagne beach landing on a private sandbar. The entire journey is intimate, with commentary from experienced pilot-guides who know these waters intimately.

Book it with
Air Whitsunday Seaplanes
AUD 299–AUD 599 per person depending on flight duration (30-min to 60-min scenic options)
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Good to know

Weight limits apply per aircraft; book early as seating is very limited. Allow at least 30 minutes travel time from the tender wharf to the seaplane base. The 60-minute flight with beach landing is the recommended luxury option. Morning departures offer the calmest conditions and best light for photography.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Airlie Beach — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Azamara · Azamara Pursuit
20 nights · calls at Airlie Beach
from $4,587
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Regent · Seven Seas Navigator
12 nights · calls at Airlie Beach
from $6,499
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Regent · Seven Seas Mariner
14 nights · calls at Airlie Beach
from $9,499
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Regent · Seven Seas Explorer
12 nights · calls at Airlie Beach
from $10,299
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See all cruises to Airlie Beach →
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