The coastal town of Airlie Beach is located in the heart of the Whitsundays region. It has long been a popular holiday destination for many Aussies and is a gateway to the idyllic Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.
Airlie Beach is the perfect place to catch a flight over the natural wonders of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef, and you’re guaranteed to have an adventure of a lifetime.
Highlights
- Soar over the spectacular Great Barrier Reef
- Get a bird’s-eye view of some of the Whitsunday Islands most popular attractions such as Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
- Discover the magnificent marine life of the reef from a different perspective
Know before you book
- Not suitable for people with mobility impairments
- Not suitable for pregnant women
- Some flights have weight restrictions
Airlie Beach in Queensland, Australia is a charming coastal town that has great weather all year round, palm-fringed beaches, and a vibrant tourist scene.
It is conveniently located close to both the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands, which are just 55km (34miles) off the coast of Queensland.
While exploring the Whitsunday Islands by a catamaran is an adventure of a lifetime it’s way better to see this incredible area from the air.
You can hop on board a small plane or a seaplane and soar over these picturesque islands. Be sure to bring your camera along, as you won’t want to miss out on an opportunity to take some stunning pictures.
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Prices of Flights to Airlie Beach & Whitsunday Islands
The prices of flights to Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands start from around $150 ($207 AUD) and can go up to $434 ($599 AUD).
The prices of tours vary depending on whether you’d like to opt for a scenic flight only or whether you’d like to do add an additional activity like coral reef snorkeling to the tour.
You can compare ticket prices from different tour providers below.
Flight Times
The departure times vary according to the availability of the trips as well as the type of flights booked, e.g. a 60-minute, scenic flight to Airlie Beach with snorkeling, and ocean rafting.
Most tours leave early in the morning so that you can enjoy a full day out and enjoy other activities like snorkeling on the reef and exploring some of the islands on land.
There are a few tours that leave in the afternoon, as they only offer a scenic flight with no additional activities, and these usually last around an hour.
Best Time to Go
Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays Islands are located in the tropical state of Queensland that enjoys sunshine all year round, so the best time to go is any time really! However, to make the most of your holiday, take note of the following:
- April to May: Humidity lessens, and days are sunny with pleasant temperatures.
- June to August: Activity in the area picks up as visitors come to enjoy the Airlie Beach Race Week. This is also the best time to spot humpback whales.
- September and October: This is peak season in the Whitsundays, and the area gets quite crowded.
- November to December: While the weather is warm during these months, the wind starts picking up.
- January to March: This is the rainy season in the area, but still gets some great weather.
How To Fly to Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is located 1097km (681 miles) from Brisbane, 2384km (1481 miles) from Melbourne, and 1870km (1161 miles) from Sydney.
The closest airport to Airlie Beach is The Whitsunday Coast Airport in the nearby town of Proserpine.
There are several flights from Brisbane to Airlie Beach and from other major cities that are operated by Qantas Airlines, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia.
Once you land, Airlie Beach is just a short 30-minute drive away from the airport. From there you can hop on a small plane to one of the 74 Whitsunday Islands.
Before catching your flight to Airlie Beach, be sure to visit The Whitsunday Coast Airport’s website for more flight information.
Airlie Beach to Whitsunday Islands Tours
There are several flights to the Whitsundays available such as a 1-hour scenic tour departing from Airlie Beach, as well as Great Barrier Reef seaplane tours. Below are the best options.
Whitsundays: Ocean Rafting Tour with Snorkel & Scenic Flight
With this tour, you’ll get to experience the very best of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands. You’ll depart from Airlie Beach in a small plane and after taking to the skies, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the Whitsundays.
You’ll also stop at three of the Great Barrier Reef’s most iconic locations, Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet. Along the way, you’ll be able to snorkel at some of the most secret and pristine locations on the Reef.
What we liked: You get to experience the best of the Whitsunday Islands from the air and ground.
- 60-Minute scenic flight in a fixed-wing plane
- Visit to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
- A guided walk through the Whitsunday Island National Park
- Coral Reef Snorkeling( If selected)
- Use of Snorkel Gear
- Use of wetsuit
- Hotel pick-up and drop off from Airlie Beach
- Lunch on Whitehaven Beach
- No exclusions
Once you get to Whitehaven Beach, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and enjoy some time on the beach. You also hike up to the Hill Inlet Lookout Point where you can gaze over the beach, before heading back to your accommodation.
Know Before You Book
- Duration: Full Day
- Departure Time: 8:30 am
- This is an Eco-Certified tour
- Not suitable for pregnant women
- Not suitable for people with mobility impairments
- Not suitable for people with back problems.
- The tour itinerary is subject to change according to weather conditions
From Airlie Beach: 1-Hour Whitsunday Islands Scenic Flight
With this 1-hour scenic flight, you’ll hop on board a high-wing aircraft and get a bird’s-eye of some of the best attractions in Australia.
What we liked: You’re guaranteed a window seat with the best views.
Highlights
- In-flight commentary
- Best aerial views of the 74 Whitsunday Islands
- Stunning views of some of the best attractions in Australia
- 1-hour flight over the GBR and Whitsunday Islands
- Guaranteed window seats
- Complimentary bus transfers from Airlie Beach
- Food and drinks
Enjoy this mesmerizing flight to the Whitsundays and take in the spectacular views of the 74 idyllic islands. During your flight, you’ll soar over some of the island’s most iconic landmarks such as Shute Harbour, Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, and Whitehaven Beach.
You’ll also pass over the amazing Heart Reef and see the vibrant colors and patterns of Hardy Reef.
Know Before You Book
- Duration: 1 Hour
- Departure Time: Depends on the availability of the flight
- Not suitable for people over 264lbs (120kg)
- Flight is subject to change based on weather conditions
- If the flight is canceled or delayed, the tour operator will attempt to reschedule your flight or refund you in full
- Not suitable for people with mobility impairments
- Children under 3 travel free of charge
Airlie Beach: Fly & Sail Package
If you’re looking for a romantic way to experience Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays, then this fly and sail tour is perfect for you.
With an incredible bird-eye view, you’ll get to take some of the best pictures of some of the most wonderful natural landscapes in Australia.
What we liked:This tour includes a scenic flight to the Whitsundays and a sunset cruise around Airlie Beach in the evening.
Highlights
- 60-minute scenic flight
- Sunset cruise on the luxurious Providence V vessel
- Complimentary glass of sparkling wine and nibbles
- Scenic flight over the Whitsundays
- 2-hour sunset cruise around Airlie Beach
- Complimentary glass of bubbles
- Complimentary cheese platter
- Hotel pickup and drop off
Spend the afternoon soaring around the Whitsundays and take in some spectacular views. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Airlie Beach where you’ll board a luxurious boat and watch the sunset while sipping on some bubbly.
Know Before You Book
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Departure Time: Depends on the availability of the flight
- For safety reasons, there’s a weight restriction of 275lbs (125kg)
- Flight and cruise are subject to change based on weather conditions
- Not suitable for people with mobility impairments
From Airlie Beach: 60-Minute Whitsundays Scenic Flight
Delight in a one-hour flight over the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays and take in the spectacular views of one of Australia’s most mesmerizing natural landscapes. You’ll get an opportunity of a lifetime to make some memories that will last a lifetime.
What we liked: This flight is limited to just 7 people.
- Hotel pickup and dropoff
- Inflight Commentary
- Food and drinks
- Additional activities
After being picked up from your accommodation in Airlie Beach, you’ll head over to the Whitsunday Coast Airport where you’ll take off into the sky.
You’ll then fly over the picturesque Whitsunday Islands and spot some of the exotic marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll also fly over one of the most photographed reefs in the world, Heart Reef.
Be sure to keep an eye out for some postcard locations like the Hill Inlet on Whitehaven Beach.
Know Before You Book
- Duration: 1 Hour
- Departure Time: Depends on the availability of the flight
- This is an Eco-Certified tour
- Exact weights per passenger will be specified when booking the flight
- Flight and cruise are subject to change based on weather conditions
- Not suitable for people with mobility impairments
Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach Seaplane Tour
Explore the Great Barrier Reef in a comfortable seaplane. After a thrilling flight, you’ll land at Whitehaven Beach, where you’ll be able to explore this beautiful area. Included is a wide range of activities as well as lunch.
What we liked: Scenic flight with a range of land activities included.
Highlights
- Enjoy a scenic flight
- Snorkel at a private coral lagoon
- Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding
- Discover the rich marine life of the Great Barrier Reef in a semi-submersible vessel
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Seaplane tour
- 5 hour stop at Whitehaven Beach
- Lunch
- Semi-submersible coral viewing
- Use of snorkeling gear
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- No exclusions
Once you’ve admired the views of the Whitsundays from the sky, you’ll land at a private location in Hardy Lagoon where you’ll get to snorkel. After that, you’ll head over to Whitehaven Beach where you’ll enjoy a tasty lunch.
From here, you can explore the coral reefs, wander around the beach, or sit back and relax.
Know Before You Book
- Duration: 5 Hours
- Departure Time: Depends on the availability of the flight
- There’s a weight restriction of 275lbs(125kg)
- Not wheelchair friendly
- Not suitable for people with mobility impairments
- There is a baggage allowance of 6lbs (3kgs)
Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight -70 minutes
Hop on board and take to the sky as you go on this unforgettable tour of The Great Barrier Reef. Soar over some of its most treasured locations and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures.
What we liked: While there are many flights to the Whitsundays, they are mostly around 60 minutes long, this one gives you an additional 10 minutes to enjoy this beautiful area.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tea and coffee
- Headsets to hear your guide
- Goods and Services Tax
- An additional 10 minutes flight time
- Bottled water
- Additional activities
With this flight, you’ll pass over the charming town of Airlie Beach. From there, you’ll travel to the Whitsundays and explore this beautiful area. Then you’ll make your way past Heart Reef, before returning to Airlie Beach.
Know Before You Book
- Duration: 1 Hour 10 minutes
- Departure Time: Depends on the availability of the flight
- There’s a weight restriction of 264lbs(120kg)
- Not wheelchair friendly
- Not suitable for people with mobility impairments
- Infant seats are available
Specification: Flights to Airlie Beach & Other Whitsunday Islands | Scenic Tours & More
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Kerry –
Gary, our coach “pilot” was very informative, giving us details of local interest points and explaining what we might see from the plane. Liam, our actual pilot, was excellent. My daughter, who has a fear of small planes, overcame her fear, thanks to Liam. He put everyone at ease and was a great pilot and tourist guide. We knew what to expect, where to look and what everything was. All up a great day. Would recommend to anyone.
George –
This is a great experience. Being driven to the airport in the small bus was also a treat. Gary is a hoot! I was lucky enough to be the co pilot (goodness know what we would have done if I was needed. The views from every window of the small planes are amazing and the pilot was knowledgeable and friendly. Well worth it. Would definitely do it again.