There’s just nothing like going on helicopter rides in Brisbane – a city that looks natural, majestic, and modern all at the same time, especially when you’re over one thousand feet up in the air, sitting in a state-of-the-art helicopter cockpit. Your helicopter comes complete with all of the comfort amenities you need for a ride that you won’t soon forget, with plush seating, air-conditioned cabins, and windows fit for panoramic views all around.
Go on a helicopter flight above Brisbane City and its CBD, along with landmarks like the Brisbane River and Story Bridge. Scenic helicopter flights extend to surrounding areas like North Stradbroke, Moreton, and Fraser Islands, each of which is beautiful to see from the air, and for those interested, even better when you land on the ground for a day of exploration. Shipwrecks, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and so much more await.
For those who enjoy the finer things in life, providers Rotor One also offers a variety of helicopter pub crawls and winery tours – perfect for those who want to explore the culinary and wine-making side of Brisbane while experiencing the thrill of a helicopter flight. Land at a range of wineries and pubs, enjoy gourmet meals and fine wine varietals, and spend quality time with the people who matter the most.
This is your ultimate guide to helicopter rides in Brisbane, where we’ll talk about the different types of tours, who they are ideal for, why you should try a helicopter flight, who the biggest providers are, and of course, what the best helicopter flights and tours in Brisbane are. Let’s get started!
What This Guide Covers:
- The Ultimate Guide to Helicopter Rides in Brisbane
- Types of Helicopter Rides in Brisbane
- Scenic Helicopter Tours
- Helicopter Island Tours
- Brisbane Helicopter Pub Crawls
- Helicopter Winery Tours
- Helicopter Charters
- And More – Adventure Flights
- Landmarks Guests Can See on a Brisbane Helicopter Ride
- Who Brisbane Helicopter Flights Are Ideal For
- Couples
- Solo Adventurers
- Kids and Families
- Parents
- Clients, Employees, and Business Partners
- For Anyone Who Loves Adventure
- Perfect Events for a Brisbane Helicopter Flight
- Birthdays
- Christmas
- Anniversaries
- Valentine’s Day
- Corporate Events
- Weddings, Bachelor Parties, and Engagement Proposals
- And So Much More!
- The Best Helicopter Flight and Tour Providers in Brisbane
- The Average Price of Helicopter Tours
- Top Helicopter Flight Providers in Brisbane
- What Affects the Price of a Helicopter Ride in Brisbane
- What You’ll Pay for a Brisbane City Helicopter Ride
- Rotor One Tour Example Prices for Brisbane Helicopter Rides
- Important Booking Information
Types of Helicopter Rides in Brisbane
The great thing about Brisbane helicopter rides is that there are so many different types to experience. From scenic rides and island tours to full helicopter pub crawls and winery visits, there’s a nearly endless amount of options to choose from.
Scenic Helicopter Tours
One of the most common types of helicopter flights in Brisbane is the scenic flight – a great opportunity for anybody and everybody to see the city from above, especially the world-famous CBD. These are generally short tours, usually around 90 minutes or less, meaning that they are perfect for people who love sightseeing, but don’t want to spend too much time out.
That said, the fact of the matter is that getting an aerial view of Brisbane is unmatched in terms of seeing iconic landmarks. Just some of the amazing landmarks that you can see when taking a Brisbane helicopter tour is include Brisbane River, Story Bridge, Mt. Coot-tha, the City Botanic Gardens, the Brisbane Cricket Ground, the Glass House Mountains, Moreton Bay, and more.
What’s great about these flights is how quickly they transition from an urban setting to nature – allowing you to see city, coastline, and beaches in a single thrilling helicopter ride. Whether it’s a quick flight over Brisbane City or an extended sightseeing tour of the surrounding beaches and coastline, the experience is always fantastic.
Helicopter Island Tours
Another great type of helicopter flight to go on in Brisbane is the island tour. A helicopter island tour combines a thrilling helicopter flight with the fun of getting to explore some of the most beautiful islands in the area.
For instance, one of the most popular destinations for a helicopter ride is Moreton Island, complete with long stretches of white sand, clear waters, and, of course, the Tangalooma shipwrecks. This cluster of sunken ships is visible right under the surface, and that’s not all you’ll see, because there’s plenty of wildlife here too.
Some of the other islands where you get to touch down on and spend time exploring include North Stradbroke Island and its freshwater lakes and dramatic headlands, South Stradbroke Island with its romantic beaches, and Fraser Island, which features the Kingfisher Bay Resort, along with the Maheno Shipwreck, freshwater lakes, and more.
Brisbane Helicopter Pub Crawls
One of the most exciting things to do in Brisbane is going on an helicopter pub crawl.
That’s right, you can visit several of the most renowned Brisbane pubs in a single day, drink as many brews as your heart desires, and never have to worry about driving to the next location or getting home safely at the end of it all – your helicopter brings you to and from every single pub.
If you’re looking to enjoy the laidback lifestyle of Queensland, then a helicopter pub crawl is certainly the way to go. It’s all about getting to experience the most iconic country pubs, the most unique brews, and some friendly locals, too – all while getting to ride in an amazing chopper.
Just some of the pubs you could visit on your heli pub crawl in Brisbane include The Gutter Bar on Moreton Island, the Straddie Brewing Co on North Stradbroke Island, the Sanctuary Cove Tavern on the Gold Coast, the Eagle Heights Resort on Tamborine Mountain, and so much more!
Helicopter Winery Tours
For those who are more interested in fine wine and gourmet dining than food, going on a Brisbane Helicopter Winery Tour is certainly something worth doing. This is all about getting to fly around Brisbane’s Scenic Rim and seeing some of the region’s most celebrated wineries.
Just a short flight from Brisbane City, these rural wineries offer a relaxing retreat while providing you with the excitement of flying through the air in a bird of prey. Just imagine touching down at a renowned winery in your own private helicopter, followed by five-star and multi-course dining, combined with some of the most comprehensive and popular wine tastings in Australia.
Some of the best wineries to visit via helicopter in Brisbane include Beechmont Estate, the Overflow Estate 1895, and Spicers Peak Lodge, each of which offers its own unique perspective on fine wine and dining, and of course, getting to arrive in style in a helicopter makes it all just that much better.
Helicopter Charters
Helicopter flights in Brisbane aren’t just about fun, either, because they also serve a great purpose – fast and convenient travel. Service providers like Rotor One offer helicopter charters to and from Brisbane, servicing small regional airports, private properties, and much more.
You can often select a location of your choosing (as long as landing permissions are granted), meaning that you can fly to a private destination without having to deal with terrible Brisbane traffic, long lines, or even commercial airlines.
A helicopter charter allows for customisation, so you can not only choose the location to fly to, but you can also work with the team to set the schedule and itinerary. This is all about getting to travel to a destination of your choosing in a fast, convenient, and luxurious manner.
Some service providers, such as the Rotor One helicopter company, also offer airport transfers, so you can land at Brisbane Airport and continue your journey without having to worry about missing connections or arriving late at your final destination.
These private charters are especially popular with celebrities, VIPs, politicians, and anyone else who needs a safe, fast, and effective way to travel.
And More – Adventure Flights
There are plenty of other helicopter tours to go on in Brisbane, with one of the most popular being the Australia Zoo helicopter tour.
The reason why this is such a great experience for the whole family is that not only do you get to fly to the zoo in a helicopter, but these tours also come with exclusive access to the exhibits, all without having to wait in line.
As you can see, these Brisbane helicopter tours are fantastic for adults, kids, couples, and the whole family alike. Speaking of who these Brisbane helicopter tours are best for, let’s take a look.
Landmarks Guests Can See on a Brisbane Helicopter Ride
There are many different landmarks that can be seen from a helicopter when flying over Brisbane, and each one is worth seeing from a bird's eye view.
- Brisbane City Skyline
- Story Bridge
- Brisbane River
- South Bank Parklands
- Wheel of Brisbane
- Kangaroo Point Cliffs
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
- Roma Street Parkland
- Suncorp Stadium
- The Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground)
- Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
- Treasury Casino
- Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
- Mount Coot-tha Lookout
- New Farm Park
- Howard Smith Wharves
- Brisbane Airport
- Moreton Bay
- Moreton Island
- North Stradbroke Island
- Tangalooma Wrecks
- South Stradbroke Island
- Port of Brisbane
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Brisbane Showgrounds
- St John’s Cathedral
- Parliament House Brisbane
- University of Queensland
- Brisbane City Hall and Clock Tower
- AND MORE!
Who Brisbane Helicopter Flights Are Ideal For
Brisbane helicopter flights are ideal for a wide range of people, whether couples, solo adventurers, families, parents, and everyone in between. Let’s take a look at who these Brisbane Helicopter tours are ideal for.
Couples
For couples looking for a bit of romance in Brisbane, a helicopter tour is certainly the way to go. Just imagine an adventurous flight followed by a touchdown at North Stradbroke Island, where a romantic beach picnic awaits, complete with champagne and more.
For those who want to step it up a notch, take a flight to Beechmont Estate, which not only features panoramic views of the Scenic Rim, but also features some of the most high-end dining experiences in Australia.
Providers like Rotor One also offer a number of proposal packages, where you can propose to that special someone on a perfectly prepared beach or right in the cockpit of the helicopter.
Solo Adventurers
Although these helicopter rides are ideal for couples, they’re also great for solo travelers. Whether you want to see the Brisbane River or the Glass House Mountains on a scenic flight, you want to go on a pub crawl, or visit one of the many wineries in the area, these are things that you can do solo.
The great thing about many helicopter tour providers is that they allow for either private or shared flights, meaning that if you don’t have enough members for a private group, you can always go on a shared flight and meet some new people along the way. If you want a bird's eye view of the ground below, this is the way to go!
Kids and Families
Family helicopter tours are always appealing too, because they give the whole family something super fun to do while experiencing something new. It’s all about experiencing the thrill of a helicopter ride along with the whole family.
For instance, if your kids are into boats and ships, going for a scenic flight over the Tangalooma shipwrecks is a fantastic option, allowing everyone to imagine what it’s like sailing on the high seas and getting into a bit of trouble! Some of these helicopter tours might even double as whale watching adventures, because there’s always plenty of marine life when flying over the ocean.
Even better, take the kids on an Australia Zoo helicopter adventure, where everyone gets priority access to the exhibits without having to wait in a single line. There’s also the simple fact that kids will absolutely love getting to ride in a chopper, most likely for the first time ever.
Parents
Whether your parents are still taking care of young ones or they’re now in their golden years, they deserve to be treated right, and that means being treated to something special like a great helicopter tour.
Just imagine gifting your parents a tour to Spicers Peak Lodge for a gourmet winery lunch for their anniversary – complete with panoramic views of the world below, combined with fine dining and wine pairings.
This is true luxury and indulgence, making it ideal for parents who just need to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
This is about giving your parents the chance to unwind, spend quality time with each other, and experience something totally new and out of the ordinary. The fact here is that any special occasion can benefit from an unforgettable experience like this.
Clients, Employees, and Business Partners
If you’re looking for a corporate experience that’s a little more than taking your clients out to the same old hibachi grill, take them on a helicopter tour. These really do make for fantastic corporate experiences!
Just imagine taking your employees on a heli pub crawl to let them unwind and get some time away from work. The Gutter Bar, the Tamborine Mountain’s Eagle Height Resort, and Sanctuary Cove are just some of the many pubs that you can take your employees and clients to.
Of course, if you’re really looking to impress your colleagues and business partners, it might be time to take them on an exclusive helicopter winery tour.
You’re sure to impress any potential partners or clients when you take them on a helicopter tour to one of Brisbane’s many gourmet wineries. It never hurts to get some fine dining and quality wine into your prospective clients when you’re looking to close a deal!
For Anyone Who Loves Adventure
The reality is that a Brisbane helicopter flight is ideal for anyone who likes thrill and adventure.
After all, it’s not every day that you get to go on an exclusive helicopter tour, whether it’s over Brisbane’s CBD, to Moreton Island, or touching down at Beechmont Estate.
If you want to experience what flying in a helicopter is like, then a Rotor One helicopter tour is definitely the way to go. From 90-minute flights to full-day adventures, it’s time to experience Brisbane and its stunning views from the air.
Perfect Events for a Brisbane Helicopter Flight
Now that you know who Brisbane helicopter flights are ideal for, let’s talk about the different days or types of events that these helicopter flights are great for.
Birthdays
If you thought that spending a night in your favourite pub was the best way to spend your birthday, you’d probably reconsider if you knew there was a helicopter involved.
Something like a Brisbane helicopter pub crawl makes for a perfect birthday present for anyone who enjoys the combination of cold brews and cool machines.
As you can see from above, the beauty about these helicopter tours is that there is something for everyone, from a casual flight to the zoo to a high-end trip to a fine-dining establishment.
Christmas
Just like birthdays call for something special, so does Christmas, and this could mean spending a day in the holiday season touring over Moreton Bay and the Scenic Rim or going for a scenic flight over the Tangalooma Wrecks – talk about a Christmas present that no one will see coming – quite the surprise indeed.
Perhaps a Christmas lunch at the Sirromet Winery or Beechmont Estate is the way to go – imagine having your Christmas meal in gourmet fashion, all after getting to spend a good deal of time flying over Queensland’s wine country and seeing its spectacular views.
Anniversaries
There aren’t many gestures that show that special someone how much they mean to you than a thrilling helicopter flight. Again, this is the kind of gift that your significant other, or perhaps soon-to-be-betrothed will never see coming.
Take them to a private picnic on North Stradbroke Island or go for a winery flight and have a romantic lunch at the Paddock Restaurant at the renowned Beechmont Estate. Taking a helicopter flight to a critically acclaimed venue for some fine dining and wine tasting is definitely an anniversary gift worth giving.
Valentine’s Day
Just like anniversaries about spending the day with that special someone, so is Valentine’s Day. Nothing says romance and appreciation quite like a surprise flight to a Brisbane winery for one of the tastiest meals you as a couple have shared together.
Valentine’s Day is about romance, having fun, and spending time with the person that matters most to you, and that’s exactly what you get with any one of Rotor One’s amazing helicopter tours.
Corporate Events
One of the most popular reasons to go on a helicopter flight is for corporate purposes. Maybe you are having a team bonding day so your employees can get to know each other, an employee appreciation day to show them how much you value their contribution to your company, a staff Christmas party, or anything in between.
Whatever the case, taking the team out on an adventure that takes them away from work for a day is always called for.
Don’t forget, helicopter tours are great ways to maintain business relationships with partners, board of directors, and prospective clients alike. Show them a good time and business will flow from there.
Weddings, Bachelor Parties, and Engagement Proposals
One of the best ways to use a helicopter flight to your advantage is to grease the wheels for that big proposal.
Yes, asking someone to spend the rest of their life with you is no small thing, but what can definitely help is a bit of fun, luxury, and relaxation to set the mood.
Saying no to a proposal is near impossible after taking a majestic helicopter ride and landing at a beach with a private picnic and proposal setup.
On that note, Spicers Peak Lodge also features special proposal packages that make that special moment just that much more meaningful.
Imagine getting to spend every day with the love of your life, and when people ask about how you got engaged, you can tell them it was all thanks to the chopper! Yes, there are even mid-flight proposals that operators such as Rotor One can arrange for.
And So Much More!
Whether it’s date night, family day, or a high school graduation, the fact of the matter is that a scenic helicopter flight, heli pub crawl, or an Island tour always make for a great time. This is an exclusive thing, something that people don’t get to do every day, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
The Best Helicopter Flight and Tour Providers in Brisbane
Something that everyone wants to know is who the best helicopter tour providers in Brisbane are, and yes, the number one answer is Rotor One, but there are others as well.
Why Rotor One is the Best Helicopter Tour Provider
With a perfect safety record and countless five-star reviews, Rotor One has positioned itself as the premier helicopter flight and tour company in Brisbane, and in fact, in all of Australia.
First and foremost, the Rotor One fleet is extremely modern and well-maintained, with amazing machines such as the Robinson R44, Robinson R66, Airbus EC130, Bell 206, Bell 407, Bell 429 and Agusta AW109, all ready to take you on tour.
Every helicopter is inspected by professional engineers, with pre-flight inspections happening before each and every single flight – to ensure the utmost of safety for all passengers.
On that note, all Rotor One Pilots are licensed as both pilots and instructors, again ensuring top safety. On that note, all helicopters feature air-conditioning, plush seating, ample leg room, noise-cancelling headsets, and large windows to see the world below.
What also makes Rotor One stand out against the competition is that it offers a wide variety of flights in Brisbane, and across Australia. You can go on scenic flight of Brisbane City, go on a tour of the surrounding coast and beaches, go to a range of wineries for gourmet food and fine wine, trips to the zoo, pub crawls, engagement flights, and more yet – the selection really can’t be beat.
Something else that sets Rotor One apart is its customer-first approach, with experienced pilots providing engaging commentary and interesting tidbits of information along the way.
Also, flights are meticulously planned with both comfort and safety in mind, with custom charters also being available.
Rotor One is the perfect helicopter tour provider no matter the occasion, location, or person in question. It’s all about luxury, decadence, and adventure. Don’t forget that Rotor One also takes care of custom charters to locations of your choosing, as well as Airport transfers too.
Notable Mentions
Of course, there are also other helicopter tour providers located in Brisbane, ones such as Pterodactyl Helicopters, V2 Helicopters, Elite Helicopters, and Bekaa Air. These are all fine helicopter tour operators in their own right, but when it comes to fleet selection, available experiences, helpful staff, and fantastic experiences, you really can’t beat Rotor One.
The Average Price of Helicopter Tours
Another thing that you’re likely interested in is how much these helicopter tours cost. Now, prices vary greatly by location, tour provider, duration of flight, the time of year, and the level of luxury. However, we can give you a good idea of what to expect.
Here are rough average price ranges based on what people generally pay:
| Tour Type | Approx Duration / Features | Typical Price |
| Short Scenic Flight (city only) | 15–20 minutes, minimal extras | $150–$250 pp |
| Extended Scenic Flight (city + beaches + coast) | 30–90 minutes, minimal extras | $250–$500 pp |
| Winery or Gourmet Lunch Tours | Includes flight + lunch or wine tasting | $600–$1,500 pp typically, can go higher |
| Beach Picnic / Premium Destination | Secluded beaches, gourmet picnic, longer flight, exclusive amenities | $1,000–$2,000+ pp |
| Full Private Charter / Custom Multiple Destinations | Longer flight hours, higher aircraft cost, custom itinerary | Varies significantly; can exceed $3,000–$5,000+ |
Top Helicopter Flight Providers in Brisbane
Let's take a look at your best options in terms of the top-rated helicopter ride providers in Brisbane.
Rotor One
With thousands of satisfied customers and five-star reviews, Rotor One is Brisbane's #1 rated helicopter services provider - known for amazing service, highly-skilled pilots, and a luxurious aircraft fleet.
Operating out of Archerfield Airport and Brisbane Airport, Rotor One provides a variety of flights, including scenic flights, coastal adventures, winery tours and pub crawls, bespoke charter services, private travel, and airport transfers.
Rotor One features concierge-level service, flexible private charters, and weather guarantees, along with a perfect safety record, thus setting the standard for corporate travel, VIP experiences, and romantic getaways alike.
Bekaa Air
Bekaa Air is another well-known helicopter ride provider in Brisbane, with scenic flights, pub crawls, and winery flights across Southeast Queensland. With 100% private flights and a great safety record, it's a good option for those who value privacy.
Elite Helicopters
Elite Helicopters has over 40 years of experience in the industry, and this has made it one of the most respected names in operation today, both for commercial and leisure purposes. They operate a diverse fleet of aircrafts that are used for city tours, proposal flights, and aerial filming.
V2 Helicopters
When it comes to charter providers and flight training, V2 Helicopters is yet another good option to consider. Although pilot instruction is one of their main offerings, they also provide scenic flights over Brisbane, winery trips, and trips to the Sunshine Coast - all with custom itineraries available.
Pterodactyl Helicopters
Pterodactyl has been in operation since 2008, and has been offering winery tours, helicopter pub crawls, and gourmet dining experiences ever since - most of the tours offered are food-related, with flights to restaurants, pubs, and local resorts.
Executive Helicopters
Operating out of Archerfield Airport, Executive helicopters offers city-to-coast transfers, scenic tours, and VIP charters. This provider is all about smoooth, seamless, and comfortable flights, making them a top choice for special events and corporate functions alike.
Air Charter Group
The Air Charter Group operates across all of Australia, and has been in business for the past 25 years. They offer both fixed-wing and helicopter services, specialising in FIFO operations, private charters, and executive transport.
What Affects the Price of a Helicopter Ride in Brisbane
There are a few things that can affect the cost of a helicopter tour:
- Flight Time & Distance: The longer the flight / further the destination, the more fuel and operational time. Flights to Stradbroke or more remote wineries cost a lot more than a quick loop over the CBD.
- Luxury / Inclusions: Gourmet meals, wine tasting, picnic setups, exclusive access or private landings all add to cost. A lunch at a boutique winery (e.g. The Overflow Estate or Beechmont) or a beach picnic is way more expensive.
- Aircraft Type & Group Size: Smaller helicopters cost less; upgrading to larger models or more comfort/features increases price. Also, prices are often quoted per person but booking out the whole helicopter adds up.
- Time of Day / Season: Sunset or golden hour flights carry a premium. Busy tourist season or weekends can also increase rates.
- Landing Fees & Permissions: Some destinations require special landing permissions, fees or access rights, especially private beaches or exclusive vineyard landings.
What You’ll Pay for a Brisbane City Helicopter Ride
If you’re booking a helicopter tour in Brisbane, here’s what you can expect to pay:
- If all you want is a quick scenic flight over the city (Story Bridge, Brisbane River, Mt Coot-tha), budget $150-$300 per person.
- If you want a wine tour or gourmet lunch, with travel to and from a winery and some extras, budget $600-$1,200+.
- For high-end experiences, such as secluded beach picnics, proposal flights or charters to remote destinations, expect to pay $1,500-$2,000 or more per person, depending on how fancy and long the tour is.
Rotor One Tour Example Prices for Brisbane Helicopter Rides
Just to provide you with an example of how much you can expect to spend on a helicopter tour from a real provider, here are some up to date examples from Rotor One.
- Brisbane City Scenic Helicopter Ride: 25-minute tour over the Brisbane CBD, Brisbane River, Story Bridge and Mount Coot-Tha. Priced at $299 per person.
- Winery Flight to Overflow Estate: 25-minute flight each way with 2 hours of ground time for lunch, a 3-course gourmet lunch, and a glass of wine. Priced at $899 per person.
- Helicopter Beach Picnic on Stradbroke Island: 35-minute flight each way with private beach landing, gourmet picnic and wine, and beach tent setup (with an optional premium proposal setup). Priced at $1,690 per person.
- Surprise Proposal Flight Over Brisbane: 25-minute private flight over Brisbane with romantic amenities and a mid-flight proposal arrangement. Priced at $499 per person.
Important Booking Information
Before you book your helicopter flight in Brisbane, here’s some important booking information for you to be aware of.
- Get there at least 10 minutes early to check in and do the safety briefing
- Most flights depart from airports close to the Brisbane CBD (check your confirmation)
- You’ll need to provide your exact weight to balance the helicopter safely
- Weather like low cloud, heavy rain or high winds may delay or reschedule flights; good operators will offer rebooking or refunds (which Rotor One does)
- Children two and over generally need their own seat and pay full fare
- Phones and cameras are usually welcome - take photos and videos
- Wear comfy clothes and sunglasses; bring a jacket on cool or windy days
- Small bags are allowed but check with your operator for size limits
- Pregnant passengers can usually fly until late in pregnancy
- Most operators welcome passengers with special needs if accompanied by a carer
- Gift vouchers are available, valid for multiple years but not refundable
- Cancellation policies vary; many allow rebooking up to 72 hours before the flight
The bottom line is that the possibilities for helicopter rides in Brisbane are nearly endless, from short scenic flights over the city and coast to full helicopter winery tour experiences. Whether you're looking for a quick flight or an all-day adventure, Rotor One has you covered. With 3,297 happy guests and counting, nearly 1,000 5-star reviews, and being rated the number #1 helicopter flight provider in Brisbane makes Rotor One the best choice for the most comprehensive, luxurious, and thrilling helicopter rides in Brisbane.
