The 12 Apostles are some of the most famous natural landmarks in Australia, rising out of the Southern Ocean along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Millions of travellers visit each year, but one of the most memorable ways to experience the 12 Apostles is from the air on a helicopter flight. 12 Apostles helicopter ticket prices range from $145 to $300 per person for shorter scenic flights, and cost between $2,000 and $4,000+ for full day helicopter tours from Melbourne.
There are several companies which offer helicopter tours around the 12 Apostles. These experiences usually fall into two categories, with some operators providing short scenic flights that depart near the Apostles, while others run longer helicopter tours from Melbourne that follow the entire Great Ocean Road coastline.
This guide covers the difference between these two options, as well as some of the biggest providers, including the typical prices they charge, so you can plan the right trip for you while sticking to your budget. Let's find out how much you can expect to pay for an adventure along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
Two Types of 12 Apostles Helicopter Tours
There are two main types of helicopter flights to the 12 Apostles in Victoria: short scenic flights and full-day helicopter tours.
Scenic Flights at the 12 Apostles
The first option that many choose is a short helicopter ride that directly from the coastline near the 12 Apostles. These scenic flights often depart near Port Campbell National Park - another sight worth seeing if you're in the area. These types of helicopter tours focus on providing quick aerial views of the 12 Apostles.
A typical scenic helicopter flight usually includes:
- A 10 to 20 minute helicopter flight
- Aerial views of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge
- A flight experience over the Shipwreck Coast
- Opportunities for photos of the coastline, cliffs, and ocean
These scenic flights are usually available year round and cost between $145 and #300 per person, depending on flight time and the provider in question. While these flights are great for seeing the sights, they are quite short and limited to just the 12 Apostles coastline.
Full-Day Helicopter Tours from Melbourne
The second option is a much longer helicopter tour departing from Melbourne, providing a full Great Ocean Road helicopter journey from the city to the 12 Apostles. These helicopter tours often depart from Essendon Airport, just outside of Melbourne, and follow the Great Ocean Road coastline to the 12 Apostles.
Instead of a very quick sightseeing ride as above, these experiences are full flight adventures that allow passengers to not only see the 12 Apostles, but also a variety of natural wonders along the coast. On these flights, travellers often see things such as:
- Bells Beach
- Apollo Bay
- Cape Otway Lighthouse
- Loch Ard Gorge
- London Bridge
- Bay of Islands
- 12 Apostles
These longer flights usually include a landing near the 12 Apostles so visitors can explore the area on the ground, with these tours typically lasting 5 to 7 hours, including flight time. Prices for these flights generally start at $2,000 per person.
Major Helicopter Tour Providers for the 12 Apostles
There are several operators offering 12 Apostles helicopter tours. Each differs in terms of flight experience, pricing, and how much of the Great Ocean Road travellers see. Let's examine the top three providers.
Rotor One - Melbourne to 12 Apostles Helicopter Tour
Rotor One features a comprehensive 12 Apostles helicopter tour that departs from Essendon Airport in Melbourne. This helicopter flight follows the Great Ocean Road coastline all the way from Melbourne. It offers an extended flight experience over the Shipwreck Coast and the dramatic Southern Ocean.
A typical Rotor One flight includes:
- Private helicopter aircraft for small groups
- A full safety briefing before take off
- Scenic flying past Bells Beach, Apollo Bay, and Cape Otway
- Aerial views of Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, and the Arch
- A landing at the 12 Apostles
- Up to two hours on the ground to walk to lookouts or explore the coast
Every passenger gets a guaranteed window seat, allowing for uninterrupted views of the coastline and more. The usual flight time from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles is roughly one hour each way, creating an exciting full day adventure. Pricing for this tour starts at approximately $2,600 per person, depending on the aircraft size and number of passengers.
Rotor One also offers optional add-ons, such as winery stops along the Great Ocean Road, allowing travellers to combine a helicopter trip with lunch overlooking the coastline. This is a great option for visitors who have a little more time in Melbourne and want to see the entirety of the coastline.
12 Apostles Helicopters - Short Scenic Flights
12 Apostles Helicopters operates from the 12 Apostles helipad inside of the Port Campbell National Park, with these tours focusing on short and scenic flights over the 12 Apostles.
Their typical helicopter flight experience includes:
- Short helicopter rides lasting around 10-20 minutes
- Aerial views of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge
- Flights along the Shipwreck Coast
- Commentary from experienced pilots
This type of flight is ideal for those who already decided to travel the Great Ocean Road and just want a quick flight experience to see this natural wonder from the air. Prices for these flights usually range from $145 to $300 per person, making them quite budget friendly.
Microflite - Luxury Helicopter Flights from Melbourne
Microflite offers a variety of premium private flights and charter helicopter tours around Victoria, including to the 12 Apostles. Their 12 Apostles helicopter tours are generally longer flights that depart from Melbourne. These are highly focused on luxury travel.
Their 12 Apostles helicopter tours often include:
- Private aircraft
- Extended flight time along the Great Ocean Road
- Views of Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, and the Bay of Islands
- Scenic flying above the Shipwreck Coast
Pricing for Microflite tours to the 12 Apostles generally cost between $2,500 and $4,000 per person, depending on the aircraft and number of passengers.
Honourable Mentions
Aside from the three major providers listed above, here are some more to consider.
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Melbourne Heli: Offers long tours from Melbourne ranging from $1,500 to $6,000 per person.
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Professional Helicopter Services: Offers longer day trips from Melbourne, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 per person.
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PremiAir Helicopters: Offers long private charter tours from Melbourne, usually around $3,550 per group of up to three passengers.
Scenic Flights vs Full-Day Helicopter Tours
Both types of helicopter tours to the 12 Apostles offer great views, but they feature some very different flight experiences.
Scenic Flights
Short scenic flights are ideal for travellers who:
- Are already driving the Great Ocean Road
- Want a quick helicopter ride
- Are travelling on a smaller budget
Melbourne Helicopter Tours
Full helicopter tours from Melbourne are better suited to travellers who:
- Want to see the entire Great Ocean Road
- Prefer a more immersive flight adventure
- Want to get the most out of their trip to the 12 Apostles
Longer flights, such as those offered by Rotor One, allow travellers to not just experience the 12 Apostles themselves, but also a variety of natural wonders along the way.
The Best Way to See the 12 Apostles by Air
The best way to experience the 12 Apostles by air is with Rotor One. These full day tours provide travellers with the most comprehensive, scenic, and luxurious way to enjoy the 12 Apostles, surrounding scenery, and the Great Ocean Road. Combine a thrilling scenic flight with time on the ground, combined with optional winery stopovers, for the best 12 Apostles experience out there.
