Perth is undoubtedly a city that was made to be seen from the air. From a helicopter, the views of Perth City, Swan River, the coast, and the surrounding vineyards are unbeatable. From short scenic flights over the city and the island to longer day trips to some of Western Australia's best wineries, this is your ultimate guide to helicopter rides in Perth.
Table of Contents
- Types of Helicopter Flights in Perth
- Landmarks You Can See on a Perth Helicopter Ride
- Who Perth Helicopter Tours Are Ideal For
- Perfect Events for a Perth Helicopter Flight
- The Best Helicopter Charter and Tour Providers in Perth
- Why Rotor One Is the Best Choice in Perth
- What Affects the Price of a Helicopter Ride in Perth?
- How Much Does a Helicopter Ride in Perth Cost?
- Important Booking Information
Types of Helicopter Flights in Perth
There is a wide range of helicopter tours and rides in Perth, with most of them falling into four main categories; short scenic helicopter flights, full day tours, winery experiences, and custom private charter services.
Scenic Flights Over Perth City and the Coast
One of the most classic helicopter experiences in Perth is a short scenic flight. This generally involves a short flight that involves flying over Perth City, Swan River, and various famous landmarks, along with some coastal views of the beaches and marinas.
Typical scenic helicopter flights usually start at Jandakot Airport, fly towards the city, and then follow the river as it moves past Elizabeth Quay, Kings Park, Optus Stadium, and Crown Towers. The route can then take you towards Cottesloe, Scarborough, or Fremantle.
These helicopter rides are a great way to get the feeling of what it's like to ride in a helicopter, to do some sightseeing, and to snap some amazing photos with your camera.
Day Tours to Rottnest Island and Beyond
For those who want something longer, there are also helicopter day tours, such as those that take you to Rottnest Island. Here, you can expect a quick flight over Perth City and the coast, followed by a crossing of the channel to Rottnest Island, where you can see dolphins and rays in the waters below.
These flights land at Rottnest Airport and provide exclusive access to helicopter passengers. You'll then have several hours on the ground to hire bikes and cycle on car-free roads, swim in sheltered bays, explore salt lakes, and take selfies with quokkas.
These tours are ideal for those who want full day trips that combine the thrill of flying with exploration and adventure - some good old fashioned Island fun. For those who want a different perspective on the return - take the ferry back to the mainland.
Winery Flights
If you think that the perfect special occasion is all about wine and a delicious lunch, then taking a winery flight is the way to go.
Rotor One's most popular helicopter experiences in Perth are winery flights, with options such as the Millbrook Winery tour, the Sandalford Wines tour, and the Margaret River winery tour.
These tours include scenic flights from the city out to the respective regions, where beautiful cellar doors, wine tastings, and gourmet meals await. There's also the fact that the helicopter ride itself is exciting and perfect for those who want to do a bit of sightseeing.
Winery tours are great for all sorts of events and occasions, whether birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day, corporate events, wedding celebrations, and more.
Private Charters
You then have full helicopter charter services in Perth, where the flight is built around your needs.
For instance, Rotor One uses the Robinson R44, Bell 505, Airbus EC130, and AS350 helicopters to fly people from Jandakot Airport to various regional destinations, such as Margaret River, Rottnest Island, Swan Valley, and other regional properties.
Helicopter charters are ideal for VIP transfers to events, for corporate business travel, high-profile weddings, site visits, land surveying, and remote area access.
You can choose the destinations, timing, and style of operations, while the team handles the logistics, approvals, and safety planning, so all you have to do is climb aboard.
Landmarks You Can See on a Perth Helicopter Ride
Depending on the helicopter ride Perth you have chosen, you could see quite the long list of landmarks and sights.
- Perth City skyline
- Elizabeth Quay
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden
- Swan River
- Optus Stadium
- Crown Towers Perth
- South Perth Foreshore
- Langley Park
- Cottesloe Beach
- City Beach
- Scarborough Beach
- Fremantle Port and marina
- Hillarys Boat Harbour
- Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour
- University of Western Australia riverside campus
- Lake Monger
- Bold Park and the coast
- Garden Island and naval base
- Rottnest Island salt lakes
- Wadjemup Lighthouse
- The Basin and other Rottnest bays
- Swan Valley vineyards and wineries
- Ascot Racecourse
- Kwinana industrial shoreline
- Darling Scarp and Perth Hills
- Jandakot Airport and surrounding airfields
Who Perth Helicopter Tours Are Ideal For
The great part is that virtually everyone can enjoy helicopter rides in Perth.
Couples
Helicopter tours are perfect for couples looking to spend some quality time with each other. Get to know each other better on shorter scenic flights and longer day trips alike. These trips allow you to experience something unique with that special someone. Rotor One also offers custom proposal flights for those who want to take things to the next level.
Solo Adventurers
Solo travellers can also enjoy helicopter tours, whether alone or by joining a shared tour. This is an ideal choice for people who like unique private experiences, and it's a great way to travel in style too, whether it's for leisure or business.
Families and Kids
Families also get a lot out of Perth helicopter rides, with kids being fascinated by the takeoff and the feeling of flying through the air, while parents can enjoy some sightseeing from above. The shorter scenic loops are particularly ideal for those with kids, whereas the full day trips are ideal for families with older children.
VIPs, Executives, and Corporate Groups
High-profile travellers can also benefit from helicopter rides in Perth, especially helicopter charters that allow for fast travel between locations, private terminals and minimal wait times, and a high level of service. This is a practical alternative to both ground and commercial aeroplane travel.
Adventure Lovers
In general, if you want to do something that gets you excited, then scenic helicopter flights and adventures are the best. It's all about the feeling of flying in the air while seeing something new from a unique perspective.
Perfect Events for a Perth Helicopter Flight
Although you can book a helicopter flight on any day of the year, they really shine when you reserve them for a special occasion.
- A gift voucher for a helicopter scenic flight in Perth is the kind of present that no one forgets on Christmas. Rottnest Island tours between Christmas and New Year as especially popular, as are winery flights for festive lunches. It's certainly a way to create a memorable experience.
- Helicopter flights are also perfect for birthdays, with short scenic loops being ideal for birthday surprises, and helicopter charters to the best wineries and restaurants also being very popular.
- Anniversaries are yet another great occasion that is suitable for a helicopter ride. For example, plan a morning flight over the city or land at Millbrook for a three-course anniversary lunch and wine tasting. This is all about making the day special through the luxury of travelling in a helicopter.
- Valentine's Day is yet another prime example of where helicopter rides shine. Whether we're talking about scenic flights over the city and Rottnest Island or longer day trips to various wineries in the area, the romance is definitely in the air.
- Corporate events can also benefit from helicopter rides that feature experienced pilots. Impress the whole team or board by taking them on one of the most unforgettable experiences in Perth.
The Best Helicopter Charter and Tour Providers in Perth
There is a range of helicopter tour providers in Australia that are known for operating under the highest standards, thus ensuring your safety and a great time. Some of the biggest operators in Perth are:
- Rotor One
- Corsaire Aviation
- Rotorvation Helicopters
- Kookaburra Air
- Helispirit
- Swan River Seaplanes
Each of these operators has its own strengths, extensive fleet, and select destinations they travel to - with some also specialising in training, although Rotor One is by far the most popular option in Perth for clients.
Why Rotor One Is the Best Choice in Perth for Helicopter Charters and Rides
As mentioned above, Rotor One is the most popular choice for locals and tourists alike, and for good reason. Rotor one brings its services all across Australia, and there are many reasons why people choose it.
Professional Standards and Safety
Rotor One employs only the most experienced of pilots who are CASA-licensed operators, with the aircraft also adhering to the highest of standards. All aircraft are maintained by licensed engineers, all aircraft are inspected daily, and there is an overarching focus on safety in the sky.
Comfort Thanks to a Premium Fleet
Rotor One in Perth uses a variety of aircraft to provide its services to travellers and adventurers, including the Robinson R44, the Bell 505, and both the Airbus EC130 and AS350.
All helicopters feature air-conditioned cabins, comfortable seats with plenty of legroom, large windows on all sides for the best views, and headsets so you can hear pilot commentary.
Range of Destinations and Tours
Rotor One also covers an impressive range of experiences from Perth, including:
- Perth City & Rottnest Island Scenic Tour
- Full Rottnest Island Day Tour
- Millbrook Winery Tour
- Sandalford Wines & Restaurant Tour
- Margaret River Winery Tour
- Private charter flights to Margaret River, regional retreats, event venues, and more
Customer-First Service
Rotor One's team is known for its highly-responsive concierge-style service, with help choosing the right location and trip, assistance with custom setups and proposal planning, clear communication about logistics, weather, and timing, and fast responses when you contact them with questions.
Let's not forget that a portion of Rotor One's proceeds also go towards the "Fly for a Cause" initiative, which supports terminally ill children.
What Affects the Price of a Helicopter Ride in Perth?
Something you might be wondering is what affects the price of a helicopter ride in Perth. Well, there are several factors to consider.
- Flight Time and Distance: Simply put, the longer the flight, the more expensive it will be due to higher fuel usage, more time that the crew and aircraft are in use, and the amount of planning required. For example, a quick scenic helicopter flight will cost less than a full day tour.
- Landing Requirements and Destination: Some destinations require additional landing fees, special approvals, and specific landing and approach procedures. For example, a simple scenic flight involves minimal extras, thus keeping the cost low, whereas a landing a private location will likely involve more nuances, and therefore a higher price.
- Type and Size of Helicopter: The type and size of the helicopter will also make a difference in terms of the cost. For instance, smaller piston helicopters, such as the Robinson R44, are usually less expensive to run than larger turbine models. The number of seats in the aircraft, whether the tour is per-person or per-group, and the level of luxury you require all make a difference.
- Season and Time of Day: Generally speaking, prices will be the highest during peak tourist season in Western Australia, on public holidays and weekends, and at sunset. The bottom line is that prime slots in higher demand also cost more.
- Inclusions: The amount of amenities included also makes a difference. A quick scenic flight will naturally cost less than a day tour to a winery that involves wine tasting, a gourmet meal, and more.
How Much Does a Helicopter Ride in Perth Cost?
Here's an overview of what you can expect to pay when going on a Perth helicopter ride.
- A short scenic flight generally costs between $150 and $300 per person.
- Winery outings with tastings and gourmet lunch packages are usually between $600 and $1,200 per person, although tours with stops at multiple wineries can cost substantially more.
- Premium experiences and specialty charters may cost in excess of $1,500 per person.
Important Booking Information
Here are some important tips to follow when booking a helicopter ride in Perth.
- Arrive around 10 minutes before your scheduled time for check-in and the mandatory safety briefing.
- Most tours depart from airports near the CBD - always double-check the departure point in your confirmation.
- You'll be asked to provide your exact weight so the crew can safely balance the helicopter.
- Poor weather such as heavy rain, strong winds, or low cloud may cause delays or rescheduling; reputable operators offer rebooking or refunds.
- Children aged two and older generally require their own seat and pay the standard fare.
- Phones and cameras are allowed on most flights, so feel free to record photos and videos.
- Dress comfortably, wear sunglasses, and bring a light jacket if conditions are cool or windy.
- Small bags are typically fine, but check size restrictions with your operator beforehand.
- Pregnant guests can usually fly until later stages of pregnancy, depending on operator guidelines.
- Most companies can accommodate guests with special needs when travelling with a carer.
- Gift vouchers are often available, valid for several years, though usually non-refundable.
- Cancellation rules differ between companies, but many allow changes or rebooking up to 72 hours before departure.
It's really quite simple - Perth offers a great variety of helicopter experiences, from quick loops around the city and coast to full day excursions to wineries and more. Rotor One is the most trusted and popular provider of helicopter tours and charters in Perth, with well over 4,000+ happy passengers and counting, over 1,000+ five-star reviews, and the top spot as Perth's number one helicopter tour operator.
