For the people that matter most in your life, purchase a birthday gift that is unlike anything they've ever experienced, a helicopter tour. Whether it's thought out or a last minute gift, there's a huge range of helicopter tours to wineries, breweries, spas, and scenic locations alike, all of which provide for great experiences in and around the vibrant city of Melbourne.

Forget the cooking classes and get those special people something they'll cherish. It's all about a thoughtful gift that creates lasting memories, something which a thrilling helicopter ride is sure to do. Melbourne offers many excellent helicopter tours, and here we have a curated selection of them suitable for any and every event.

Need help booking a flight? Get personalised advice.

  • Luke K.

    "Our pilot Ed was a consummate professional, communication with the company was great and our day trip couldn’t have been better. We'll be back.”

  • Shell H.

    "Steve our pilot was extremely friendly, caring and chatty. Ensured safety and allowed time for pictures to be taken of my partner and I. It's a BIG YES FROM US!”

  • Liz R.

    "What a beautiful day we had. Thank you so much to Ed, our knowledgeable and kind pilot. You made this day one that we'll never forget. The day trip of a lifetime.”

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  • ✅ Personal Concierge

    Our team are available day & night to answer questions and help you plan your flight.

  • ✅ You'll Fly For A Cause

    We donate 5% of proceeds from your flight to fly terminally ill children & their families.

  • ✅ Perfect Safety Record

    We fly over 1,000+ guests every year and are proud to say we've had zero incidents.

  • ✅ Booking Guarantee

    If we can't fly due to bad weather, we'll reschedule or give you a refund - no questions asked.

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About Us

Rotor One - Melbourne Helicopter Rides 🚁

We're proud to be Melbourne's #1 rated helicopter company with an exclusive selection of helicopter rides, wine tours and charter destinations in Melbourne.

Experience Melbourne's iconic sights on a spectacular flight over Melbourne CBD, indulge in one of Yarra Valley's famed vineyards, or witness the breathtaking 12 Apostles from the sky.

Mark your anniversary with our Couples Only Experience, or surprise your children with our Kid's Co-Pilot Experience — the best birthday gift they'll ever receive.

We believe a helicopter ride is more than a flight — it's a breathtaking adventure that you'll remember for a lifetime.

Have a question?

Call us on (03) 7065 1888

The Best Birthday Gift Ideas in Melbourne

When it comes to a great gift idea, put down the same old gift hampers and sweet treats, and give your gift recipient a present they will remember forever. Here, we've curated a selection of unique experiences that make for a perfect way to show those in your life how much you really care about them. Here are the best activities for any birthday in Australia.

Melbourne City Helicopter Ride

The Melbourne City Helicopter Ride is an exciting way to celebrate a birthday by seeing the city from above.

This 20-minute private flight departs from Essendon Airport and takes passengers over Melbourne’s top spots, like the Melbourne Star Ferris Wheel, St Kilda Beach, and Albert Park’s Formula 1 circuit.

Passengers also fly past the Eureka Tower, MCG, and Royal Botanic Gardens, with clear views of each. Window seats guarantee uninterrupted scenery, making it one of the most memorable experience gifts, and it’s a great choice for anyone, from kids to grandparents, who’d love an unforgettable birthday surprise.

With countless photo opportunities, this scenic ride gives a fresh perspective on Melbourne’s skyline and is one of many Melbourne experiences that make great gifts.

Couples Surprise Helicopter Experience

Perfect for couples, the Couples Surprise Helicopter Experience combines a private 20- or 30-minute flight over Melbourne with champagne on arrival and an in-flight video.

The experience kicks off with a private hangar tour before a personalised helicopter tour over city landmarks.

Whether for a birthday or anniversary, passengers can see the city’s most famous sights together, creating new memories in a unique way. Photos with the helicopter and a take-home souvenir capture the experience for lasting memories.

This exclusive flight is suitable for couples of all ages and guarantees a day to remember, celebrating milestones with Melbourne’s skyline as the backdrop, a thoughtful gift and wonderful way to mark the occasion.

Pilot Experience - You Fly The Helicopter

For anyone dreaming of flying, the Pilot Experience is the ultimate birthday gift idea. Taking off from Essendon, this two-hour adventure begins with a hands-on lesson about helicopter mechanics, controls, and flight theory.

Once in the air, you can take the controls with guidance from an instructor, piloting the helicopter over Melbourne’s landmarks like Albert Park and the MCG.

For an added challenge, there’s an option to try hovering, a unique skill for future pilots. Designed for teens and adults alike, it’s an exhilarating way to celebrate a birthday with learning, adventure, and unforgettable views over Melbourne, making it one of the best experience gifts Melbourne has to offer.

Zonzo Estate Winery Tour

The Zonzo Estate Winery Tour is an ideal birthday gift for anyone who loves wine and food, with an experience that includes a scenic helicopter flight from Melbourne to the Yarra Valley.

Upon arrival at Zonzo Estate, guests are seated for a shared Festa menu with antipasto, wood-fired pizzas, and slow-cooked lamb, accompanied by the vineyard’s own wines.

With two hours on the ground to enjoy the views and lunch, this wine tasting experience is best for celebrating with family or friends who appreciate Italian cuisine and wine.

It’s a wonderful way to mark a birthday in style with a truly memorable experience.

Hubert Estate Wine Tour in Yarra Valley

The Hubert Estate Wine Tour makes for a very memorable birthday celebration with wine tasting, gourmet dining, and Australian art in the Yarra Valley.

Starting with a 25-minute helicopter ride, passengers arrive at Hubert Estate for tastings at St Hubert’s Cellar Door, along with a sampling of their signature wines.

This experience includes a seated lunch at Quarters Restaurant, with locally inspired dishes that are sure to tantalise the tastebuds.

Guests can also explore the estate’s Gallery of Aboriginal Art, blending cultural discovery with fine dining. With options for food, art, and wine, this is a comprehensive birthday outing for those who love experiencing multiple aspects of Melbourne’s experiences in the Yarra Valley.

Marnong Estate Winery Tour

The Marnong Estate Winery Tour is a perfect birthday gift that combines fine dining and wine tasting with a scenic flight.

Just a short 12-minute helicopter trip from Melbourne, Marnong Estate welcomes guests with wine tastings at the cellar door, showcasing delicious varietals like Shiraz and Pinot Grigio.

Following the tasting, a mouthwatering three-course Italian lunch is served, featuring antipasto, seasonal produce, and a range of traditional dishes made with only the freshest of local ingredients.

With views of the Macedon Ranges and a relaxed dining atmosphere, this tour is great for those looking to celebrate with a scenic yet close-to-home getaway in Victorian wine country, creating memorable moments for any special person.

Terindah Estate Winery Tour

For a birthday experience with amazing scenery and fine wine, the Terindah Estate Winery Tour includes a helicopter ride over Melbourne’s coastline to the Bellarine Peninsula.

After arriving, guests settle in at The Shed, a restaurant featuring fresh local produce displayed in dishes like salmon ceviche, pork belly, and lamb ribs.

The meal is paired with estate-grown wines, such as Terindah’s award-winning Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, with vineyard and bay views surrounding the dining area.

The peaceful, picturesque setting makes this a perfect present idea for birthdays, providing a relaxed experience with quality food and wine, a thoughtful gift for any occasion.

St Andrews Beach Brewery Tour

The St Andrews Beach Brewery Tour is a fun birthday celebration for beer lovers, combining a scenic 35-minute helicopter ride over Melbourne’s coastline with a relaxed brewery experience.

Once arrived, guests are welcomed with a beer-tasting paddle and a lunch platter. Located in a former racehorse training facility, St Andrews Beach Brewery has signature beers, including 6 Furlongs Pale Ale and The Apprentice Session Ale, crafted onsite.

This fun experience includes a chance to explore the venue’s unique layout, with former horse stables as seating areas. Ideal for friends or groups, this tour makes for a casual, memorable birthday celebration and an unforgettable gift.

Mitchelton Winery Tour

The Mitchelton Winery Tour brings together scenic helicopter flights, award-winning wines, and a gourmet lunch for a unique birthday celebration.

The 35-minute flight takes passengers from Melbourne to Nagambie, where they land next to the winery’s Ashton Tower.

Guests can then enjoy a guided wine tasting at Mitchelton’s 5-star cellar door, followed by a locally sourced lunch at The Muse Restaurant, overlooking the Goulburn River.

An optional visit to the onsite Gallery of Aboriginal Art completes the experience. This tour suits anyone celebrating a birthday with a love for art, wine, and scenic dining in Australia’s wine country.

Mt Duneed Estate Winery Tour

The Mt Duneed Estate Winery Tour is an excellent birthday experience for those who enjoy wine and the Victorian countryside.

A 45-minute flight takes passengers from Melbourne past scenic spots like the You Yangs Ranges before arriving at Mt Duneed Estate.

The itinerary includes wine tastings, gourmet lunch options, and views of the expansive vineyard and Geelong Waterfront.

This experience gift provides a relaxed yet refined day, bringing together local wines, countryside scenery, and fresh regional cuisine.

Ideal for family or friends, the tour allows plenty of time to take in the surroundings and enjoy the estate’s natural beauty, a great gift for any occasion.

Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Tour

Perfect for animal lovers, the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Tour combines wildlife encounters with scenic helicopter flights. A 25-minute trip over Melbourne brings guests to the Yarra Valley, where they meet a private guide for a VIP tour of Healesville Sanctuary.

With opportunities to see kangaroos, koalas, and unique Australian birds, the experience includes special access to the sanctuary’s enclosures.

Guests can finish the day with an optional lunch and wine tasting at Hubert Estate. This birthday outing provides a mix of nature and learning, ideal for families or anyone who appreciates the chance to connect with native wildlife and unforgettable gifts.

Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Day Spa

The Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Tour is a birthday experience for anyone wanting a day of relaxation.

The 35-minute helicopter ride from Melbourne gives guests aerial views of coastal landmarks, arriving at the Peninsula Hot Springs for three hours in the adults-only Spa Dreaming Centre.

Guests have access to natural thermal pools, cold plunges, and saunas, with an included a la carte lunch. Towels, robes, and a private change area are all provided, making it a complete spa day in a peaceful setting.

This experience is great for those celebrating with friends or partners, focused on unwinding and rejuvenation, offering unique gift ideas for memorable moments.

Types of Helicopter Tours for the Perfect Gift

The great thing about using helicopter tours for birthday gifts is that there is a huge range of options, making helicopter tours suitable for all sorts of birthdays. Here are just some of the different types of helicopter tours you can discover to gift to those special people in your life.

Winery Tours

Winery helicopter tours make for unique gift ideas, taking passengers on scenic flights to top wineries like Zonzo Estate, Marnong Estate, and Mitchelton Winery.

Each tour includes a wine tasting experience and views of expansive vineyards, with the chance to enjoy a gourmet lunch featuring local produce.

Whether exploring the rolling landscapes of the Yarra Valley or the tranquil Bellarine Peninsula, winery tours provide a wonderful way to enjoy memorable moments.

Ideal for wine lovers and those wanting a leisurely birthday experience, these tours are unforgettable gifts that combine wine, dining, and beautiful surroundings for a special occasion.

Brewery Tours

For beer enthusiasts, brewery tours offer a refreshing twist on traditional birthday gifts.

St Andrews Beach Brewery on the Mornington Peninsula, set in a historic racehorse training facility, is a fun experience with its signature craft beers like 6 Furlongs Pale Ale and The Apprentice Session Ale.

With a scenic flight over Melbourne’s coastline and a lunch platter, guests can enjoy a memorable experience with great food and brews.

Brewery tours are great gifts for friends or family looking for relaxed birthday present ideas in unique settings, creating a gift recipient’s day full of laughter and enjoyment.

Restaurant Tours

Restaurant helicopter tours elevate birthday dining experiences to new heights with a full range of gourmet Melbourne experiences.

After a scenic flight, guests enjoy a meal at places like The Shed @ Terindah Estate or Hubert Estate’s Quarters Restaurant, featuring regional wines and locally sourced ingredients.

Whether enjoying Italian fine dining or modern Australian fare, these tours are perfect for food enthusiasts who appreciate memorable meals.

With plenty of time to savour each dish in stunning settings, these experiences make thoughtful gift ideas for loved ones who value dining and adventure.

Wildlife Tours

Wildlife helicopter tours provide birthday gifts with a touch of nature, perfect for families and animal lovers.

The Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Tour, for example, includes a scenic flight over the Yarra Valley and a VIP tour with a park ranger, allowing guests close encounters with native Australian animals like kangaroos, koalas, and emus.

This unique experience gives visitors the chance to learn about and connect with Australia’s wildlife up close.

For an extra treat, there’s an option to include wine tasting and lunch at Hubert Estate, making this tour a thoughtful and memorable experience for any occasion.

Scenic Tours

Scenic helicopter tours are fun things to do on birthdays, offering incredible aerial views of iconic Melbourne landmarks.

The Melbourne City Helicopter Ride provides a thrilling look at Melbourne’s skyline, including famous sites like St Kilda Beach, Albert Park, and the Melbourne Star. For those wanting even more, the Melbourne City, Beaches, and Coastal Tour extends the route to offer stunning coastal views.

These tours allow passengers to capture the perfect photograph and enjoy Australia’s landscapes from above.

Ideal for family members of all ages, scenic tours are one of the many Melbourne experiences that create memorable experiences for any loved one.

Relaxation Tours

Relaxation tours are ideal birthday gifts for those seeking a calming day out.

For instance, the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Tour includes a scenic flight to the Peninsula Hot Springs, with access to the Spa Dreaming Centre.

Guests unwind in natural thermal pools, saunas, and cold plunges, with a peaceful a la carte lunch included.

With private transfers to and from the springs, relaxation tours provide a memorable experience of serenity and rejuvenation, offering one of the best experience gifts for special occasions where relaxation is key.

You Fly the Helicopter Experiences

For those curious about flying, the Pilot Experience offers excitement galore, allowing participants to take the controls for a thrilling birthday adventure.

After a lesson on helicopter mechanics, guests take to the skies with a certified instructor, steering the helicopter over Melbourne’s iconic sites.

This unique opportunity gives guests a hands-on introduction to flying, with Melbourne’s landmarks as a stunning backdrop.

Perfect for teens and adults, this is one of those unforgettable gifts that’s both adventurous and memorable, making it one of the best Melbourne experiences.

Romantic Outings

Romantic outings like surprise couples flights provide thoughtful gift ideas for partners who enjoy shared experiences and spending quality time with each other.

The Couples Surprise Helicopter Experience includes a private flight over Melbourne with champagne on arrival, an in-flight video, and photos with the helicopter, offering a full range of memorable moments to mark special occasions.

Ideal for celebrating anniversaries or birthdays, these flights allow couples to enjoy time together in a unique setting.

This experience is a wonderful way to say “Happy Birthday” or celebrate other occasions with an unforgettable view over Australia’s iconic landscapes, perfect for any loved one.