Best Christmas Experience Gifts Melbourne
Put down the Christmas hamper and get your loved ones a gift they'll truly enjoy this holiday season. If you want to make a lasting impression and ensure the gift recipient experiences memorable moments, there's just nothing like a helicopter tour. When it comes to Christmas gifting, you want to give those special people in your life something that brings them joy. An immersive experience like a helicopter tour makes for amazing gifts that capture the spirit of Christmas celebrations.
Whether to a world-renowned winery, a rustic brewery, a high-end spa, or simply a scenic flight, the extensive range of unique experiences available in helicopter tours ensures a fun way to show the people in your life how much you care with a premium-quality gift. These fun experience gifts create memorable moments and are ideal for anyone looking for a perfect present.
Read our expert guides on Melbourne
🚁 6 BEST Helicopter Rides in Melbourne
🍷 Top 9 Wineries to Visit by Helicopter
🍇 Expert Guide to Wine Tours in Yarra Valley
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The leader in helicopter tours with 851+ FIVE STAR reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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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.”
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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!”
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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.”
Why book with us?
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✅ Personal Concierge
Our team are available day & night to answer questions and help you plan your flight.
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✅ You'll Fly For A Cause
We donate 5% of proceeds from your flight to fly terminally ill children & their families.
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✅ Perfect Safety Record
We fly over 1,000+ guests every year and are proud to say we've had zero incidents.
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✅ Booking Guarantee
If we can't fly due to bad weather, we'll reschedule or give you a refund - no questions asked.
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?
The Best Christmas Gift Ideas - Helicopter Tours!
When it comes to a great gift idea, there's really nothing better than an exclusive and luxurious helicopter tour.
The best gift ideas are those that people remember forever, and that’s exactly what they’ll get with a helicopter tour, making it a perfect choice for Christmas or other special occasions. For the lucky recipient, it’s the type of unique experience that creates lasting memories.
Here are some of the best gifts to give this Christmas season that will provide for some memorable moments. Take a look at our curated selection of amazing gifts that make for perfect Christmas presents.
Kids Co-Pilot Helicopter Experience
The Kids Co-Pilot Helicopter Experience is the ultimate Christmas gift for young adventurers and aspiring pilots. This hands-on helicopter experience gives children the rare chance to sit in the co-pilot seat of a real-life helicopter.
It all starts with a guided tour of the hangar, where kids can explore various exciting aircraft and learn how helicopters work. They’ll even help the pilot with the pre-flight checklist before taking off for a scenic journey over Melbourne, making them feel like a part of the crew.
During the flight, your child will wear a specialised headset to communicate with the pilot and listen to air traffic control, adding to the thrill of it all. A personalised gift and an in-flight HD video make sure that this adventure turns into lasting memory.
Melbourne City Helicopter Ride
The Melbourne City Helicopter Ride provides a fresh perspective on Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, making it an amazing experience gift for Christmas.
Melbourne offers a 20-minute private flight from Essendon Airport, located just outside the city, and immediately introduces passengers to Melbourne’s urban landscape and sprawling parks.
From above, you’ll get a clear view of the historic Flemington Racecourse, famous for hosting the Melbourne Cup, one of the world’s richest horse races.
As the helicopter heads toward Melbourne CBD, passengers fly over the Melbourne Star, the city’s giant observation wheel, a landmark in the Docklands area. This is a unique way to view Melbourne’s architecture and history, creating memorable moments that make it a great gift for Christmas.
The tour continues over St Kilda Beach, where you’ll spot locals and tourists enjoying the beach and see the historic Luna Park with its iconic smiling entrance.
Nearby, Albert Park’s distinctive lake comes into view, the setting for the Australian Grand Prix. Flying over Melbourne’s sports precinct, you’ll pass directly over the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a stadium rich in history, and Rod Laver Arena, known as the home of the Australian Open. These Melbourne experiences offer fun and insight for all.
The flight also passes the Royal Botanic Gardens, covering nearly 100 acres with an impressive collection of plant species from around the world.
As the tour wraps up, you'll get a final view of Melbourne Zoo, where giraffes and elephants stand out even from the sky. This tour is a great Christmas gift for anyone with a connection to Melbourne—perfect for families or a special person looking to share fun experiences in a new way.
Pilot Experience - You Fly the Helicopter
The Pilot Experience offers a truly memorable opportunity to fly a helicopter over Melbourne. This two-hour session starts with a theory lesson covering helicopter controls and the basics of flight, including the cyclic, pedals, and collective, the essentials of maneuvering.
It’s a valuable chance to understand the principles of helicopter flight, offering a fun experience for anyone interested in aviation.
After instruction, you’ll climb into the cockpit alongside an experienced instructor and take off towards Melbourne. The instructor gradually hands over control, allowing participants to steer and adjust altitude, providing insight into the thrill of piloting.
This is a fantastic gift for Christmas, offering both fun and the potential for pursuing a pilot’s license.
The 30- to 45-minute flight includes views of Melbourne landmarks, like the MCG, Yarra River, and Albert Park, creating memorable moments.
This hands-on experience is an ideal Christmas gift for adventure seekers and anyone drawn to aviation, providing a perfect combination of fun and education for a truly unique experience.
Zonzo Estate Winery Lunch in Yarra Valley
The Zonzo Estate Winery Lunch tour combines a helicopter ride with a gourmet lunch experience in the Yarra Valley, making it a valuable and thoughtful Christmas gift.
Departing from Melbourne, the 25-minute scenic flight passes over the Dandenong Ranges and heads toward the Yarra Valley, an iconic wine region known for its cool climate and award-winning winery vineyards.
Upon arrival at Zonzo Estate, guests are welcomed to a picturesque winery and restaurant set on 300 acres. The dining experience includes a Festa Menu featuring shared antipasto, wood-fired pizzas, and a main course like slow-cooked lamb.
Zonzo’s wines, such as their signature Chardonnay and Shiraz, complement the menu, offering a fun wine tasting experience in a rustic setting that feels like a slice of Italy in Australia.
This is an ideal Christmas gift for food and wine lovers, couples, or anyone looking for a leisurely day out. The combination of a scenic flight and expertly paired wines makes it a perfect gift for celebrating the season with unique experiences.
Oakridge Wines Gourmet Lunch
The Oakridge Wines Gourmet Lunch tour provides a refined culinary experience in the Yarra Valley. Known for its award-winning wines, Oakridge is ideal for those who value fine dining and quality wine tasting in a tranquil vineyard setting.
The 25-minute helicopter flight from Melbourne to Oakridge offers panoramic views of the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley.
Once there, guests are welcomed with a glass of Oakridge sparkling wine and a four-course degustation lunch crafted from local ingredients.
Oakridge’s dedication to sustainable practices and the in-house preparation of condiments and charcuterie make this a valuable dining experience.
Paired with Oakridge’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this experience is perfect for a Christmas gift that combines scenic views, fun, and exceptional flavours.
It’s an ideal present for anyone interested in Melbourne experiences and sustainable dining, creating lasting memories in the heart of an award-winning winery region.
St Andrews Beach Brewery Tour
The St Andrews Beach Brewery Tour combines beer tasting with a setting rich in history on the Mornington Peninsula, making it an engaging and memorable Christmas gift.
This 35-minute helicopter tour includes Melbourne coastal views of Port Phillip Bay and St Kilda, followed by lunch and beer tastings at a former racehorse training facility turned brewery.
At St Andrews Beach Brewery, guests can explore the brewery, which features a former training track now converted into an orchard for their cider.
Tasting paddles of the brewery’s signature beers, including the 6 Furlongs Pale Ale, make this tour both fun and informative.
Lunch options like pork sausage pizza and fried “chicken sando” burgers complete the experience, making it a fun outing for family or friends who enjoy craft beer. It’s a valuable Christmas gift for any beer lover in Australia.
Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Day Spa
For a wellness-focused gift, the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Day Spa Tour combines a scenic helicopter flight with a luxurious spa experience.
The 35-minute flight from Melbourne offers stunning views over the Brighton Beach and Mornington Peninsula, leading to an adults-only spa setting.
The tour includes access to the Spa Dreaming Centre, with thermal pools, cold plunges, and a hammam. The experience is both relaxing and rejuvenating, with lunch at the spa restaurant adding to the overall enjoyment.
This is an excellent Christmas gift for anyone looking to unwind and relax, ideal for family members, couples, or friends.
Types of Helicopter Tour Christmas Gifts
The great part about helicopter tours is the variety they offer, from brewery and winery tours to scenic and wildlife experiences.
Melbourne provides unique experiences that fit everyone’s taste, making them fun experience gifts for Christmas and other special occasions.
Brewery Tours
For beer enthusiasts, brewery tours make a fun Christmas gift. With options to visit unique spots like St Andrews Beach Brewery on the Mornington Peninsula, these tours give you the chance to sample locally crafted brews in memorable locations.
Brewery tours provide an opportunity to enjoy Melbourne’s lively beer scene with family and friends. They’re an ideal choice for those who enjoy quality craft beer and want to create memorable moments in a unique setting.
Restaurant Tours
Restaurant tours by helicopter offer a memorable approach to dining in some of Melbourne’s best eateries.
With flights to select venues, like coastal and countryside restaurants, these tours create a dining experience that's both elevated and fun.
Restaurant tours are perfect for anyone who loves fine dining, especially when combined with the thrill of a helicopter ride. As a gift, they provide an amazing way to celebrate Christmas with a special person.
Winery Tours
Winery helicopter tours are among the best gifts for wine lovers. Visiting award-winning wineries like Zonzo Estate and Oakridge Wines in the Yarra Valley, these tours offer unique wine tasting experiences in Melbourne’s famous wine regions.
From Chardonnay to Shiraz, guests enjoy expertly paired wines and meals amid stunning vineyard views.
Perfect as corporate gifts or for couples and wine enthusiasts, winery tours offer a relaxing yet exciting Christmas gift that brings out the best of Melbourne experiences.
Spa and Relaxation Tours
For a luxurious Christmas gift, spa helicopter tours offer the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
These tours, such as the trip to Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs, include scenic flights over Melbourne’s coast, followed by a day of pampering in an award-winning spa. With mineral baths, cold plunges, and massages, spa tours are ideal gifts for anyone looking to unwind.
They make a wonderful present for a special person needing rejuvenation or a break from the holiday rush.
Scenic Tours
Scenic helicopter tours provide a fun way to explore Melbourne’s iconic sights from above.
Flying over Melbourne’s CBD, Yarra River, and coastal areas, these tours give passengers unique views of the city and are well-suited for tourists and locals alike.
As Christmas gifts, scenic tours are perfect for adventure lovers and those looking to see familiar landmarks in a new way, making for memorable moments to treasure.
Wildlife Experiences
The Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary tour is a unique experience that combines a scenic flight with a visit to see Australia’s native animals up close, including koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses.
Guests can explore Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary and learn about conservation efforts, adding an educational touch to the adventure.
This tour is a fun Christmas gift for families and wildlife enthusiasts, offering them a rare opportunity to connect with Australia’s rich biodiversity.
You Fly the Helicopter
For thrill-seekers, the “You Fly the Helicopter” experience provides an unforgettable hands-on adventure.
After learning the basics from an instructor, participants take control for a supervised flight, exploring Melbourne from a pilot’s perspective.
This is an amazing gift for aspiring pilots or those looking to try something new and exhilarating, making it a fun, unique gift experience that goes beyond traditional Christmas gifts.
Children Co-Pilot Experience
The Children Co-Pilot experience is tailored for young aviation fans, allowing kids to sit up front with the pilot for a firsthand look at helicopter controls and flight.
It’s an engaging gift that offers children an exciting glimpse into the world of aviation. As a Christmas gift, it’s perfect for families with young children interested in flying, giving them a fun and memorable day that they’ll talk about long after the holiday season.
Why Helicopter Rides Make for Excellent Christmas Presents
A helicopter ride is one of the most exciting and memorable experiences one can gift, making it an ideal choice for the festive season because everyone is going to have a great time.
For those searching for the best presents this Christmas, whether last minute or in advance, a helicopter ride delivers a memorable day in a unique way that outshines traditional physical gifts. Here’s why a helicopter ride is the perfect gift idea this holiday season.
Unforgettable Memories
Giving someone the gift of a helicopter tour means giving them memories they’ll hold on to for years. Unlike most presents, this experience lets them discover Melbourne in a way that’s both fun and immersive.
The aerial views, the sound of the rotors, and the thrill of hovering over Melbourne’s iconic landmarks all create a lasting impression that’s hard to replicate with other gifts. When it comes to creating memories that matter, a helicopter ride is a wonderful way to leave a lasting impact.
A Unique Gift
In a season when cooking classes, gadgets, and traditional presents are common, a helicopter tour is truly unique. It’s a gift that goes far beyond what most people would expect and brings an element of surprise to the equation.
In a place like Melbourne, which offers so many attractions, a helicopter tour gives the lucky recipient a fresh perspective on the city and a chance to see it from a whole new angle.
For those who appreciate something different, this gift allows them to discover iconic sites like Victoria Harbour and the Yarra River in a thrilling, scenic setting.
Better Than Any Physical Gift
Unlike physical items that may eventually break or collect dust, a helicopter ride is an experience that stays with someone for life.
The excitement of the flight and the sights they’ll see combine to create a special kind of memory. For those looking for the best presents this festive season, a helicopter ride feels more meaningful.
It also gives recipients a chance to explore Melbourne and enjoy a day out without cluttering their homes with another physical item.
Quality Bonding Time
Helicopter rides are perfect for sharing, making them a great way to bond with loved ones. Whether it’s a couple looking to create special moments together, a parent treating a child to a unique adventure, or friends exploring the city from above, this experience offers a chance to spend quality time together.
The thrill of the flight and the breathtaking views of Melbourne’s skyline provide a beautiful backdrop for shared memories. Gifting a helicopter ride during the festive season is a wonderful way to bring people closer, making it more personal than traditional presents.
A Thrilling Ride
For anyone who enjoys excitement, the ride itself is the main attraction. Lifting off from the ground and soaring over Melbourne’s landmarks, from Victoria Harbour to the bustling CBD, offers an adrenaline rush that few experiences can match.
The thrill of flight, the unique sensation of hovering, and the spectacular views of Melbourne’s iconic sites all combine to make this an exhilarating adventure.
A helicopter ride makes a perfect gift idea for the thrill-seeker in your life, offering something truly different from everyday activities like cooking classes or trips to a museum.
A Day of Luxury
Helicopter rides are synonymous with luxury, offering an exclusive experience that feels like a special treat.
Many helicopter tours in Melbourne include a range of options that add an extra level of indulgence, from scenic flights to tours that include gourmet meals at award-winning restaurants.
This mix of adventure and luxury creates a memorable outing, and with options to personalise the tour or add a personal message, it’s easy to make the day feel even more special.
This level of personalisation and luxury is what makes helicopter rides one of the best presents for those who appreciate a day of elegance.
Great Photo Opportunities
With its stunning skyline, Melbourne offers fantastic photo opportunities from the air. A helicopter ride allows the recipient to capture Melbourne from a perspective that’s not possible on foot.
Imagine the photos of famous landmarks, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens or the skyscrapers of the Melbourne CBD, taken from above.
These images make for keepsakes that they’ll treasure long after the flight. As a Christmas gift, a helicopter ride allows someone to discover the city and capture memorable moments that they can look back on for years to come.
Gift Vouchers for this Year’s Christmas Hampers
Rotor One has a gift voucher for every helicopter tour. This Christmas, give the gift of a helicopter tour that your loved ones and friends can go on at their own leisure.