Outback scenic flights and air tours

Flying over the outback gives you a sense of scale that's hard to get from the ground. Rivers braid across floodplains, dune fields run in parallel lines for hundreds of kilometres, and gorges show up as dark cracks in red plateaus. This guide covers the main scenic flight hubs and how to plan a flight. The operators named here are examples, not endorsements. Check current schedules, prices and safety information directly with them.

Bungle Bungle Range (Purnululu, WA)

Purnululu National Park's striped sandstone domes are among the most photographed sights in the Kimberley, and they're spectacular from the air.

• From Kununurra: Aviair runs Bungle Bungle scenic flights. Its full-day Wanderer tour lands in Purnululu for walks to Cathedral Gorge and the Domes, with optional helicopter add-ons of 18 or 30 minutes.
• Inside the park: HeliSpirit runs helicopter flights from Bellburn Airstrip, including 30-minute flights over the range.

A flight from Kununurra avoids the slow 4WD access road into Purnululu, so it suits travellers without a suitable vehicle. If you're driving in, a helicopter flight from Bellburn adds the aerial view. See Purnululu National Park and the Kimberley region guide.

Uluru and Kata Tjuta (NT)

Fixed-wing and helicopter scenic flights depart from the Yulara and Ayers Rock Airport area. Flights follow set routes over Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and some extend toward Kings Canyon or Lake Amadeus. Sunrise and sunset flights are popular. Book a day or two ahead in peak season. The Anangu Traditional Owners have asked visitors to respect sacred sites, and Parks Australia enforces photography restrictions at some of them. Follow any guidance on images taken from the air. See the Uluru itinerary and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre (SA)

Australia's largest salt lake is best seen from the air, especially in the rare years when floodwater reaches it from Queensland's rivers. Scenic flights have operated from William Creek, Marree and Coober Pedy. Whether it's worth flying depends on how much water is in the lake. Ask operators about current conditions before you book. See Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre National Park and the Channel Country guide.

Other scenic flight hubs

• The Kimberley coast: flights from Broome, Derby and Kununurra cover Horizontal Falls, the Buccaneer Archipelago and Mitchell Falls. Some packages combine a flight with a boat or helicopter.
• Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge, NT): helicopter flights over the gorge system have operated from Nitmiluk. See Nitmiluk National Park.
• The Flinders Ranges (SA): scenic flights over Wilpena Pound have operated from Wilpena. See Flinders Ranges itineraries.
• Outback Queensland: Outback Queensland Tourism lists scenic helicopter flights, such as over Porcupine Gorge near Hughenden.

The Coober Pedy mail run (by road)

The Outback Mail Run from Coober Pedy isn't a flight. It's a full-day 4WD tour riding along with the mail contractor. It travels roughly 600–650 km to Oodnadatta, William Creek and several cattle stations. It's a long day, but it reaches country few visitors see, with no driving for you.

Flying between outback hubs

Regular commercial flights link capitals with outback hubs such as Alice Springs, Ayers Rock (Yulara), Broome, Kununurra, Karratha, Longreach, Mount Isa and Broken Hill. Flying in and hiring a car can turn a two-week drive into a one-week trip. See how to get around and one-week outback itineraries. For rail options, see the outback by train.

Practical tips

• Weight and luggage limits: small aircraft and helicopters often have strict passenger weight and baggage limits. Operators may ask for your weight when you book.
• Weather: flights can be cancelled for wind, smoke, storms or heat. Book early in your stay so you have a backup day.
• Seating: ask whether every seat has a window, and whether helicopter doors are on or off.
• Light: early morning and late afternoon light shows texture and colour best.
• Motion sickness: take precautions if you're prone to it. Small aircraft can be bumpy in afternoon heat.

Drones

Many people prefer to bring their own drone. In the outback, drone rules include:

• CASA rules: the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's drone safety rules apply everywhere in Australia, including staying away from aircraft, airports and people.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta: recreational drones are banned in the national park.
• Other parks: many parks in other states restrict or ban drones without a permit.

Check the rules for each park before you fly.

Booking tips

• Book ahead in peak season, roughly May to October in the north and April to October in the Red Centre. Sunrise and sunset flights sell out first.
• Compare tour lengths. A short helicopter flight gives you a taste, while longer fixed-wing tours cover more country for the money.
• Check what's included. Some tours include landings, walks, meals or transfers. Others are flight-only.
• Read the cancellation policy, and keep a spare day in your schedule in case of weather.

Safety

Choose established operators, and follow the pilot's safety briefing. Wear comfortable clothing and closed shoes, secure loose items such as hats and phones, especially in doors-off helicopters, and drink water before a flight on hot days. If you have medical conditions or are pregnant, check with the operator before you book.

Is it worth it?

For many travellers, a scenic flight is the highlight of an outback trip. It's the only way to grasp the size of the Bungle Bungle Range, the maze of the Kimberley coast or the scale of Lake Eyre in flood. If your budget allows only one flight, choose the place you can't see properly from the ground.

Related guides

• Outback tours and attractions
• Stargazing and dark skies
• Outback with kids