Melbourne’s skyline and surrounding coastlines are best enjoyed from above. The city’s impressive mix of modern architecture, historic neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks like the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Albert Park make it a perfect place for helicopter flights. Whether you’re after a quick peek over the city or a breathtaking journey along the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne offers a variety of helicopter tours to match your interests. We especially love the Private Yarra Valley Winery Lunch by Helicopter for combining aerial views with wine tasting, and the VIP Helicopter Tour of the 12 Apostles for those seeking a luxurious exploration of one of Australia’s most stunning natural wonders.
Melbourne’s helicopter tours are not just about sightseeing—they offer a chance to experience the city and its surroundings from a whole new perspective. Whether you prefer a short 12-minute flight over Brighton Beach or a full 4-hour adventure along the Great Ocean Road, there’s something for every traveler. These tours provide unforgettable views, perfect photo ops, and a sense of exhilaration you won’t find anywhere else.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we’ll explore 11 of Melbourne’s best helicopter experiences. From quick city highlights like City & Bayside Tours to all-day journeys like the Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles, each offers a unique way to see Melbourne and its stunning coastline. The list also includes luxury options like private winery flights and VIP trips. Read on to find the one that’s right for you.
1. Melbourne: Private City & Beaches Helicopter Ride
This 20-minute private helicopter ride is perfect for a quick yet rundown of Melbourne’s most iconic sights. Starting from Melbourne, you’ll soar over the CBD, where the skyline sparkles, then glide over the picturesque beaches of St Kilda. Admire Albert Park, home to the Grand Prix, and catch a glimpse of the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground.
What makes this tour stand out is the private experience—you’ll take off and land in a helicopter reserved just for your group. The guaranteed window seats ensure uninterrupted views, making it ideal for photography. The tour’s reviews highlight how smoothly everything runs and how memorable the aerial shots are. Priced at $191 per person for an hour, it offers excellent value for those wanting a quick but personal introduction to Melbourne from above.
Bottom line: A fantastic choice for first-time visitors who want a personalized, scenic snapshot of Melbourne’s skyline and beaches without breaking the bank.
2. Melbourne: Private City Skyline and Bay Helicopter Ride
For a 20-minute private scenic flight that covers both the city and Port Phillip Bay, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect if you want to see all the major landmarks like Flemington Racecourse, the Yarra River, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The flight is designed to give you a comprehensive view of Melbourne’s skyline combined with the beauty of the bay.
This tour is highly rated—5/5 based on 25 reviews—and is priced at $323 for a group of up to 3 people, making it an intimate experience for friends or couples. What sets this apart is the focus on landmarks and tourist attractions, giving you a well-rounded overview of Melbourne from the air. Many reviewers mention how thrilling it is to take off in a helicopter and see the city from this angle.
Bottom line: An excellent pick for small groups wanting a personalized and comprehensive aerial tour of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.
3. Melbourne: Private Yarra Valley Winery Lunch by Helicopter
Imagine flying over Melbourne and the lush Yarra Valley before landing for a luxurious 2-course lunch at Balgownie Estate. This 4-hour experience combines scenic aerial views with wine tasting in one of Australia’s top wine regions. The helicopter ride from Essendon Fields offers stunning aerial vistas of vineyards, rolling hills, and the city skyline in the distance.
Guests rave about the luxury aspect, with an emphasis on local wines and gourmet food. The tour is priced at $527 per person, reflecting its premium nature, including both the flight and a memorable wine experience. It’s ideal for those celebrating special occasions or who want a combination of adventure and indulgence.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine lovers looking to combine aerial sightseeing with a luxury winery lunch in the Yarra Valley.
4. Melbourne to 12 Apostles VIP Helicopter Tour (1 hour Flight)
This VIP helicopter tour is a bucket-list experience. Starting from Melbourne, a first-class flight takes you over the Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles—Australia’s iconic limestone stacks. The flight lasts around 1 hour, with the helicopter landing directly at the 12 Apostles Helipad. Afterward, you get up to 2 hours on the ground to explore nearby lookout points or walk down the Gibson Steps.
What makes this tour exceptional is the private landing and the up-close view of the formations. Many reviews mention how breath-taking the scenery is from the air, with guides like “Grey and Rubin” praised for their professionalism. Although the price is steep at over $2,240 per person, it’s a luxury experience for those seeking exclusivity and the best possible views.
Bottom line: This is the ultimate luxury tour for travelers wanting a private, in-depth experience of the 12 Apostles and the Great Ocean Road.
5. Melbourne: Helicopter Tour to 12 Apostles & Great Ocean Rd
Spanning about 4 hours, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Victoria’s spectacular coastline. It features a 2.5-hour scenic helicopter flight, with landings at the 12 Apostles Visitor Centre and nearby lookout points. The route includes stunning aerial views of Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, and the Bay of Martyrs, making it a full immersion in some of Australia’s most stunning coastal scenery.
The inclusion of landing stops coupled with a scenic flight makes this experience stand out. At $2,501 for a group of up to 3, it’s a premium option suited for those who want a luxurious, in-depth journey with plenty of photo opportunities.
Bottom line: A great choice for travelers seeking a luxury, full-day tour that combines helicopter sightseeing with ground exploration of the Great Ocean Road.
6. Melbourne: City and Bayside Helicopter Tour
This 20-minute tour is perfect for those wanting a quick overview of Melbourne’s city and coastal highlights. You’ll pass over Brighton Beach, famous for its colorful beach boxes, and Albert Park Lake. The flight also includes views of Luna Park, the Royal Melbourne Golf Course, and the bayside wreck of a J7 Submarine.
Rated at 4.6/5 from 15 reviews, this tour offers a good balance between cost and experience, priced at $175 per person. Many visitors appreciate the chance to capture sweeping photos of Melbourne’s beaches and landmarks from above in a short time.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for a short, scenic overview of Melbourne’s city and bayside attractions.
7. Melbourne: Brighton Beach & Ricketts Point Helicopter Flight
This 12-minute flight offers a quick panoramic view of the Port Phillip Bay coastline, focusing on Brighton Beach and Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary. It’s perfect for travelers on a tight schedule who want some stunning coastal shots.
Rated at 4.8/5 from 6 reviews, this is a highly-rated, budget-friendly option at just $109 per person. Many mention how spectacular the views are despite the short duration, making it suitable for families or first-time visitors wanting a taste of Melbourne from above.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a short, affordable helicopter experience with beautiful coastal views.
8. Melbourne: Private Helicopter Flight to the 12 Apostles
This private tour offers a luxurious experience with a helicopter flight from Melbourne directly to the 12 Apostles. Once there, you’ll have time to explore the Gibson Steps and nearby lookout points before flying back.
At $1,187 per person, it’s suited for travelers who desire a personalized journey with the flexibility to spend time at the site. Many reviews highlight the exhilaration of flying over the limestone stacks and the freedom to explore the area at your own pace.
Bottom line: A great option for luxury travelers and photography enthusiasts wanting a private, flexible experience.
9. Melbourne: Private Extended Skyline & Bay Helicopter Ride
Adding an extra 10 minutes to the standard tour, this 30-minute helicopter experience offers a broader view of Melbourne’s landmarks and coastline. You’ll see Albert Park Lake, fly along the beach to Brighton Beach**, and enjoy uninterrupted views of the skyline.
Rated at 5/5 from 2 reviews, this tour emphasizes comfort and extended sightseeing. It’s priced at $395 per group, making it an appealing choice for small groups or couples wanting a more comprehensive aerial tour.
Bottom line: An excellent option for extended sightseeing if you want more time in the air without a hefty price tag.
10. Melbourne: Brighton Beach Boxes Private Helicopter Flight
This private flight allows up to 5 passengers to enjoy a stunning view of the Brighton Beach boxes and Port Phillip Bay from the air. With a duration of just 12 minutes at $435 per group, it’s a great value for families or groups wanting a quick, exclusive experience.
Reviewers mention how beautiful the coastline looks from above, especially the colorful beach boxes. The tour provides private aircraft for a small group, ensuring a personalized experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for groups seeking a private, short aerial tour of Melbourne’s most iconic beach scenery.
$435 per group up to 5
11. Melbourne: City Helicopter Tour with up to 5 Passengers
This 20-minute private helicopter allows up to five people to fly over Melbourne’s skyline, passing landmarks like Brighton Beach, Albert Park Lake, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The shared experience makes it more affordable for families or friends.
Rated with no reviews listed, it offers a cost-effective way to enjoy aerial views with your favorite people. The highlight is the chance to share photos in front of the helicopter and enjoy a memorable group experience.
Bottom line: An affordable, flexible option for groups wanting a fun, shared helicopter ride over Melbourne.
$808 per group up to 5
How to Choose
Picking the right helicopter tour depends on your budget, time, and interests. For a quick city overview, the City & Bayside Helicopter Tour or the Brighton Beach flight are perfect. If you want a luxury experience, the VIP 12 Apostles tour or the private Yarra Valley winery flight are unmatched. For those craving the full coastal adventure, the Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles** or the full-day Great Ocean Road experience are excellent options.
Consider your group size, budget, and whether you prefer a short flight or a more immersive exploration. Booking early is recommended, especially for the popular tours like the VIP or full-day adventures.
Final thoughts
Melbourne offers a diverse range of helicopter tours suited for nearly every type of traveler. From quick scenic flights over the city to luxury landings at the 12 Apostles, the options are impressive. For first-timers, a short city or bayside tour offers a memorable glimpse of Melbourne. For those celebrating a special occasion or seeking a thrill, the VIP and private options provide unmatched exclusivity.
If you’re considering a full-day experience along the Great Ocean Road, early booking is wise. No matter your choice, a helicopter flight in Melbourne promises breathtaking views and a special way to see one of Australia’s most vibrant cities. Prepare your camera and enjoy the ride—you won’t forget these views anytime soon.