Scenic helicopter ride over Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most beautiful drives, but nothing beats seeing it from above on a helicopter ride. A helicopter flight over the Great Ocean Road is amazing, with coastlines, scenery and landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and London Bridge. With several types of helicopter tours to choose from, each offering a different flight experience, visitors will have an unforgettable experience over this world-famous stretch of coastline.

Scenic Flights

Helicopter scenic flights give you the gift of flight over Australia’s natural landmarks along the Shipwreck Coast and the Apostles Coast. Flights depart from several locations including Apollo Bay and Port Campbell and can be tailored to suit different time frames and budgets. For a luxury experience private charters are available, a bespoke flight fully customisable. Whether a short scenic flight or an extended private flight, each journey will showcase the beauty of the Great Ocean Road.

The Iconic Landmarks Along the Coast

The Great Ocean Road is full of natural wonders that stop you in your tracks and attract thousands of visitors each year. These sites like the Twelve Apostles rock stacks, London Bridge and the Loch Ard Gorge shipwreck are breathtaking from a helicopter. Flying along the Apostles’ coast gives you an amazing experience of seeing these features as they roll out along the coastline.

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are the crown jewel of any 12 Apostles day trip along the Great Ocean Road, with their majestic limestone stacks rising dramatically from the ocean. These towering formations line the coast and often steal the spotlight on scenic flights over the Apostles. Viewing them from above reveals their grandeur as they defy the forces of nature. Apostles Helicopters offers dedicated flights that showcase these iconic rock stacks, providing incredible photo opportunities of this stunning coast and its rugged beauty.

Loch Ard Gorge

Loch Ard Gorge is more than a pretty bay – it’s a piece of the Great Ocean Road’s maritime history. Named after the shipwreck of the Loch Ard, this gorge has steep cliffs, soft sand and a hidden beach. On a helicopter ride you can see the details of the gorge including Sentinel Rock and the cliff formations. Flying over this treasure gives you a different perspective on the natural beauty and the stories of the Shipwreck Coast.

Great Ocean Road from Above

When you see the Great Ocean Road from a scenic flight, you will see a diverse and stunning landscape of forests, hills and coastlines. You will see pristine beaches, turquoise water and hidden coves that can only be seen from the air. Helicopter flights often follow a route that includes Bells Beach, Cape Otway and the stretch from Apollo Bay to the Port Campbell National Park. Each flight includes a safety briefing, and some flights, particularly private charter flights, offer longer flight times and personalized experiences. Everyone gets a window seat on this flight, so you get the best view possible.

Flights Available

There are several types of helicopter flights along the Great Ocean Road from short introductory flights to in-depth tours and private charters. Each one offers a different level of immersion into the coast’s beauty for all types of traveller and budgets.

Short Flights (15-20 minutes)

Short flights cover the highlights of the Great Ocean Road, often the Apostles coast and the Port Campbell area. These 15 minute flights are perfect for those who want to see the main attractions of the region without spending too much time in the air. Even in a short amount of time you will have a full flight and time to take photos of the amazing views.

Private Charters

For the ultimate experience, private charters are the way to go. A private flight gives you flexibility on departure time and flight path so you can plan your own itinerary and visit specific places like Cape Otway or Port Phillip Bay. Private flights are perfect for special occasions or those who want to be treated like VIP’s. Some private flights even depart from Essendon Airport or Moorabbin Airport for extra convenience and a flight tailored to you.

Longer Flights (30-60 minutes)

Longer helicopter tours give you a more in-depth look at the coast, often including places like Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, Cape Patton and Apollo Bay. With 30-60 minutes flight time you will have time to see the full diversity of the coastline from rugged cliffs to pristine beaches. These flights depart from Apostles Helicopters Heliport or Port Campbell National Park and may include flight commentary and even a stop for lunch.

Best Time to Visit

The Great Ocean Road is beautiful all year round, but some times of the year bring special advantages and conditions:

Summer (Dec to Feb)

Summer is warm and has long days, so it’s a popular time for helicopter tours. The coast comes alive in the sun, and the clear skies give perfect views of the ocean, beaches and cliffs. But it’s the busiest time of year, so book in advance.

Autumn (Mar to May)

Autumn is a good time to visit as the weather is mild and there are fewer people. This season has softer light and dramatic skies that are perfect for photography. With calmer winds helicopter flights are smoother and you’ll have a more comfortable ride as you take in the coast’s serenity.

Winter (June to Aug)

Winter isn’t everyone’s first choice but it has it’s own charm. The cooler weather means fewer tourists so it’s a great time for a peaceful flight. Winter also gives you the chance to see the coast under moody skies and dramatic lighting with stormy seas as a backdrop to the cliffs and rock formations.