Heart Reef from the air

About this experience

Heart Reef is a small heart-shaped patch of Hardy Reef, found by a local pilot in 1975. It's protected: you can't snorkel or dive there, and no boat will take you to it. According to Tourism Whitsundays, it's best seen from the air, by plane or helicopter.

Fly Australia collects you by courtesy bus from pickup points in Airlie Beach, including the Port of Airlie, and drives you to its terminal at Whitsunday Airport, Shute Harbour. The flight lasts about 60 minutes over roughly 200 km, with the pilot talking you through the Whitsundays, Whitehaven, Hill Inlet and the outer reef. Every seat is a window seat. Turtles, manta rays, dugongs, sharks and whales are possible from up there, never guaranteed.

Practical limits: seats are assigned by weight for balance, guests over 130 kg can't fly, and the plane isn't suitable for wheelchair users. If the weather grounds the flight, you're rescheduled or refunded in full. Marine park and airport fees are included. It pairs well with a boat day: the flight shows you Hill Inlet from above, and Ocean Rafting puts you on the lookout.

• Heart Reef, the one sight no boat can reach
• Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet from above
• A window seat for every passenger
• Live commentary from the pilot
• Courtesy bus from Airlie Beach

How the day runs

1. Before the flightBus from Airlie Beach

   Courtesy pickup from Airlie Beach points, including the Port of Airlie.

2. At the airportFly Australia terminal

   An air-conditioned lounge, luggage storage and free parking if you drive. Seats are assigned for weight and balance.

3. About 60 minOver the islands

   Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and the Whitsunday Islands, with live commentary.

4. Outer reefHeart Reef

   Out over Hardy Reef to Heart Reef, the highlight of the flight.

5. After landingBus back

   The courtesy bus returns you to Airlie Beach.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Fly early in your trip. If the weather cancels it, you have time to reschedule.
• Wear dark clothes to cut reflections in the window for photos.
• Mid to low tide shows more white sand at Hill Inlet. Ask which flight time suits the tide.
• Whales are possible from June to September, never promised.
• Leave luggage at the terminal if you're flying on your last day: there's storage.

Read next:

• Whitsundays or Cairns
• Best day tours

Frequently asked questions

Compare with

Great Barrier Reef Adventure CruiseOuter reef, not islands: about 4 hours at a pontoon on Hardy Reef with snorkel gear, semi-sub and lunch. No Whitehaven.★ 4.6 · 10 hours · from $229Ocean Rafting: Snorkel, Hill Inlet & WhitehavenFast inflatable, your choice of ends: Hill Inlet and two reef snorkels up north, or longer on the sand down south.★ 4.8 · 6.5 hours to a full day · from $173Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven CruiseA calm, big catamaran from Shute Harbour: guided Hill Inlet walk, up to 2 hours on Whitehaven, buffet lunch. No snorkel.★ 4.8 · 8 hours · from $184