15-minute Apostles
Basic flight
Twelve Apostles cluster, Loch Ard Gorge, immediate Shipwreck Coast. The standard scenic flight.
From AU$165/person.
Scenic flights
Twelve Apostles helicopter tours
The aerial perspective on the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Shipwreck Coast — 15-minute flights from the dedicated helipad start at AU$165.
From $165
15-minute flight
3 lengths
15, 25, 45 min options
Helipad
Next to main lookout
Daily
Weather permitting
Why fly
The aerial perspective changes everything
Looking down on the Twelve Apostles from a helicopter shows the formation in a way no ground-based viewpoint can. The cluster of stacks reveals its true shape; you see how the formation relates to the coastline; you watch the surf wrap around individual stacks; and you appreciate the scale of the cliff retreat that produced the entire landscape.
Most travellers who book a helicopter flight describe it as the highlight of their Great Ocean Road trip. The 15-minute basic flight is the most popular option — long enough to genuinely experience the aerial view, short enough to be affordable as a once-in-a-trip add-on. For travellers wanting more, the 25-minute flight extends west to London Arch and Bay of Islands; the 45-minute flight adds the Otway forest perspective.
Flight options
25-minute Shipwreck Coast
Extended flight
Apostles + Loch Ard + London Arch + Bay of Islands. Better for travellers wanting full coast coverage.
From AU$280/person.
45-minute Coast + Otway
Full experience
Full Shipwreck Coast plus the Otway rainforest perspective. Premium scenic flight option.
From AU$450/person.
Sunset / twilight
Premium · Limited availability
Helicopter flight in golden-hour light. Limited slots; book well ahead.
From AU$250-500/person.
Family flights
Family pricing
Some operators offer family packages. Children from 3 years old typically allowed; under-12 lap-seat or window with adult.
Private charter
Customised
Private helicopter charter for special occasions, photography sessions, longer experiences. Custom routes and duration.
From AU$1,500/flight.
Frequently asked
Helicopter tour FAQs
- How much does a Twelve Apostles helicopter flight cost?
- Standard 15-minute flights covering the Twelve Apostles cluster and Loch Ard Gorge: around AU$165 per person. 25-minute flights extending to London Arch and Bay of Islands: around AU$280 per person. 45-minute flights including the Otway forest perspective: around AU$450 per person. Special twilight and sunset flights at premium prices.
- Where do helicopter tours leave from?
- 12 Apostles Helicopters operates from a dedicated helipad next to the Twelve Apostles main car park. The helipad is a 5-minute walk from the cliff-top viewing platforms. Free parking at the visitor centre is shared with helicopter passengers. No long transfer to a separate airfield.
- Do you need to book helicopter tours in advance?
- Recommended in summer (December-February), Easter, and on weekends generally. 1-3 days ahead works most of the year. Same-day bookings sometimes available off-peak but you risk being turned away. Online booking through the operator's website is the standard method.
- What if the weather is bad?
- Helicopter flights cancel for high winds (above 30 knots), low cloud, and rain. Operators offer full refunds or rescheduling. The flights are weather-dependent in a real way — even on overcast days, flights typically run if winds are calm. Check the forecast 2-3 hours before your flight time; the operator will contact you if conditions look marginal.
- Are helicopter tours suitable for kids?
- Yes, with restrictions. Most operators allow children from 3 years old. Children under 12 typically need to sit on a parent's lap or in a window seat with an adult. The flight is a major hit with most kids — short enough not to bore them, dramatic enough to amaze them. Some operators offer family pricing.
- Can you photograph from a helicopter tour?
- Yes — windows are large and openable on some operators' aircraft. Best photography lens: 24-70mm or 24-105mm zoom. Avoid heavy gear or tripods. The flight is short so prioritise specific shots over experimentation. Polariser filter helps with the water colour. Most operators allow window-down operation in calm conditions.
- Are sunset helicopter tours available?
- Yes — premium twilight and sunset flights operate during the right season. Cost typically AU$250-500 per person depending on length. Limited availability; book well in advance. The combination of helicopter perspective with golden-hour light produces extraordinary photographs but the flight time is shorter due to twilight constraints.
- Is a helicopter flight worth it?
- For most travellers visiting the Twelve Apostles, yes — the aerial perspective shows the formation in a way no ground-based viewpoint can. The 15-minute basic flight at AU$165 is the most-booked option and represents fair value for a once-in-a-trip experience. Skip it only if you're on a strict budget or have limited time at the Apostles.