How Much Do Helicopter Tours in Melbourne Cost? An Honest Breakdown

There's a moment, somewhere over the Twelve Apostles or the glittering coastline of the Mornington Peninsula, when the question of cost becomes completely irrelevant. But we understand — before you get there, it matters. So here's the straightforward answer most tour operators won't give you.

The short answer

Heligo's Melbourne helicopter tours start from $225 per person for a 20-minute scenic flight and reach $1,750 for a full-day Great Ocean Road journey to the Twelve Apostles. What you pay depends on three things: the route, the duration, and the level of experience on offer.

Heligo's full flight menu and pricing

What affects the price of a helicopter tour?

Route and distance A scenic circuit over the Mornington Peninsula is a very different proposition to a full-day coastal flight along the Great Ocean Road. Longer routes require more flight time, fuel, and planning — and the pricing reflects that. Short scenic flights typically run 20 to 45 minutes. Full destination day tours can be several hours in the air, with ground time at the destination included.

Private touring vs. shared flights 

Heligo operates exclusively private tours — the aircraft is yours, the pace is yours, and the pilot's attention is entirely on you and your group. That level of personalisation is built into every experience we offer.

The pilot and the service 

Not all helicopter experiences are equal. At Heligo, our tours are led by Clarke — a pilot with deep knowledge of Victoria's coastlines, valleys, and ranges, and a genuine investment in the quality of every flight. The routes are curated, the experience is personal, and the care that goes into every journey is part of what you're investing in.

Inclusions 

Our winery and restaurant tours include ground time at the destination — a leisurely lunch at Jack Rabbit Vineyard on the Bellarine Peninsula, handcrafted chocolates in the Yarra Valley, or world-class cider at Gurneys Cidery overlooking the coast. Lunch bookings include 2.5 hours on the ground, with optional extended time available.

Per person pricing applies with a minimum of 2 passengers (R44) or 4 passengers (H130). Passengers above 120kg are unable to book online and should submit an enquiry. All restaurant and winery bookings are subject to venue confirmation.

What does each experience look like?

The Arthur's Seat (20 mins, $225 pp) is Heligo's entry-level scenic flight — and it's anything but basic. You'll take off from Tyabb and soar along the Peninsula coastline past Martha Cove's turquoise waters, climb toward the Arthurs Seat lookout, and trace the rolling Red Hill vineyards before looping back. It's a perfect introduction to helicopter flight, and outstanding value for the views it delivers.

The Melbourne City Orbit (55 mins, $595 pp) is the flagship city experience — lifting north toward the CBD to pass over the MCG, Eureka Tower, Federation Square, and the Yarra River, then sweeping south over St Kilda, Brighton's bathing boxes, and back along the Peninsula coastline to Tyabb.

The 12 Apostles & Great Ocean Road Day Tour ($1,750 pp) is the centrepiece of the Heligo collection. You'll follow the Peninsula coast past Sorrento and Portsea, cross The Heads, trace the Great Ocean Road cliffs through Lorne and Apollo Bay, and arrive at the Twelve Apostles — one of Australia's most extraordinary sights, incomparable from altitude. The return journey follows the coastline all the way home. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and priced accordingly.

Is it worth it?

The honest answer is yes — but only if you choose the right experience. A thoughtfully designed private tour, with a pilot who genuinely loves what he does and a landscape that rewards the altitude, is something you'll talk about for years. The cost of doing it well is almost always worth it. The cost of doing it cheaply and being disappointed is higher.

How to book

Every Heligo experience is private and bespoke. Scenic flights and select winery tours can be booked directly online. For custom flights, aerial photography, wedding packages, and special event transfers, get in touch and we'll design something around you.

Reserve your Heligo experience →

‍