A Brisbane helicopter tour with V Squared Helicopters (trading as V2 Helicopters) is a scenic flight over the city and the Brisbane River, leaving from Archerfield Airport in the city’s south. Flights start from $99, and longer routes head out over Moreton Bay, the coast and the Scenic Rim.
It is the quickest way to see how the CBD, the river bends and the suburbs fit together, and you can tell the pilot at the briefing what you want to see.
Flights you can book
There are five popular scenic flights, all from Archerfield:
- Brisbane city and river: the usual first flight, over the CBD and the river.
- Coast and beaches: the coastline with views towards the Gold Coast.
- Moreton Bay islands: the bay, including North Stradbroke Island.
- Scenic Rim and Glass House Mountains: mountain panoramas inland.
- Sunset city and bay: a seasonal evening flight over the city and bay.
Private charters are also available, from $1,049 an hour, and the operator can build a custom route within safe operating limits. Introductory flights for people thinking about learning to fly start from $380.
What you can see from the air
The city flights follow the Brisbane River around the CBD and past the Story Bridge, so you see the river loops and the high-rise cluster in one pass. The sunset flight adds views over Mt Coot-tha.
Out of the city, routes go over Peel Island and Moreton Bay, North Stradbroke Island, the Gold Coast beaches and hinterland, and the Glass House Mountains. Ask which of these fit the flight length you book, because the operator does not publish a route and time list. Private flights can be customised to your group, your schedule and your route, within safe operating limits, and pickups can also be arranged from suitable landing areas.
How long is a helicopter tour?
Flights fall into four rough bands. A 15 to 20 minute flight is a first taste of Brisbane. A 20 to 30 minute flight covers the skyline, the river and the suburbs properly. 30 to 45 minutes gives more time for photos, and 45 to 60 minutes or more suits islands, the coast and custom routes.
The time on your booking may be only part of the visit, because check-in, the safety briefing, boarding and headset checks happen as well. Weather, passenger load and airspace can change the final flight time.
Planning your visit
- Cost: Scenic flights start from $99. The price depends on the route and length, so check the scenic flights page.
- Booking: Book online, through the contact page, or by phone on (07) 3274 6666. Book early if your date is fixed.
- Opening: It flies 364 days a year from Archerfield Airport. The office is staffed Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm (check the website before you go).
- What to bring: Photo ID and closed shoes. Secure loose items, and confirm every passenger’s name on the booking form.
- Weight and accessibility: The operator asks for passenger weights to plan the flight safely, and asks you to raise any accessibility needs before you book. Aircraft seat two to four passengers depending on the model, and larger groups can be split across more than one helicopter. Children generally need to meet a minimum age or size for the harness, and the operator does not publish an exact age, so ask when you book.
- Weather: Pilots make a go or no-go call on cloud, visibility, wind and storms. In most cases bad weather means a delay, a different route or a reschedule. Morning flights are usually calmer, and storms are more common later in the day in the warmer months. Allow some flexibility if the flight is tied to an event.
Getting there and parking
All flights leave from and return to Archerfield Airport, where you check in at Hangar 219 on Qantas Avenue. It is about 14 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, about 20 minutes by car without traffic. Arrive early to check in. There is free parking directly in front of the V2 building, according to the operator’s About page.
Archerfield can be reached by car or public transport, but no bus stop details are published. Use the contact page or phone the office for check-in details on the day.
Nearby
- Brisbane CityHopper – the free ferry for a look at the same river from the water.
- Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha – a ground-level day out on the hill the sunset flight can pass.
- More scenic flights, lookouts and things to do in Brisbane.
Quick answers
How much is a Brisbane helicopter tour?
V2 Helicopters scenic flights start from $99, and longer routes cost more. Private charters start from $1,049 an hour.
How long is a helicopter flight over Brisbane?
A first flight is about 15 to 20 minutes and a Brisbane scenic flight is about 20 to 30 minutes. Allow extra time for check-in and the briefing.
Where do the helicopters leave from?
Archerfield Airport, with the office at Hangar 219, Qantas Avenue. It is about 20 minutes by car from the CBD.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The pilots decide on the day. Most weather problems lead to a delay, a different route or a reschedule rather than a lost flight, but check the conditions on your booking.
What should I bring?
Photo ID and closed shoes. Secure loose items so they do not blow around.
Can children go on a helicopter tour?
Often yes. Children generally need to meet a minimum age or size for the harness, and the operator does not publish an exact age, so ask when you book.
Can I fly to the islands or the Gold Coast?
Yes, Moreton Bay island, coast and beaches, and Scenic Rim flights are available. These are longer, so ask for a quote.
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