Kakadu helicopter tours – tickets, prices, timings

Kakadu National Park is one of Australia’s largest national parks and is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.

Marked with diverse ecosystems, vibrant Aboriginal rock art dating back thousands of years, incredible waterfalls, winding rivers, and much more, the National Park is something truly extraordinary.

A helicopter tour over Kakadu is a majestic and humbling experience that you cannot afford to miss.

This article covers everything you must know before booking a Kakadu helicopter tour.

Cost of the Kakadu helicopter flights

The cheapest helicopter tour over Kakadu costs A$150 per person.

The most popular tour of the attraction is priced at A$1,800 per person.

Helicopter rides can be a costly affair.

So, it is important to know the tour costs in advance to plan your trip and factor it in with other considerations.

But there is no doubt that a helicopter tour in Kakadu is a perfect addition to your trip to Australia.

Scenic heli tour over Kakadu National Park

Kakadu heli tours
Image: Northern Territory

On this 30-minute Kakadu heli tour, you are bound for the time of your life.

Buckle in for the aerial views of the Kakadu National Park, The Archway, Arnhem Land escarpments, East Alligator Valley, Mikinj Valley Billabongs, and Magela flood plains.

You get a guaranteed window seat for unobstructed views.

Expert commentary from a guide will heighten your flight experience, quite literally!

Cost of the tour (3+ years): A$150 per person

Kakadu Cruise and Katherine Gorge helicopter ride

Darwin heli tours
Image: Airborne Solutions

This 10-hour private tour gives will take you to the Nitmiluk and Kakadu National Parks.

Experience the remote and untouched corners of Kakadu that are inaccessible by road.

Set off from Darwin to the spectacular Katherine Gorge and explore the 13 gorges of the attraction for about half an hour.

Make your way to the Kakadu National Park for a boat cruise to get the lay of the land of the wonderful attraction.

Witness the Mary and Adelaide rivers on your way back.

You will be in the safe hands of an expert guide who will narrate the significance and facts about all the sites you cover.

Cost of the tour (3+ years): A$1,800 per person


Back to Top


What to expect

Departure point 

Kakadu Cruise and Katherine Gorge helicopter ride departs from the Darwin International Airport.

Address: Kookaburra Air Darwin, 3 Lois Lane Darwin International Airport, Eaton NT 0820, Australia. Get directions

The Scenic heli tour over Kakadu National Park takes off from the Jabiru Aerodrome.

Address: Kakadu NT 0822, Australia. Get directions

The heliports are near public transportation.

The tours end back at the meeting point.

There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.

Timings of the air tours

Kakadu heli rides are operational throughout the week and have a fixed-time take-off.

The Kakadu Cruise and Katherine Gorge helicopter ride takes off at 6 am.

The Scenic heli tour over Kakadu National Park departs at 8.30 am, 11 am, and 3 pm.

Ticket Exclusions

Gratuities, hotel transfers, and food and drinks are not included in your Kakadu heli flight tickets.

These tours also exclude any personal expenses you incur during the trip.

Restrictions strictly followed

Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides over Kakadu National Park.

A minimum of two passengers are required on these tours, failing which, they will be canceled.

The Kakadu heli rides are not wheelchair accessible.

You will need to purchase a Kakadu National Park Pass before entering Kakadu (not included in the ticket price).

No other animals except service animals are allowed onboard.

Infants must be seated in the caregivers’ laps throughout the flight.

You must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time.

A valid passport or ID card is required.

Flight times are approximate subject to weather conditions.

Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date. 

If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.

No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.

Helicopter tours require good weather. 

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.

Related Reading

Great Barrier Reef helicopter tours
Sydney helicopter tours
# Hunter Valley helicopter tours
Melbourne helicopter tours
Port Douglas helicopter tours
Cairns Helicopter Tours
Uluru Helicopter Tours
Townsville helicopter tours
Darwin helicopter tours
Brisbane helicopter tour

Recommended Reading

How to prepare for first helicopter flight
What to wear for helicopter tour?
How to overcome fear of flying?
Why helicopter tours are fun
FAQs about Helicopter tours
Helicopter tour – how long to wait after scuba diving?

Photo of author
Researched & Written by
For Vanshita, traveling is not just a hobby but the truest form of self-expression. She has a penchant for road trips, spontaneous detours, captivating landscapes, and cultural encounters. She loves collecting souvenirs from the places she visits and taking snapshots with a story to tell. Her favorite cities are Boston, Budapest, and Nikko.

Leave a Comment