Locals Review of the Best Broome Scenic Flights in 2024
Broome is popular with visitors from around the world who are drawn to its natural beauty. This breathtaking scenery can be explored by foot or boat, but it is best viewed above on Broome scenic flights.
From soaring above the turquoise ocean of Cable Beach to witnessing the stunningly rugged landscapes of the Kimberley, scenic flights offer an unparalleled experience of this remote corner of Western Australia.
In this post, we’ll share our top picks for the most memorable flights, including insights into the route, highlights, and time in the air.
So, whether you’re a first-time visitor to this coastal town or just looking for a new adventure, read on to discover this region’s best scenic flights.
This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.
Best Broome Scenic Flights
Stuck for time? Our favourite scenic tours are:
- Buccaneer Explorer
- Cygnet Bay Explorer
- Broome scenic helicopter flight
- Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures
Click on the links above to see prices and availability direct with the tour operator.
Why are Scenic Flights Popular in Broome?
Scenic flights are popular in Broome as it’s in one of the most remote and beautiful parts of Australia, offering a unique and breathtaking landscape that is best seen from the air. These landscapes are often difficult to access by road and can take several days, if not weeks, to explore, making scenic flights an excellent option for those short on time.
Helicopter tours or scenic flights offer travellers the thrill of flying in a small aeroplane or helicopter with the exhilaration of taking off and landing.
The Best Broome Scenic Flights Operators
| Company | Average Review | Aircraft | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Kimberley | 5 | Cessna & Airvan | See here |
| KAS Helicopters | 5 | Robinson R44 | See here |
| Broome Aviation | 4.5 | Cessna | See here |
| Horizontal Falls Seaplane | 5 | Cessna turboprop seaplanes | See here |
1. Air Kimberley (previously King Leopold Air) Scenic Flights
Air Kimberley offers a large range of Broome aviation scenic flights, all highly rated by previous customers. Their pilots are experienced and have an in-depth knowledge of the area.
In 2021, Air Kimberley was awarded Broome Business of the Year plus the Best Tourism Business award and recently received the TripAdvisor 2022 Travellers’ Choice for a third consecutive year. Air Kimberley was also announced as a top 20 tour experience across Australia and New Zealand in the 2022 Viator Experience Award.
Buccaneer Explorer
Rating: 5/5⭐️ over 580 reviews (best seller)
Available: All year round
Tour Length ⏰6 hours
Flight Time ✈️ 3 hours
Highlights include:
- Dampier Peninsula and overhead King Sound, home to Australia’s largest tides
- Fly over the Horizontal Waterfalls
- Fly across the stunning Buccaneer Archipelago
- Fly overhead Koolan and Cockatoo Islands, home to the world’s richest iron ore deposits
- Land at the Ardyaloon (One Arm Point) community for a swim at Jologo Beach
- Visit the Ardyaloon Trochus Hatchery and Aquaculture Centre for lunch. Enjoy an educational tour and learn about the Bardi-Jawi people’s traditions
- Enjoy a coastal return flight over Cape Leveque and the Dampier Peninsula with views of Beagle Bay, James Price Point, Willie Creek Pearl Farm and Broome’s Cable Beach.
In our experience the best company to deal with in Broome
Sharon t, tripadvisor
Cygnet Bay Explorer
Rating: 5/5⭐️ over 225 reviews
Available: February – December
Tour Length ⏰ 11 hours
Flight Time ✈️ 3 hours
Highlights include:
- Dampier Peninsula and overhead King Sound
- Fly over the Horizontal Waterfalls
- Fly across the stunning Buccaneer Archipelago
- Fly overhead Koolan and Cockatoo Islands
- Land at the Ardyaloon (One Arm Point) community for a swim at Jologo Beach
- Visit the Ardyaloon Trochus Hatchery and Aquaculture Centre for lunch. Enjoy an educational tour and learn about the Bardi-Jawi people’s traditions
- Short flight to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm (including pearl discovery tour, lunch. and swim)
- Explore the ‘Giant Tides‘ of the spectacular Kimberley Coast by boat
- Enjoy the coastal return flight over Cape Leveque and the Dampier Peninsula with views of Beagle Bay, James Price Point, Willie Creek Pearl Farm and Broome’s Cable Beach
*For safety reasons the minimum age for the sea safari tour is 5 years of age.
Mitchell Falls Explorer
Rating: 5/5⭐️ over 20 reviews
Available: May – September
Tour Length ⏰ 12 hours
Flight Time ✈️🚁 5.6
Highlights include:
- Fly over the Walcott Inlet, the Harding Range, and the Prince Regent River, before landing at Mitchell Plateau airstrip
- Drive along one of the most remote Kimberley tracks in an airconditioned 4WD to the Mertens campground (the start of the 4.5km Punamii-unpuu Hiking Trail)
- Enjoy a guided 4 km cultural walk past stunning waterfalls and gorges, Aboriginal rock art and sites of cultural significance to the Wunambal people
- View Mitchell Falls while eating lunch
- An incredible helicopter scenic flight with HeliSpirit over the Mitchell Falls and Mertens Gorge
- On the return flight, view Kuri Bay (home to the Paspaley Pearl Farm and Montgomery Reef)
- Fly over Horizontal Waterfalls
- Fly across the stunning Buccaneer Archipelago
- Return flight over the Dampier Peninsula with views of Beagle Bay, James Price Point, Willie Creek Pearl Farm and Broome’s Cable Beach at sunset.
Bungle Bungle Explorer
Rating: 5/5⭐️ over 30 reviews
Available: April – September
Tour Length ⏰ 11 hours
Flight Time ✈️ 5.5 hours
Highlights of this scenic flight from Broome to Bungle Bungles include:
- Fly over the turquoise waters of Roebuck Bay, Fitzroy River, Fitzroy Crossing and the Geikie Gorge
- Enjoy morning tea at Halls Creek
- Fly the around the Bungle Bungle Massif with views across the Bungle Bungle range, with gorges and pools
- Travel by an air-conditioned 4WD to the southern Dome walk
- A moderate 3 km guided walk amongst the Bungle Bungles on the dome walk and into Cathedral Gorge.
- Stop for drinks and lunch in Cathedral Gorge
- On your return flight to Broome, fly over the stunning Wunaamin-Milliwundi Ranges, Devonian Reef Conservation Park, and Windjana Gorge
Windjana Explorer
Rating: 5/5⭐️
Available: May – September
Tour Length ⏰ 10 hours
Flight Time ✈️🚁 3 hours
Highlights include:
- Fly over Roebuck Bay and the mangroves of the Roebuck Plains
- See the Fitzroy River as you approach the Napier Range
- Head to Windjana Gorge on an air-conditioned 4WD tour bus where you’ll be met by a local Bunuba Aboriginal Guide with a welcome to country and smoking ceremony
- Walk through Windjana Gorge and learn about the spiritual significance of the gorge and view freshwater crocodiles in their natural habitat
- After lunch, walk along the 750m long Tunnel Creek that runs beneath the 350-million-year-old Devonian Reef System
- Visit the historic ruins of Lillimooloora Police Station
Broome & Beaches
Available: All year round
Tour Length ⏰ 30 mins
Flight Time ✈️ 30 mins
Fly over Cable Beach, Town Beach, Willie Creek, Roebuck Bay, Gantheaume Point and Broome Port. This Tour is best at Sunset.
Sunday Island Explorer
Rating: 5/5⭐️
Available: May – September
Tour Length ⏰ 11 hours
Flight Time ✈️🚁 3 hours
Highlights include:
- Fly over the Dampier Peninsula to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm to embark on an island hopping adventure, including a quick stop at Middle Beach
- Arrive at Ewuny (Sunday Island), learn about the history of the Sunday Island Mission, home to many Jawi and Bardi people until its closure
- Visit Goodngarngoon, place of running water, a place of great cultural importance to the Bardi Jawi people. Then head to Oolin Beach for Morning Tea and a swim
- Return through untouched wilderness and search for dugongs, manta rays, sea turtles, hammerhead and tiger sharks and birds of prey.
- On returning to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, enjoy lunch followed by a Pearl Farm Discovery Tour
- Fly over One Arm Point, Middle Passage, and Sunday Island
- Overfly the Horizontal Falls before tracking back over Buccaneer Archipelago, Cape Leveque and a stunning low level coastal flight back to Broome
2. KAS Helicopters Scenic Flights
These helicopter flights provide a different perspective with highly skilled, experienced local pilots. KAS Helicopter’s modern fleet are stored in hangars and undergo rigorous safety pre-flight checks before each flight.
Broome Scenic Helicopter Flight
Rating: 5/5⭐️ with over 50 reviews
Available: Year round
Tour Length⏰ 30 mins
Flight Time🚁 30 mins
Highlights include:
- Fly along Cable Beach
- Fly low over Willie Creek Pearl Farm and the creek
- View Gantheaume Point, Broome Turf Club and Reddell Beach from above
Pearls & Coast
Rating: 5/5⭐️ with over 10 reviews
Available: April until October
Tour Length ⏰ 5 hours
Flight Time 🚁 35 mins
Highlights include:
- Fly along Cable Beach
- See the incredible colours and patterns in Willie Creek
- Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour
- Delicious meat, seafood or vegetarian lunch platter and a complimentary drink
- Aerial views of the stunning red cliffs at Gantheaume Point, Broome Jetty and Roebuck Bay
Eco Beach Lunch Explorer
Rating: 5/5⭐️ with over 5 reviews
Tour Length ⏰ 3 hours 30 mins
Flight Time 🚁 60 mins
Highlights include:
- Exciting 30 minute scenic Heli flight to Eco Beach and return
- Beach combing and swimming
- A la carte Lunch
Edgar Ranges Explorer
Tour Length ⏰ 3 hours
Flight Time 🚁 1 hour 45 mins
Highlights include:
- Fly along the stunning Roebuck Bay coastline and Roebuck Plains
- At the Edgar Ranges, you’ll fly up valleys and around towering buttes for a birds eye view and photo opportunities, before landing to take in the impressive landscape
Horizontal Falls Discoverer
Available: May to October
Tour Length ⏰ 7 hours 30 mins
Flight Time ✈️🚁 3 hours 15 mins
Highlights include:
- Fly fixed-wing to Derby and transfer to helicopter
- Spectacular low-level flight to Horizontal Falls
- Lunch on a houseboat for lunch followed by a boat ride up to the mouth of the Falls, around Talbot Bay and up Cyclone Creek
Dampier Peninsula & Cygnet Bay
Tour Length ⏰ 6 hours
Flight Time 🚁 2 hours 40 mins
Highlights include:
- Fly low level to the northern tip of the Dampier Peninsula
- Pass over shallow waters teeming with marine life, before landing at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
- Choose from a range of ground tours and a la carte lunch (optional extras)
- On the return fly past the red cliffs at Cape Leveque and James Price Point
3. Broome Aviation Scenic Flights
Broome Aviation has been operating continuously since 1982 and offers a diverse range of scenic tours and charter flights. Their experienced pilots are knowledgeable about the local area.
Incredible Islands
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️ with over 30 reviews
Tour Length ⏰ 7 hours
Highlights include:
- Track over the town of Broome and Roebuck Bay and heading towards the Dampier Peninsula
- Fly over the Buccaneer Archipelago
- Perfect aerial view of the Horizontal Waterfalls
- Fly over Talbot Bay, home to the Paspaley Pearling Empire
- Weave through the islands of Cockatoo and Koolan (mining empires) then heads towards Cape Leveque
- Pearl Farm tour and delicious gourmet lunch at Cygnet Bay
- On the return journey, see views of Lombadina, Beagle Bay, James Price Point, Pender Bay, Willie Creek, & Cable Beach
Giant Tides Tour
Rating: 5/5⭐️ with over 5 reviews
Tour Length ⏰ 10 hours
Highlights include:
- Track over the town of Broome and Roebuck Bay and heading towards the Dampier Peninsula
- Fly over the Buccaneer Archipelago
- Perfect aerial view of the Horizontal Waterfalls
- Fly over Talbot Bay, home to the Paspaley Pearling Empire
- Weave through the islands of Cockatoo and Koolan (mining empires) then heads towards Cape Leveque
- Pearl Farm tour and delicious gourmet lunch at Cygnet Bay
- Enjoy a fast boat tour at Cygnet Bay and feel the power of the world’s largest tropical tides as you cruise among giant whirlpools and standing waves
- On the return journey, see views of Lombadina, Beagle Bay, James Price Point, Pender Bay, Willie Creek, & Cable Beach
Gorgeous Gorges Tour
Rating: 5/5⭐️ with over 5 reviews
Tour Length ⏰ 11 hours
Highlights include:
- Track over Chinatown and Roebuck Bay before heading to Windjana Gorge
- Fly over the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges & explore the breathtaking Windjana Gorge with its fresh water crocodiles
- Continue to Silent Grove for a 1km hike into Bell Gorge where you can enjoy a refreshing swim
- Fly to the Historic Mt Hart Station for lunch
- Perfect aerial view of the Horizontal Waterfalls and Buccaneer Archipelago
- Pearl Farm tour at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
- On the return journey, see views of Pender Bay, Beagle Bay, Carnot Bay, James Price Point, Willie Creek and Cable Beach
Mitchell Falls Tour
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Tour Length ⏰ 9 hours
Highlights include:
- Fly over remote Kimberley wilderness including Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges (King Leopold Ranges)
- Enjoy morning tea at Mount Hart Station whilst learning the history of this operational station.
- View the spectacular then continue onto the Prince Regent River, The King Cascade Falls and Montgomery Reef
- Perfect aerial view of the Horizontal Waterfalls and Buccaneer Archipelago
- Pearl Farm tour at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
- On the return journey, see views of Pender Bay, Beagle Bay, Carnot Bay, James Price Point, Willie Creek and Cable Beach
Bungle Bungles Flight
Rating: 4/5⭐️
Tour Length ⏰ 10 hours
Highlights include:
- Track over Chinatown and Roebuck Bay before heading to Halls Creek for a quick fuel stop
- Fly over the magical Purnululu National Park, including the Bungle Bungle ranges
- Join a guided walking tour of the spectacular Beehive Domes and Cathedral Gorge
- Enjoy a picnic lunch then view the famous Horseshoe Valley and the Coalition Range from a unique aerial perspective
- Glimpse Windjana Gorge as you return to Broome over the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges
4. Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures
Rating: 5/5⭐️ with over 570 reviews
Tour Length ⏰ 6 hours
Highlights include:
- Board a 14-seat turbo prop jet seaplane and fly direct to the Horizontal Falls
- Jump aboard a 900hp fast boat, the fastest boat in the Kimberley
- Experience an exhilarating thrill ride through the falls
- Cruise through the spectacular surrounding bays and creeks
- Dare to experience the thrill of swimming in a huge croc/shark free cage
- Enjoy a cooked breakfast or Barramundi BBQ lunch on board a luxury vessel
- Return from Talbot Bay, flying low across the Buccaneer Archipelago, Cape Leveque, Lombadina, Beagle Bay, Willie Creek Pearl Farm, Cable Beach and Broome township prior to landing
Please note this list is not extensive – there may be other tour operators. However, these are the most popular scenic flight tours from Broome.
Broome Scenic Flights Experience
A scenic flight from Broome is a magical experience, offering a different perspective of the surrounding region and landmarks. Here is a detailed description of what to expect from a scenic flight from Broome.
Pre-flight Briefing
Before your flight, you will typically receive a pre-flight safety briefing from your pilot. This will include safety instructions, an overview of the flight plan, and what you will see along the way.
Boarding the Aircraft
The small aircraft or helicopter usually seats between two and six passengers, depending on the tour operator. A headset is provided to communicate with your pilot and other passengers during the flight.
Views
As you ascend, you will get a birds-eye view of Broome with its spectacular coastline stretching as far as the eye can see. Depending on your tour, you may see red plains, ancient rock formations, and winding rivers. You’re in for a treat if you’re on a Bungle Bungle scenic flight to view these sandstone domes with distinctive orange and black stripes. Or maybe you’ll see the stunning Mitchell Falls or Horizontal Falls.
Landing
As your tour ends, you’ll have a smooth landing back in Broome with memories that will stay with you forever.
Scenic Flights from Broome
Various scenic flights from Broome cater to different interests and budgets. The following are some of the most popular destinations from Broome.
Buccaneer Archipelago
The Buccaneer Archipelago is a stunning cluster of over 800 islands off the coast of the Kimberley region. You’ll see the islands in all their glory from the air, with panoramic views of the island chain.
The islands are made from Precambrian sandstone, which is over 2 billion years old and has formed into beautiful geological formations. You’ll see towering cliffs, hidden coves, and stunning rock formations formed over millions of years by water and wind erosion.
Cygnet Bay
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm is a family-owned and operated pearl farm on the Dampier Peninsula, north of Broome. The farm is in a beautiful but remote location surrounded by pristine waters and spectacular natural landscapes.
The family history in the area dates back to 1946 when Dean Brown set up a tent and began to explore how to cultivate these beautiful pearls.
Today Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm produces some of the world’s finest pearls, and visitors can learn about the process and history.
Bungle Bungles
Scenic flights over the Bungle Bungle Range are an excellent way to experience the breathtaking beauty of one of Western Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks.
The range in Purnululu National Park is a unique geological formation consisting of distinctive beehive-like sandstone domes.
During a scenic flight, you’ll see the striking orange and black striped domes and the surrounding red terrain, winding rivers, and vegetation.
Mitchell Falls / Punamii-unpuu
The Mitchell Falls are a series of four magnificent waterfalls that cascade down the rocky terrain. A scenic flight provides a birds-eye view of these falls’ impressive scale and beauty.
Windjana Gorge / Bandilngan
Please note that due to flood damage, Bandilngan is closed for the 2023 season.
Windjana Gorge, in the Napier Range, was formed over millions of years by the Lennard River, which carved its way through the Napier Range to create a deep gorge with towering cliffs.
The walls rise 300 metres and are made of ancient Devonian limestone that has been eroded over time. The gorge is home to various flora and fauna, but its most famous residents are the freshwater crocodiles.
Sunday Island / Ewuny
Located at the southwestern end of the Buccaneer Archipelago, you will fly to Cygnet Bay for a boat transfer to Sunday Island. Here you’ll learn about the history of the Sunday Island Mission, home to many Jawi and Bardi people until its closure in 1962.
Broome / Rubibi
Enjoy the views of Broome from above as you fly over Cable Beach, Town Beach, Willie Creek, Roebuck Bay, Gantheaume Point and Broome Port.
Book this tour for sunset for a truly stunning flight.
Willie Creek / Wirrjinmirr
Willie Creek is a remarkable scenic helicopter flight from Broome to Willie Creek Pearl Farm. Soar over picturesque Cable Beach and the turquoise waters of Roebuck Bay. Once at Willie Creek, you’ll visit the family-owned pearl farm to gain an insight into the pearl farming industry.
Horizontal Falls / Garaanngaddim
David Attenborough hailed Horizontal Falls as one of the greatest wonders of the natural world. Enjoy the breathtaking low-level flight to the falls, seeing the patterns made by the colossal tides in the mud flats. Your pilot will ensure you have the ultimate aerial view to get the best photos of the wide and narrow gaps as the water flows through to the Inland Sea.
Broome is a stunning destination with much to offer, and one of the best ways to see it is from the air. The scenic flights in Broome offer a unique and breathtaking perspective of the spectacular landscape.
With so many excellent scenic flight operators to choose from, there’s no excuse not to experience the Kimberley’s beauty from above. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a scenic flight is an unforgettable way to see the region’s stunning landscapes and natural wonders.
Don’t hesitate – book a tour today and see Broome as you’ve never seen it before!
Use the buttons below to book with these Broome scenic flight operators.
Other Things to do in Broome
There are plenty of things to do in Broome.
Apart from a scenic flight, there are some amazing Broome tours and excursions. Some of our favourite were:
Broome Scenic Flights FAQ
Can you fly over the Bungle Bungles from Broome?
Yes. Several Broome scenic flight operators offer flights over the Bungle Bungles. From Broome, the flight time is around two and a half hours.
How long does it take to fly from Broome to Horizontal Falls?
It takes about 1.5 hours to fly from Broome to Derby, where most scenic flights to the Horizontal Falls depart from. Once in Derby, the flight to the Horizontal Falls takes around 30 minutes, providing passengers with incredible views of the stunning Kimberley landscape.