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Nautilus Aviation is a privately owned and operated, proven helicopter specialist with over 25 years flying experience and has grown to become one of Australia’s premier helicopter operators.

Today our network of bases spans Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville, Darwin and Torres Strait (Horn Island).

Nautilus Aviation has built an outstanding reputation based on the quality and diversity of our fleet of helicopters and our commitment to the safety of all passengers and personnel at all times.

We pride ourselves on our customer service from the delivery of commercial air work, pilot training and chartered flights all while working in partnership with a number of top tourism operators to deliver leisure experiences over some of the iconic natural landscapes of Northern Australia.

Tours available

Litchfield Waterfalls 60 Minute Scenic Flight

Covering an area of more than 1500km2, exploring Litchfield by scenic helicopter is the practical choice, providing a true appreciation of the scale and variety of the National Parks unique landscape while ensuring you don’t miss any of the highlights!

Flying along the sandstone plateau of the Tabletop Range, a rich range of open woodland vegetation transitions into pockets of lush monsoonal vine forest. The porous sandstone substrate, over eons of exposure to the elements, has weathered into striking formations which also absorb monsoonal rains that in turn feed numerous perennial streams.

Running off the plateau these shallow waterways form the stunning single and multi-drop waterfalls that Litchfield is famous for, cascading into crystal clear pools shaded by sheer cliffs and providing fantastic aerial photo opportunities in all seasons.

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Litchfield Private Waterfall Escape

This exclusive escape includes a stunning 60 minute scenic flight showcasing all the highlights of our Litchfield’s Waterfalls – 60 Minute Scenic Flight plus an exhilarating VIP landing on top of your own private waterfall!

For the next hour take in the ambience and relaxing sounds of the falls and opportunity for a safe and invigorating swim without the hordes of visitors and tour buses that frequent the more accessible waterfall locations.

Flying in your own private chartered helicopter, and with no advertised tracks, roads or walking trails leading to this exclusive location, you are assured a highly personalised experience.

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30 Minute Scenic Flight

This flight provides a great snapshot of Darwin’s diverse natural beauty while providing insight into the major events, both past and present, that have shaped it into the laid back, but modern and internationally connected city, that we know today.

Departing from Charles Darwin National Park on the Darwin city fringe, highlights include:

Sweeping views of the Darwin city centre
Stokes Hill Wharf and International Cruise Ship Terminal
Darwin’s popular Waterfront Precinct including wave park and Darwin Convention Centre
Darwin Esplanade and Bicentennial Park
Cullen Bay Marina
Mindil Beach – home to the famous Mindil Beach Markets
East Point Reserve and historical fortifications
Beautiful coastal vistas along Nightcliff and Casuarina Beach up to Lee Point
Hope Inlet with pockets of Monsoon forest and extensive Mangroves – crocodiles!
East Arm Wharf
Flight returns to our landing site in Charles Darwin National Park

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Kakadu National Park

Recognised for both it’s natural and cultural values, Kakadu is one of only four places in Australia to have a dual World Heritage listing, consisting of extensive river systems, vast wetlands, monsoonal forests and thundering waterfalls with ancient rock art dating back 65,000 years!

For those wanting to experience Kakadu in a single day, travelling by scenic helicopter is the practical choice providing a true appreciation of the scale and variety of the parks unique landscapes, while ensuring you don’t miss any of the highlights – no matter what the season.

Flight time is a total of 3 hours return (6 hours by road) so we cover a lot of ground and see a remarkable amount along the way, much of it inaccessible by any other means of transport.

With periods of torrential rain as well as long dry spells, Kakadu has many faces. The focus of individual flights will vary with the seasons and be tailored to ensure you receive the best possible Kakadu experience. Refer to the below flight path map for an overview.

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Wetlands Safari Cruise

See the magnificent Corroboree Billabong and Mary River wetlands from the comfort of a custom-built safari boat, navigating through a maze of waterways lined with colourful flora.

This natural wonderland is also home to an abundance of wild crocodiles, native birdlife and various land mammals including wallabies, buffalo, jabiru, sea eagles, kites, kingfishers, brolgas and jacanas.

The dynamic nature of the food web, the time of year, or even time of day, creates an unrepeatable experience each and every time the cruise operates.

Operates April to September annually only.

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Wetlands Airboat Adventure

See the amazing Mary River wetlands for a 45 minute airboat safari with Wildlands. This experience is truly unique and takes you into the Mary River river system where you will glide seemingly endless flood plains.

This natural wonderland is also home to an abundance of wild crocodiles, native birdlife and various land mammals including wallabies, buffalo, jabiru, sea eagles, kites, kingfishers, brolgas and jacanas.

Please note: minimum age for the Airboat tour is 4 years.

Operates April - September annually only.

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Darwin - Wetlands Discovery Tour

Experience the popular Wetlands Safari Cruise as above, plus an exhilarating, sensory filled Airboat Adventure! (45 minute airboat, 90 minute safari cruise)

Having a flat bottom and no underwater rudder or propulsion system to snag on things below, the Airboat glides freely across seemingly endless floodplains and into additional areas inaccessible by conventional craft. This is definitely on the list of must-do, iconic Top End experiences!

Being slightly longer in total duration, this option also includes a light picnic lunch.

Please note: minimum age for the Airboat tour is 4 years.

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True Territory Tour

We have partnered with 3 of the regions best operators to bring you the True Territory Tour!

Commencing with complimentary pick-up at your accommodation (Darwin City or Palmerston), travel in comfort and style with a private chartered helicopter linking these iconic Top End experiences.

Stop 1 - Wildlands Airboat Adventure (45 Mins)
Stop 2 - Jumping Crocodile Cruise with Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruises.
Stop 3 - Lunch at “The Noonie” (1 hour) to relax and refresh over a hearty pub meal and a cold beverage or two before a transfer back to your accommodation. Lunch and drinks are at your own cost.

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Facilities

  • Free wifi

Accreditation

  • ECO Certified (Advanced Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
  • Gold Level BARS Accreditation
  • Quality Tourism Accreditation
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