Perth Flying Experiences

Flying experiences in Perth range from sunrise balloon flights over the Avon Valley to helicopter and plane scenic flights from Jandakot and a tandem skydive onto a Rottnest Island beach. This page sorts them by how you want to see the sky, slow, scenic or fast, and gives you the start points, times and what each one covers. For the wider trip, see things to do in Perth.

Hot air balloon flights over the Avon Valley

Balloon flights over the Avon Valley float for about an hour at sunrise, with a breakfast afterwards. The Avon Valley is east of Perth, and the usual launch is from Northam, just under 100 km from the city. Balloon flights are early starts, and shoes should be flat and enclosed. Full details of each are on Perth hot air ballooning.

If you'd rather not drive, the Avon Valley balloon flight with breakfast and Perth transfer collects from Crown Perth in Burswood and makes a 7-hour trip of it. For a self-drive option, the Liberty balloon flight with breakfast meets at the Dome Cafe on Fitzgerald Street East in Northam, and is a 3-hour outing from meeting to return, with a buffet breakfast after the flight.

The Australian Ballooning Company flight meets at Northam Airfield on Withers Street and ends with a champagne breakfast overlooking the river. It runs daily except Wednesday from April to November, with a listed start of 3.45am.

Helicopter flights over the Perth coast

Helicopter flights leave from Jandakot, at 8 Bell Court, and head out over Cottesloe Beach, Leighton Beach, Fremantle Port and the bends of the Swan River. The 20-minute Perth coastline helicopter flight includes live commentary and onsite parking, with departures at 7am, 9.30am, 12pm and 2.30pm.

For a slightly shorter flight over the same stretch of coast, the 18-minute Cottesloe to Fremantle helicopter flight flies from the same base at the same times. Each is booked as a group of 2 or 3.

A scenic plane flight over Perth and Rottnest Island

The 50-minute scenic plane flight to Rottnest Island from Jandakot is a shared small-group flight with an experienced pilot and commentary on the way. It follows the city skyline, the Swan River and the coastline, then crosses to Rottnest Island. Flights leave from Jandakot Airport on Eagle Drive at 10am and 2.30pm, and you should bring photo ID and closed-in shoes.

Tandem skydiving over Rottnest Island

The 10,000ft tandem skydive over Rottnest Island includes a 10 to 20-minute flight over the island, a freefall of up to half a minute and a 5-minute parachute ride to a beach landing. Skydives depart throughout the morning and early afternoon from the Rottnest Island Airport Terminal on Brand Way.

Rottnest Island is about 19 km off Fremantle and is reached by ferry. The terminal is an 800-metre walk from the arrivals jetty. More skydiving options are under Perth skydiving.

Choosing between a balloon, a helicopter, a plane and a skydive

Balloons are the slow, quiet choice, and they ask for a very early start. Helicopters are the quick one, with a flight of under half an hour and a departure time that suits most mornings and afternoons. The plane flight is the longest of the scenic flights and reaches Rottnest. The skydive is the one for people who want the drop, and the whole outing is a 2-hour session.

For the days between flights, look at Perth tours and Perth cruises.

Frequently asked questions

Where do hot air balloon flights near Perth take off?

Hot air balloon flights near Perth take off in the Avon Valley, usually from Northam, just under 100 km from Perth. The drive is an 80-minute run, and a transfer from Crown Perth in Burswood is available on one flight.

How long is a hot air balloon flight over the Avon Valley?

A hot air balloon flight over the Avon Valley lasts about an hour in the air. The full experience with breakfast is a 3-hour outing from the meeting time until your return.

How long is a helicopter flight over Perth?

Helicopter flights over Perth from Jandakot are an 18-minute or 20-minute flight, flying over Cottesloe Beach, Leighton Beach, Fremantle Port and the Swan River.

Where does the Perth and Rottnest scenic flight leave from?

The 50-minute Perth and Rottnest scenic plane flight leaves from Jandakot Airport, 1A Eagle Drive. Bring valid photo ID.

Can I skydive in Perth?

Yes. The tandem skydive over Rottnest Island starts at Rottnest Island Airport Terminal. Skydivers must be 16 or older, and jumpers under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form on the day.

Is there a weight limit for the Rottnest skydive?

Yes. A 95kg weight limit applies for the Rottnest Island tandem skydive, and passengers above that need an on-site assessment.

Do hot air balloon flights near Perth run all year?

No. The Australian Ballooning Company flights over the Avon Valley run from April to November, every day except Wednesday.

Choose how you want to see Perth from above, then book it online. If you'd rather stay on the ground, Perth activities has plenty of options.