Gold Coast Helitours – accessible Gold Coast

We’ve been thorough in our exploration of the Gold Coast, seeing it from the water with Gold Coast Party Pontoons, and from the beach so it was time to view it from the air. On our most recent trip to the coast we headed to Gold Coast Helitours just in time for a sunset flight over the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast Helitours 

In Australia we are yet to find helicopters fitted with a transfer lift, so if you are wanting to do a helicopter tour, you need to be able to negotiate the considerable step up into the aircraft. If you can do that, you’ll be in for a real treat. A helicopter tour was definitely a special way to see the Gold Coast and watching the sunset from the air was simply spectacular.

Our adventure started with a weigh in, but don’t worry, your weight will not be displayed for all to see. Maybe it’s just me that has a hang up about that, but I thought I’d share it just in case anyone else is a little weight shy! In a lovely move towards subtlety, the weight display is only seen by the staff on the other side of the counter.

A video safety briefing is provided and everyone was fitted with life jackets. I can’t say I would have combined a yellow bum back life jacket with my outfit of the day but it’s safety first with Gold Coast Helitours, who I might add have a 100% safety record.

Once we were done with all the admin and the safety demo it was time for take-off. Hubby, Amelia and Braeden sat in the back because I called shotgun beside the pilot. In retrospect we would put Braeden in the middle in future as he seemed to get a bit nervous when the pilot tilted the helicopter to his side. Braeden was obviously safe but I think he feels safer in the middle of the aircraft.

Braeden doesn’t tolerate the headphones so it’s a bit of a noisy ride for him but that doesn’t seem to bother him. He’s the king of noise most of the time anyway.

We took off from Gold Coast Helitours helipad and headed up the coast to Runaway Bay, over the extensive waterways of the Gold Coast, back down to Surfers Paradise and for the finale we followed the gorgeous coastline and extensive white sandy beaches back to the helipad.

Although we’ve zig-zagged our way in a car all over the Gold Coast on our many visits, a tour by air certainly gave us a new perspective and understanding of just how extensive the waterways are. Having commentary also is a fantastic bonus with our pilot mentioning many points of interest along the way including the ship used in Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Apparently the boat was purchased by a local and has remained where it featured during filming. Not a bad little play space for someone with some cash to splash.

Pro tip – wear dark coloured clothing without patterns to reduce glass reflection in your photos.

Gold Coast Helitours – wheelchair accessibility

The team at Gold Coast Helitours make it easy to access their office with a ramp to the entry.

For those that are a little nervous, or those who are super excited, there’s a unisex accessible bathroom available for a pre-flight visit if needed.

Hubby assists Braeden into and out of helicopters with quite a bit of muscle power but Braeden is able to use the step on the side of the helicopter which assists with the process.

Braeden’s wheelchair was stored in the office while we were on the flight and staff were quick to return it to the helipad on our return.

Accessible parking is available at Marina Mirage which is within a short wheel or walk of the Gold Coast Helitours office.

You can contact Gold Coast Helitours via their website but for accessible bookings I suggesting talking to the team.

We feel incredibly lucky to have been hosted by Destination Gold Coast for our flight but as always our review and photos reflect our experience. We had a wonderful flight and the Gold Coast absolutely sparkled.