Helicopter tours of Wineglass Bay offer a breathtaking aerial perspective of Tasmania’s stunning Freycinet Peninsula. These flights provide unparalleled views of the iconic wineglass-shaped bay, pristine beaches, and rugged mountains. With options ranging from 25-minute scenic flights to extended tours with wine tasting, visitors can experience the beauty of Wineglass Bay and its surroundings from a unique vantage point. These tours showcase the area’s natural wonders, including the Hazards Mountains, Moulting Lagoon, and the sweeping coastline, making them a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
What Are the Different Helicopter Tour Options for Wineglass Bay?
Freycinet Air offers several helicopter tour options for exploring Wineglass Bay and the surrounding areas:
- Wineglass Bay Delight Flight
- Duration: 25 minutes
- Highlights: Freycinet Peninsula, Wineglass Bay, Hazards Mountains, Moulting Lagoon, Friendly Beaches
- Price: Starts at $325 per passenger (minimum 2 people)
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Family package: $825 (2 adults, 1 child)
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Soar Above Freycinet Flight
- Duration: 50 minutes
- Additional coverage: Mt. Amos, Schouten Island, Dolphin Sands
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Price: Starts at $695 per passenger (minimum 2 people)
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Historical Wine Tasting Flight
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes or 2 hours 15 minutes (with lunch)
- Includes: Scenic flight + wine tasting at Spring Vale wines
- Price: $775 per person (1 hour 15 minutes) or $930 per person (with lunch)
Each tour offers a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty and allows visitors to appreciate the stunning landscape from above.
What Landmarks Can You See During a Wineglass Bay Helicopter Tour?
During a helicopter tour of Wineglass Bay, you’ll have the opportunity to see numerous landmarks and natural wonders. Here’s a list of the main attractions you can expect to view:
- Freycinet Peninsula
- Wineglass Bay
- Hazards Mountains
- Moulting Lagoon
- Friendly Beaches
- Schouten Island (on longer tours)
- Mt. Amos
- Dolphin Sands
- Cranbrook (on wine tasting tours)
- Spring Vale wines (for the wine tasting tour)
The aerial perspective offers a unique way to appreciate the scale and beauty of these landmarks, especially the iconic shape of Wineglass Bay and the rugged coastline of the Freycinet Peninsula.
How Does the Aerial View Enhance the Wineglass Bay Experience?
The aerial view provided by a helicopter tour significantly enhances the Wineglass Bay experience in several ways:
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Unique Perspective: From the air, you can fully appreciate the distinctive wineglass shape of the bay, which is not as apparent from ground level.
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Comprehensive Overview: In a short time, you can see the entire Freycinet Peninsula and surrounding areas, gaining a better understanding of the region’s geography.
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Inaccessible Areas: The helicopter allows you to see parts of the landscape that are difficult or impossible to reach on foot.
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Wildlife Spotting: There’s a chance to spot marine life such as dolphins, seals, and seabirds from above.
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Photography Opportunities: The aerial view offers unparalleled opportunities for landscape photography, capturing the stunning colors and contours of the coastline.
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Contextual Understanding: Seeing the area from above helps visitors understand the relationship between different landmarks and geographical features.
What Should Photographers Know About Aerial Photography on These Tours?
For photographers looking to capture stunning images during their helicopter tour of Wineglass Bay, consider the following tips:
- Optimal Times:
- Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography.
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Golden hour just after sunrise or before sunset can provide dramatic lighting.
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Equipment Suggestions:
- Use a camera with a good zoom lens for flexibility.
- Image stabilization is crucial for sharp images from a moving helicopter.
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Consider using a polarizing filter to reduce glare from water surfaces.
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Camera Settings:
- Use a fast shutter speed (at least 1/1000s) to counteract helicopter vibrations.
- Set your ISO higher if needed to maintain a fast shutter speed.
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Use aperture priority mode to control depth of field.
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Composition Tips:
- Look for leading lines in the landscape, such as coastlines or mountain ridges.
- Include the helicopter’s skids in some shots for context and scale.
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Experiment with different angles and perspectives throughout the flight.
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Restrictions:
- Always follow the flight crew’s instructions regarding photography.
- Be aware of any no-fly zones or restricted areas where photography might be limited.
What Are the Practical Considerations for Taking a Wineglass Bay Helicopter Tour?
When planning your Wineglass Bay helicopter tour, keep these practical considerations in mind:
- Booking and Availability:
- Tours require a minimum of 2 passengers.
- Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
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Weather conditions may affect tour availability.
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Transportation:
- Arrange your own transportation to the tour departure point.
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The departure point is likely near Coles Bay or Freycinet National Park.
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Preparation:
- Dress comfortably and in layers.
- Bring sunglasses to reduce glare.
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Carry a small bag for personal items; large bags may not be allowed.
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Safety:
- Listen carefully to all safety briefings before the flight.
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Follow all instructions given by the pilot and ground crew.
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Motion Sickness:
- If prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication before the flight.
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Inform the crew if you experience discomfort during the tour.
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Payment and Cancellation:
- Understand the payment terms and cancellation policy before booking.
- Some tours may require full payment in advance.
By considering these factors, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable helicopter tour experience over Wineglass Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula.
References:
- https://freycinetair.com.au/all-helicopter-flights/wineglass-bay-scenic-flights/
- https://www.freycinetlodge.com.au/explore/freycinet-air
- https://freycinetair.com.au/all-helicopter-flights/historical-wine-tasting/