There's no better way to appreciate the sheer majesty and mass of the Great Barrier Reef than from above. Take in its pristine blue waters, its network of coral gardens, and its scattered sand islets on a breathtaking helicopter ride over one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

At the helipad in Cairns, climb aboard a state-of-the-art helicopter complete with air-conditioning and comfortable leather seats. Strap on your seatbelt, put on your headset, and take off, gazing out of large viewing windows as the coastal cityscape, with its white fringe of beach and verdant hillsides, drops away beneath you.

Your experienced pilot provides running commentary on the tropical splendors below as you cruise out over the blue expanse of the Coral Sea. Approach Arlington Reef, glowing like a brushstroke of iridescent turquoise paint against an azure canvas of ocean, and watch the delicate clusters of coral below. The Great Barrier Reef is home to an amazing array of marine life, and you might just spot manta rays or sea turtles drifting below the shimmering surface as you fly over.

The glowing shallows of the reef stretch out around you as your flight continues over this otherworldly landscape. Hover above tiny islands formed by deposits of sun-bleached sand and shells, from the stark and striking Upolo and Vlassoff sand cays to Green Island, with its rich thicket of rainforest. As you loop back toward Cairns, keep your eyes peeled—during the winter months, whales can be seen in these balmy waters.