★ Airborne: see Victoria from the sky

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of getting airborne, whether in a helicopter, hot air balloon, vintage plane or glider. Victoria has a range of options available to sweep visitors quite literally off their feet. And the ride makes for a view like no other: roaring seas, rugged coast lines, snowcapped mountains and patchwork farmland are just some of the sight to behold from above.

High Country

Alpine Helicopter CharterAlpine Helicopter Charter offers helicopter flights over Victoria’s alpine region. Based in Mansfield in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, just a few airborne minutes will take visitors to new heights looking down on snow-capped mountains. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of landing at a remote location for a walk, local wine and light snack or meal. For snow-goers, Mt Buller Scenic Flights depart from the mountain and are available most Saturdays from July to September. 325 Mount Buller Road, Mansfield, +61 428 376 619

Gliding Club of VictoriaAustralia’s largest gliding club, the Gliding Club of Victoria, attracts pilots from around the world who are keen to experience the area’s world renowned flying conditions. Here, joy flights are available year around (weather permitting) but conditions are peak from October to April. Operating without an engine, gliding is often considered a more relaxing mode of flying because of the reduced noise. However, the small cabin means that only one passenger can take flight per plane. Those keen to become a glider pilot themselves can sign up for a weekend or week-long training course on offer through the Club. Benalla Airport, Samaria Road, Benalla, +61 3 5762 1058

Phillip Island

Phillip Island HelicoptersVisitors to Phillip Island can take to the skies with Phillip Island Helicopters. Visitors can choose from a bird’s eye view of the Island’s most treasured spots along the coastline, including the famed surf beach, Cape Woolamai; the breeding ground for more than 20,000 seals at Seal Rocks; the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix track; and the home of Phillip Island’s little penguins at Summerland Bay. There are seven scenic flight options available, ranging from eight to 42 minutes. The shorter flights take in a small section of the Island while the longer options extend to the entire island and even Mornington Peninsula. In addition, there are four Heli Adventures to choose from, each combining a flight with an adventure activity such as GP Track hot Laps or a French Island Wildlife Tour. Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Newhaven, Victoria, +61 3 5956 7316. 

Great Ocean Road

12 Apostles HelicoptersKnown as one of the world’s best drives, the Great Ocean Road is equally stunning from the skies. 12 Apostles Helicopters offers the opportunity to see the 12 Apostles, Shipwreck Coast and Port Campbell National Park from above. There are three flight options, all of which start with a view of the 12 Apostles. The 15 minute flight option takes in Loch Ard Gorge, The Sentinel, The Arch and London Bridge; the 25 minute option extends to the Bay of Islands providing a prime view from which to see the sand stone cliffs give way to limestone, and view the contrast the 12 Apostles to the Bay of Islands, a cluster of smaller stacks that appear to float in the ocean. The hour-long tour takes in the sights from the Bay of Islands to the west, all the way to the Cape Otway lighthouse, Australia’s oldest mainland lighthouse, in the east. Great Ocean Road, Princetown, +61 3 5598 8283

Apollo Bay AviationDeparting from Apollo Bay Airport, Apollo Bay Aviation offers both helicopter and aeroplane flights over the 12 Apostles, Surf and Shipwreck Coasts and rainforest hinterland. Visitors can choose from five tour options which range from 10 to 70 minutes in either a helicopter or aeroplane. The expansive bubble canopy in the helicopter (a Robinson R44 Clipper II) provides a premium viewing platform, while the Cessna aeroplane’s high wing design offers an unobstructed coastal view. Telford St, Marengo, +61 3 5237 7600

Port Fairy HelicoptersPort Fairy Helicopters offers flights over the township of Port Fairy and the surrounding area. A six-minute flight will take visitors over Port Fairy; a 10 minute flight features Tower Hill, a dormant volcano that is now a wildlife reserve; an 18 minute flight takes in the township of Warnambool, Lady Bay, the mouth of the Hopkins river (whales can also sometimes be seen) and the 55 minute option travels along the west Victorian coast line, past the township of Warrnambool, Childers Cove, the Bay of Islands, south of Peterborough township, historic ship wreck sites, the Curdies Inlet and farming country. This flight also captures The Grotto, London Bridge (where the little penguins live), Port Campbell township the Loch Ard Gorge and the famed 12 Apostles. Skenes Road, Port Fairy, +61 473 505 846

Tiger Moth World TorquayAdventure junkies and history buffs will be in their element at Tiger Moth World, where flights can be had in a 1930s vintage open cockpit biplane. After being are decked out in a full flying suit with leather jacket, helmet and goggles, flyers can enjoy a scenic flight or an adrenalin-fuelled Super Tiger aerobatic flight. Departing from Torquay, scenic flights track at a low level over the beach and cliffs to take in the coastal scenery. Flights can go west from Torquay, over the famous surf break at Bells Beach and along the Great Ocean Road to the 12 Apostles, or east towards the rolling sand dunes towards the Point Lonsdale lighthouse, the Rip Passage and across to Sorrento. Tiger Moth World Torquay also offers tandem skydiving and a family adventure park. 325 Blackgate Rd, Torquay, +61 3 5261 5100

Geelong and the Bellarine

Geelong HelicoptersScenic flights, private charter, aerial photography and tours depart daily with Geelong Helicopters, from the Geelong Waterfront and by appointment from the Barwon Heads Airport. The tours include Corio Bay, Geelong city, Barwon River, Bells Beach and Torquay. Flights vary in length from five minutes to over an hour and can extend as far as the Mornington and the 12 Apostles. Yarra Street Pier,  Geelong Waterfront, Geelong, +61 422 515 151

Warbird Air AdventuresWannabe fighter pilots can strap themselves into the cockpit of a genuine ex-military aircraft at Warbird Air Adventure to experience the next best thing. The adventurous can experience the powerful World War II style prop fighter aircraft pulling over four times the force of gravity and travelling at speeds of more than 300 kilometres per hour and tricks such as loop the loop, barrel roll and spin. Meanwhile, the more relaxed can cruise along the coast on a scenic charter flight taking in Bells Beach, Torquay and the Great Ocean Road. Barwon Heads Airport, 1141 Barwon Heads Road, Barwan Heads, 1300 341 006

Great Ocean AirGreat Ocean Air offers private chartered flights and travel experiences in seven-seater, spacious Airvans. Servicing Geelong and the Bellarine, the Great Ocean Road and Port Phillip Bay, flight options range from one hour to overnight experiences. Top tours include the Barwon Heads to 12 Apostles 90 minute flight, golf and outback tours and girls day adventures. Barwon Heads Airport, 1405 Barwon Heads Road, Connewarre, +61 403 515 605 

Gippsland

Bandicoot Adventure FlightsFrom aerobatic daredevil routes to relaxing scenic flights, Bandicoot Adventure Flights allows participants to choose their own adventure, flying above the naturally beautiful Gippsland region. Flight options include the adrenalin-inducing Aerobatics Adventure Flights in the Pitts Special, the Serenity Adventure Flights in the open cockpit Pitts Special, and Tiger Moth touring around straight and level. Scenic and joy flights in more conventional aircraft are also available. 75 Airfield Road, Traralgon, Victoria, +61 428 826 007

Latrobe Aero ClubLatrobe Valley Aero Club offers joy flights, training and charters around the Latrobe Valley and surrounding Gippsland region. Wilsons Promontory, Ninety Mile Beach, the Gippsland Lakes and the Victorian Alpine Area can all be seen on these flights, depending on the chosen length (flights start at 30 minutes). Beginners can take controls of the aircraft with a Trial Introductory Flight; training takes place with a qualified instructor in a one-on-one environment. Latrobe Regional Airport, Airfield Road, Traralgon, Victoria 3844, Phone: +61 3 5174 2591

Grampians

A.Kube AviationScenic flights over the Grampians and the surrounding region are available here as well as extended tour options. From 30 minute flights over the the most famous mountain peaks in the Grampains to two-hour tours which take in the Grampians and Victoria’s South Coast including the 12 Apostles and Cape Otway. Flights depart from Horsham Airport. +61 439 424 112

Murray

SportAviationThe border town of Tocumwal is a world renowned destination for gliding and has a long history of being a premier place to soar. SportAviation offers Air experience flights with professional training tailored to meet individual requirements. Beginners can learn to glide solo in just five days. Gate 10 Babingtons Road, Tocumwal, +61 3 5874 2734

Jarden AviationJarden Aviation offers scenic flights over Lake Mulwala and the Murray River, as well as flight training. They offer scenic flights, flight training for private and commercial licences, night ratings, charter flights, aerial photography, theory classes and refuelling services. Hangar 29, 40 John Duigan Drive, Yarrawonga Airport, Yarrawonga. +61 3 5743 3636

Yarrawonga Flight TrainingBeing airborne in a two-seater microlight is arguably the nearest experience to flying free form. Typically, a micro light cruises at about 120 kilometre per hour at relatively low altitudes, and the view from the open cockpit is unbelievable. Yarrawonga Flight Training offers introductory flights and flight training over Lake Mulwala and the Murray River. Yarrawonga Flight Training and Lore of Flight is based at Yarrawonga Airport.  Hangar 19, John Duigan Drive, Yarrawonga Aerodrome, +61 3 5744 1466

Yarra Ranges

Global BallooningHot air ballooning is a peaceful way to see the world from the sky and a glorious way to start the day in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley. Flight path depends on the wind direction, but no matter what way the breeze blows, the scenery through one of Victoria’s vino capitals is awe-inspiring. Sights include Kangaroo Ground, Dixons Creek, Healesville and Yering. The flights take about an hour and include a champagne breakfast at the end at one of the region’s foremost restaurants. +61 3 9428 5703

Vintage AirwaysFor the chance to to step back in time and experience the joy of flight as it was at the turn of the 20th century, visitors can hop aboard a Vintage Airways Yarra Valley Tiger Moth Joy Flight. With views over Yarra Glen, Healesville, the Yarra River and Sugarloaf Reservoir, visitors can watch as the forests and wineries of the Yarra Valley unfold at ground level. 13 MacIntyre Lane, Yering, +61 3 8741 2021

Melbourne

Heli-ServNo trip is too short or too long for Heli-Serv, a company just as happy to drop visitors off at a Melbourne event, such as the Melbourne Cup Carnival, as it is to take them to the furthest reaches of the state. Departing from Melbourne, scenic flights are on offer either above the city or to regional Victoria. Destinations include the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Grampians and Bellarine Peninsula. Heli-Serv will stop off en route for a meal of delicious local produce at a restaurant or winery, or a round of golf. Alternately, visitors can sit back and simply take in the spectacular views. Heli-Serv’s Melbourne City Heliport, corner Spencer Street Bridge and Batman Park, Melbourne or 28 Northern Avenue, Moorabbin Airport +61 3 9588 0145.

Air AdventureWith Air Adventure‘s 12 Apostles in 25 Minutes tour, there is no excuse for time poor visitors to miss out on one of Australia’s most iconic photo opportunities. Transporting visitors from Melbourne’s Essendon airport on the outskirts of the city, Air Adventure promises to get visitors flying over the stunning rock formation of the Great Ocean Road, camera ready, in just 25 minutes.+61 3 5572 1371  

Short Stop Jet Charter Operating out of Essendon Airport, Short Stop Jet Charter offers an array of flight options in a variety of different aircraft. Its Adventure Flights take place in ex-military aircraft: a TS-11 Iskra 1970 Polish jet advanced weapons trainer and a SNJ-5B Harvard nine cylinder, supercharged, 600 horsepower WWII aircraft. These adventure flights typically last 45 minutes. Its Silver Clipper Dinner Flights is a tribute to a bygone era and pays homage to the elegance once experienced during air travel. The seventy minute flight around the Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne shows off the city at night, and while on board, dinner is served with a selection of wines. Hangar 5 (228), Wirraway Road, Essendon Airport, +61 3 9379 9299