Several flights are available, but here are a few:
Local Attractions
See Cardwell from the air and view the controversial Port Hinchinbrook development before continuing down spectacular Hinchinbrook Channel past the Southern hemisphere's most productive prawn farm and a floating Barramundi hatchery.
They fly over part of Australia's largest stand of mangrove everglades as you cross to Hinchinbrook Island to see Deluge Inlet and The Haven, an idyllic spot with Aboriginal and European connections.
From here the channel widens out and the return journey takes you again via Cardwell township. Duration of flight is 20 minutes cost in 2005 under $55.00
Around Hinchinbrook
This flight passes the Goold and Garden Islands on our way to Missionary Bay and Marcushla. Mangroves stretch almost across to miles of secluded sandy beach at Ramsay Bay. Then it's down the rugged and beautiful east coast of Hinchinbrook, past Nina and Zoe Bays to Hillock Point.
The Palm group with magical Orpheus Island is easily visible as we cross to Lucinda Pier... the world's longest jetty. We then proceed up the stunning Hinchinbrook Channel, past the Port Hinchinbrook development and Cardwell township as we return to the airstrip. Duration 40 minutes. Cost per person in 2005 $110.00
We pass Goold and Garden Islands and cross the mangrove everglades of Hinchinbrook Island to Ramsay Bay. Then it's out to the fabulous Great Barrier Reef at Britomart Reef.
Heading back across to the Brook Islands, we round the Family Isles with the resort islands of Bedarra and Dunk before returning to the airstrip via the Edmund Kennedy National Park. Duration of flight 60 minutes and cost in 2005 $165
Next we branch off to visit Wallaman Falls, Australia's highest single drop waterfall.
Across the southern end of Hinchinbrook Channel, we'll see the longest jetty in the world at Lucinda. Fabulous Orpheus Island is framed by the others of the Palm Group as we turn north to fly past the unbelievable beauty of the east coast of Hinchinbrook Island.
We'll pass Zoe and Nina Bays and the nine kilometres of sandy Ramsay Bay before flying over the mangroves that stretch to Missionary Bay. After rounding Brook Islands and their fringing coral reef, we return to Dallachy Airstrip via the Port Hinchinbrook development and the township of Cardwell.
Duration of flight is 75 minutes and cost at 2005 $220.00
Early morning departure over the fertile Kennedy Valley and up over the mountains to the Blencoe and Herbert River Falls as we track westward. After passing isolated station properties we begin to see numerous craters dotting the countryside. Our pilot points out the Undara volcano and we follow the telltale green pockets of rain forest marking the roof collapses along the line of the lava tubes.
Landing at the Undara airstrip we embark on a half day ground tour encompassing sections of the tube, each showing a different aspect of their creation. Our Savannah Guide gives us a fascinating insight into vulcanology, botany and ecology as we marvel at this natural phenomenon. Lunch is at the unusual and attractive Lava Lodge railway carriages before returning to Cardwell by about 2.30 pm.
Tour includes a ½ day ground tour and lunch
Duration of tour is ½ day plus and cost at 2005 $358.00
Budget option $312.00 and includes a 2 hour ground tour
