ABOUT OUR BUSINESS
NORTHERN AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST OPERATOR
Nautilus Aviation is a privately owned and operated, proven helicopter specialist and has grown to become one of Australia’s premier helicopter operators. Today our network of bases spans Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville, Darwin, Kakadu (Jabiru), Nhulunbuy (Gove) and Torres Strait (Horn Island).
Nautilus Aviation has built an outstanding reputation based on the quality and diversity of our fleet of helicopters and our commitment to the safety of all passengers and personnel at all times.
We pride ourselves on our customer service from the delivery of commercial air work, pilot training and chartered flights all while working in partnership with a number of top tourism operators to deliver leisure experiences over some of the iconic natural landscapes of Northern Australia.
OUR KEY BASES
As the leaders in heli-transfers throughout North Queensland and the Northern Territory, our vast
knowledge of Australia’s top end ensures all trips are safe, enjoyable and convenient
FLYING IN SAFETY, AND STYLE
Nautilus Aviation has a modern, luxuriously fitted helicopter fleet and an expert crew who are committed to passenger safety.
This approach includes, but is not limited to:
- Adhering to strict industry safety guidelines determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Occupational Health and Safety legislation, relevant Australian ISO standards and stringent Safety Management Systems (SMS)
- Familiarising guests and clients with our procedures via safety briefings
- Providing regularly serviced life jackets
- Our helicopters are equipped with emergency first aid kits and feature Spidertracks, an aviation tracking system providing real-time location, speed and altitude updates based on GPS coordinates. This allows us to remotely monitor the progress of all flights resulting in improved safety and additional peace of mind. Our fleet is also fitted with emergency pop-out floats, mandatory when flying over water.
OUR FLEET
Nautilus Aviation boasts a fleet of top-of-the-range piston and turbine powered helicopters across our multiple Northern Australian operating bases. Aircraft are expertly maintained, diverse and versatile and include our Bell 412EP allocated to Emergency Services and Search and Rescue operations, Bell 212S (Eagle Single), Bell 429, Airbus H125 (Squirrel), Bell 407GXI, Bell Long Ranger 206L, Airbus H130, Bell 206 Jet Ranger and Robinson 44 aircraft.
COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY
An advocate of sustainable practices, Nautilus Aviation is committed to the development of the communities and economies in which we operate, and the delivery of experiences that practice environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation. We take our responsibility to the environment very seriously, and follow a ‘tread lightly’ approach to our tourism and commercial helicopter service practices.
Nautilus Aviation operate flights to and from Morris Escapes lodges including Mt Mulligan Lodge, Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island. For a 30 minute helicopter flight the equivalent of 3 trees will need to be planted to sequester the greenhouse gas emissions of the trip back into the natural system. Morris Escapes, via Morris Family Foundation, continue to invest in regenerating the Daintree Rainforest with their partner Rainforest Rescue. We highly encourage our guests to invest $27 per trip, per person, which will be donated to Rainforest Rescue to undertake restoration of the Daintree Rainforest. To read more about the important work they do, please visit: https://www.rainforestrescue.org.au/
In 2021 Nautilus Aviation announced a partnership with Eve Air Mobility, part of the Embraer Group, to introduce an initial fleet of 10 new zero-emission aircraft with flights planned to be taking off over the Great Barrier Reef in the future. This will greatly change our environmental footprint to benefit surrounding communities.
In 2022, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry collaboration platform, GreenBird, added Nautilus Aviation to the platform as a founding ecosystem partner. GreenBird is a team of world-leading aviation organisations and incredible Australian businesses, working together to support the establishment of AAM in Australia.
ACCESSIBILITY & SPECIAL ASSISTANCE
Travelling with Accessibility Needs? We’re Here to Help!
At Nautilus Aviation, we believe everyone deserves to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and Northern Australia, and we strive to be as accessible as possible by welcoming guests with various accessibility needs.
Contact us: We encourage you to contact us directly with any questions regarding accessibility, and our team will be happy to answer your enquiries and provide assistance throughout the booking process.
Important Considerations:
- Wheelchair Assistance: Collapsible wheelchairs can only be accommodated on specific aircraft due to space constraints. Additionally, for safety reasons, our team is unable to physically lift passengers, so passengers must be able to independently board and disembark the helicopter or have assistance from their companions.
- Remote Locations: Please note that some of our landing sites, like sand cays and waterfalls, may be inaccessible for individuals with mobility limitations
- Companion Card Holders: We are happy to welcome Companion Card holders (conditions apply).
Real Guest Experience:
Read about Braeden’s family’s amazing experience on a Reef Scenic Flight with Nautilus Aviation, https://havewheelchairwilltravel.net/cairns-helicopter-tour-nautilus-aviation
OUR HISTORY
Nautilus Aviation commenced operations in Townsville with a single Cessna 208 floatplane in 1993. Based in a WWII hangar at Townsville airport, the purpose of the floatplane was to transfer guests over the pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef to secluded island resorts.
In 2010, the floatplane was replaced with the company’s first helicopter and so started one of the largest and most versatile fleets in the northern regions of Australia.
Decades later, the Townsville base is now one of eight bases located across northern Australia and continues to service tourism guests as well as a dedicated commercial and emergency services business.
Morris Group
Nautilus Aviation and Morris Aviation is part of Morris Group, an independent family-run business built on Computershare founder Chris Morris’ biggest passions.
From luxury resorts and lodges to urban beer gardens, elevated dining experiences, and superyacht adventures; everything we do is inspired by our love for good company and the great outdoors.
Morris Group is elevating the Australian good life while striving to make a positive impact on our people, our places, and our planet.
