The Northern Territory rewards scenic flying like nowhere else in Australia. Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon in the centre; Kakadu's wetlands and escarpments in the Top End; Arnhem Land for those with the time and budget.
The two main hubs are Ayers Rock Airport (Yulara) for the Red Centre, and Darwin / Jabiru for Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Alice Springs is the base for longer Outback air safaris across the West MacDonnell Ranges and the Simpson Desert.
Yulara — base for all Uluru and Kata Tjuta scenic flights.
Outback air safaris, West MacDonnell Ranges, Finke Desert.
Top End base — Kakadu, Litchfield, Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land charters.
In Kakadu National Park — short scenics over Yellow Water and Jim Jim Falls.
Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ), Yulara
The on-resort helicopter operator at Yulara. Tight orbits of Uluru and Kata Tjuta — the simplest way to fit a flight around a sunrise or sunset Rock visit.
Ayers Rock Airport & Kings Canyon
Operates Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon helicopter scenics — useful if you want to combine the Red Centre icons in one operator booking.
Alice Springs
Sunrise hot-air balloon flights over the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs. The longest-running balloon operator in the Northern Territory.
Jabiru Airport (JAB) & Cooinda
The only operator based inside Kakadu National Park. Helicopter access is the only way to see Jim Jim and Twin Falls from above in the wet season.
Alice Springs Airport (ASP)
Multi-day air safaris across the Red Centre, Lake Eyre and the Simpson Desert — and one-day Uluru fly-in fly-out trips from Alice Springs.
Darwin Airport (DRW)
Top End scenics from Darwin — harbour, Litchfield waterfalls and Tiwi Islands. The simplest way to see the Darwin coastline and remote waterfalls in one trip.