— Adventure Tours
Spirit of the Land and Ocean from Derby: The Ultimate Kimberley Day Tour
This unforgettable day combines breathtaking aerial views of the Kimberley’s most iconic natural wonders with a rare and intimate cultural experience led by the Traditional Owners of Wijingarra Butt Butt (Freshwater Cove). From the moment you lift off from Derby, this journey immerses you in Country, both from the air and on the ground, sharing stories, songlines, and landscapes that few ever get to see.
Soar over the swirling mudflats that fringe Derby, ancient ranges, the mighty Horizontal Falls, and the magical Montgomery Reef, a living reef system that reveals itself as the tide drops.
Touch down at Wijingarra Butt Butt (Freshwater Cove), where the Arraluli clan of the Worrora tribe will welcome you to Country. Walk in the footsteps of ancestors during a guided 2.5km cultural walk to ancient Wandjina rock art, take part in a traditional smoking ceremony, and enjoy a deli-style lunch before your return flight over this wild and rugged coastline.
This is more than a tour, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime connection to one of the oldest living cultures on Earth, shared with warmth, pride, and deep spiritual meaning.
This experience is proudly offered in partnership with Wijingarra Tours, combining our scenic helicopter flight with their authentic cultural insights for a truly immersive Kimberley experience.
This tour runs from May to September and does not operate during neap tides.
Maximum single seat weight limit: 136kg
Some of the imagery used on this page is courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.
Tour Details
Departure Location: Derby (or Broome)
Helicopter Flight Time: 190-minutes
Total Tour Duration: 5 hours
Departure Time(s): Tide dependent
Price: $3,299 per person (includes fuel surcharge)
What You’ll See from the Air:
Departing from Derby, fly low over the intricate mudflats, patterned by some of the largest tidal movements in the world, and look out for saltwater crocodiles basking in the shallows. Follow the rugged Kimbolton Ranges as they meet the wild Kimberley coastline, revealing pristine bays, hidden inlets, and dramatic cliffs.
Garaan-ngaddim (Horizontal Falls): Watch powerful ocean tides surge through twin rock gorges, creating a sideways waterfall — hailed by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.”
Yowjabai (Montgomery Reef): As the tide recedes, the reef appears to rise from the ocean, creating cascading waterfalls and teeming marine life across a 400km² living ecosystem.
Wijingarra Butt Butt (Freshwater Cove): Be amazed by the tranquil lagoons and secluded beaches only visible from the air, offering a glimpse of the Kimberley’s untouched coastal beauty.
Enjoy uninterrupted coastal views of rugged cliffs, tidal rivers, and pristine bays as you soar above one of Australia’s most spectacular wilderness regions.
Tour Highlights
• Incredible 190-minute flight over Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef & Kimberley coastline
• Experienced pilots providing live commentary
• Exclusive cultural experience at Wijingarra Butt Butt (Freshwater Cove) with Traditional Owners
• Guided 2.5km walk to sacred Wandjina rock art sites, rich with Lalai (Dreamtime) stories
• Traditional smoking ceremony and cultural storytelling
• Deli-style charcuterie lunch provided from a local supplier
• Visit the art and gift shop at Freshwater Cove, showcasing authentic Aboriginal artwork, t-shirts, and books created by your guides and their family
• Return scenic helicopter flight with experienced pilots providing live commentary
• Every guest guaranteed a window seat
Travelling solo?
While our tours do require a minimum of two paying passengers to book, we often have available seats on already scheduled flights! We know it can be tricky to lock in experiences as a solo traveller, so we’re here to help. Call us on 1300 405 545 or email tours@frontierhelicopters.com.au to check current availability for single passengers. If we can’t find a suitable tour to book you on, we will add you to a waitlist. Please note: all bookings are subject to weight limits.
How long is the tour?
This experience lasts 5 hours.
Where do we depart from?
This tour departs from Derby Airport, Hangar 5. You’ll receive exact details in your confirmation email. Please note that we are unable to provide a pick up and drop off service in Derby.
What’s included?
- Lower-level flyovers of Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef, and inland Kimberley ranges
- 190-minute helicopter flight with guaranteed window seat
- Exclusive landing at Freshwater Cove
- Guided cultural walk to sacred Wandjina rock art
- Traditional smoking ceremony
- Charcuterie-style lunch from a local deli
- Visit to a local art and gift shop
In-flight commentary from your experienced pilot
Headsets for clear two-way communication
Safety briefing before departure
Window seats for every passenger
How much does it cost?
This Derby helicopter tour is: $3,299 per person (includes fuel surcharge)
Can I book if I’m a solo traveller?
Yes! While we require a minimum of 2 passengers to operate the tour, solo travellers can sometimes join existing bookings. Contact us at 1300 405 545 or tours@frontierhelicopters.com.au to check availability.
What should I wear or bring?
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear
- Sunglasses and/or cap that will fit under a headset
- A small backpack
- Sun protection
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Closed in, flat shoes (no sandals or flip flops/thongs)
Is the tour suitable for children?
Please contact us directly if you have children that you would like to book on this flight.
Will I hear the pilot during the flight?
Yes, all passengers wear headsets so you can clearly hear the pilot’s commentary throughout the flight.
What if my preferred date is unavailable?
Contact us on 1300 405 545 or email us at tours@frontierhelicopters.com.au and we’ll do our best to accommodate or place you on a waitlist.
Are there weight restrictions?
Yes, the maximum single passenger weight: 136kg. All bookings are subject to weight and balance/combined limits.