Latest news with #GreatOceanRoad
Travel Daily News
14 hours ago
- General
- Travel Daily News
How to plan an epic helicopter tour
The bird's-eye view, the sound of the rotors, and the way everything looks from above isn't something you can easily replicate. That's what makes it an unforgettable adventure, no matter how many times you've done it before. Planning a helicopter tour isn't something you do on a whim. It takes a bit of coordination, especially if you want to get the most out of the experience. Whether you're looking for something low-key or something more extravagant, there are a few things you'll want to sort out ahead of time. Here's how to approach it without making it feel like a chore. Think Through the Type of Experience You Want Do you want to fly over a city skyline, follow a coastline, land on a mountain ridge, or touch down in a vineyard? The kind of route you pick will shape everything else that follows. Let's say you're considering a helicopter ride Melbourne has on offer. That could mean flying over the city center, hovering near the Yarra River, or heading out toward the Great Ocean Road. Knowing what you want to see helps narrow down your options fast. It also helps the operator recommend something that fits your expectations. Pick the Right Operator Once you've got a rough idea of your route, the next step is choosing an operator that matches your priorities. Some focus on quick tours, others on luxury packages. You might also want to check how many passengers per helicopter they take, especially if you're planning something private or low-key. If you're booking a helicopter charter Melbourne travelers often use for custom routes, check if they offer private tours, pilot commentary, and flexibility with pickup points. Not every operator can do last-minute route changes or special landings. Ask specific questions. You'll get more useful answers. Ask About Aircraft Types and Seating Some helicopters come with large windows and rear-facing seats, while others are more compact with tighter legroom. If you're aiming for clear photos or just prefer a more open feel during the flight, the aircraft type makes a difference. Also, find out if the tour guarantees a window seat. On a scenic helicopter experience, that's a big deal. No one wants to pay for an aerial adventure and end up in the middle seat with a limited view. If you're flying for work-related reasons or planning something for a client, this matters even more. In some industries, a helicopter flight can double as an important business tool. It offers a way to survey property, review infrastructure, or simply make an impression. In those cases, the seating, visibility, and overall aircraft setup shape how useful the trip ends up being. Know What's Included (and What's Not) Don't assume that everything is bundled into the price. Some tours include landing fees, fuel surcharges, and a champagne toast, while others add those later. It's better to ask than to be surprised. If the tour includes a canyon floor landing or a stop at a winery, confirm how long you'll be on the ground. And check if it's a guided stop or free time. If you're planning a day trip, the timing matters more than most people think. A rushed landing doesn't always feel worth it. Time It Right Flying in the morning usually means calmer air and better lighting. That's ideal if you're hoping for those sharp aerial views or want to catch that golden-hour glow on the way back. Late afternoon or early evening flights can offer epic views, especially during sunset. Just know that weather and visibility can shift quickly. Some operators reschedule if conditions change too much. It's smart to have some flexibility built into your plans. Consider the Occasion Helicopter tours work for a bunch of different occasions. Anniversaries, birthdays, proposals, or just doing something different on vacation. If it's for one of those special occasions, most operators will let you customize parts of the trip. That might mean booking the entire aircraft or arranging for something like flowers on board. Small touches like that usually make the experience feel more personal without turning it into a spectacle. Prepare the Right Way Most tours kick off with a quick safety briefing. Nothing too technical; just what you need to know to stay safe and comfortable. Pay attention to the tips about headsets, seatbelts, and camera use. It'll help you settle in faster once you're up in the air. Dress for the weather on the ground, but keep in mind it's often a little cooler once you get airborne. Layers are your friend. And go easy on the accessories; scarves and loose hats don't mix well with rotor blades. Book Early, Especially During Peak Season Tours fill up fast during school holidays and summer weekends. Booking in advance gives you a better shot at your preferred time slot and aircraft. Some operators also offer a better range of options if you're planning months out instead of days. This also gives you some buffer time in case the weather doesn't cooperate. Most companies will let you rebook if there's poor visibility or high winds. Just don't count on booking the day before and getting prime conditions. Don't Overcomplicate It At some point, you've got to stop planning and just go. Helicopter tours are meant to be fun. As long as you've picked a reputable operator, clarified the basics, and packed light, you're set. The rest is about being present. The bird's-eye view, the sound of the rotors, and the way everything looks from above isn't something you can easily replicate. That's what makes it an unforgettable adventure, no matter how many times you've done it before.
ABC News
4 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Emergency services winch man to safety in Great Ocean Road cliff rescue
Emergency services have winched a man to safety after rising tides trapped him on a cliff face at Jan Juc on Victoria's Great Ocean Road. A police helicopter hovered above as a rescuer was lowered down and assisted the stranded man, aged 20, into a harness as large waves lapped below. He became trapped on the cliff face near Ocean Boulevard and Cantala Drive, according to police. The call for help to emergency services was made just after 3pm, and the man was rescued shortly before 4pm. He was being assessed for minor injuries.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Ghost bookings scuttle state's free camping initiative: 'It's been a disaster'
It was billed as a cost-of-living measure aimed at making holidaying domestically more affordable for Aussie families, but free camping in Victoria will not be renewed in July after the initiative was found to be of "no benefit" to regional communities and the local tourism economy. Originally announced in October 2024, the state government scheme made camping free at all sites across Victoria. However it's since been plagued by issues, namely ghosting camping — a growing issue reported at campgrounds across the country — and by complaints of illegal rubbish dumping. Nationals member for eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, whose electorate includes national park land has even branded the free camping initiative "systematically flawed" and said it "had been a disaster on a number of levels". Meanwhile national parks authorities have backed the end of free camping and endorsed a move towards a 50 per cent reduction in booking fees. A camper who attended the Jamieson Creek Campground along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria in April said he was shocked to find it totally vacant, despite claiming it was fully booked on the Parks Victoria online booking system. "It was really strange as I was expecting it to be full... the only resident there was a wallaby in a fire pit eating someone's leftovers," camper Ross Edwards told Yahoo News Australia. Industry experts say the main problem with the program is the fact it was rolled out without any enforcement. Aussie couple Michelle and her husband Heatley, who own a free camping guide app, criticised the lack of management involved in the free camping policy. "If you're going to introduce a new policy, then you need to manage it. They can't just put their hands up without an answer [to ghost booking] and say it's not their responsibility," they told Yahoo recently. "There needs to be boots on the ground to have it managed effectively and address ghost bookings. Otherwise, they aren't achieving the desired outcome at all." Free camping offer to millions of Aussies savaged Couple blast 'selfish' act creating major camping issue Illegal campers warned of $62,000 fines after highway find Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria chief executive Scott Parker agrees, saying the unfortunate outcome over the summer months was foreseeable. "And it was clearly communicated by the association to the government during the policy's implementation," he said. "It was contrary to the principles of the government's own competitive neutrality policy," he told the ABC this week as the state government announced the policy would not continue. Victorian National Parks Association executive director Matt Ruchel also told the national broadcaster that the free camping initiative had created problems for the local industry. "The fact that people are paying a fee means that they're more likely to turn up," he said. In this week's budget, the Victorian government announced the reinstatement of half-price camping at Parks Victoria's 131 paid, government-run campgrounds, running from July through until June 2027. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
News.com.au
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Buyers sing the right tune on original home of Falls Festival
The music may have long faded into the distance at the original home of the Falls Festival near Lorne, but the property may not be silent forever. The famous Great Ocean Road hinterland property has sold after a second attempt as a New South Wales buyer emerged to secure the 68ha farming site from Live Nation Australia. Ray White Rural Victoria director Jason Hellyer, who handled the sale, said the property presented as a lifestyle, tourism or education opportunity that attracted seven written offers by the end of the campaign. The property has ultimately sold for at least $2.5m. At its peak, the Erskine Falls Rd property was capable of accommodating more than 15,000 music fans at the annual New Year's Eve multi-day event. The Otways property near the Great Ocean Road resort town hosted the Falls event between 1993 and 2018. The owners poured a significant investment into the Falls Festival site to accommodate music fans and Australian and global artists, such as Iggy Pop, Blondie, Silverchair, The Black Eyed Peas, Billy Bragg and Radio Birdman. The last event at Lorne was cancelled after one night because of extreme fire risk, which ultimately forced organisers to seek an alternative site. Attempts to relocate to a venue near Birregurra failed to gain planning permission from the Colac Otway Shire. A farm manager has maintained the property, which hosts an impressive list of buildings and infrastructure, including the main stage. Mr Hellyer said the site offered significant upside for buyers considering short-stay accommodation or commercial opportunities, such as a school camp. The Great Ocean Road attracts more than 7 million visitors a year. Although some of the concert infrastructure has been relocated to other sites around the country, the main stage, medical centre, 3-phase power and water infrastructure remain. There's also a network of drivable tracks that traverse through the Otway forest leading to a campsite complete with a kitchen hut. There was widespread interest in the property from Melbourne and even one from Malaysia, Mr Hellyer said. 'It's a nice parcel of land that plenty of people wanted to learn more about,' he said. 'We probably ran about 20 inspections.' Mr Hellyer said the majority of interest was in the hospitality and tourism aspects offered at the property. 'It's fair to say that it sounds like that's the intention with the new purchaser.'
