Home

Heli-tours to showcase Pilbara industry and landscape

Tom ZaunmayrPilbara News
VideoHelispirit is now offering helicopter tours above the Burrup Peninsula and Dampier Archipelago

Sightseers will now be able to get to the skies above Karratha after a Kimberley-based helicopter tour company was cleared for take-off last week.

HeliSpirit has started operating scenic flights over industry on the Burrup Peninsula, the islands of the Dampier Archipelago and the rugged West Pilbara coast.

There are three packages on offer: an 18-minute, 30-minute and 45-minute flight leaving from the new landing pad behind the Karratha Visitor Centre.

Helispirit flights are now available over the Burrup Peninsula.
Camera IconHelispirit flights are now available over the Burrup Peninsula. Credit: Helispirit.

Karratha Visitor Centre manager Jane Knapp said to be able to showcase the Dampier Archipelago was an amazing opportunity.

“I have been out there on a boat, but what you can see by air — the dolphins, the dugongs, the sharks, the whole experience — you really get to see what our home is like,” she said.

“I think for a company like HeliSpirit to have recognised the potential here, that really means we have something worth showing off.”

Ms Knapp said there was potential to develop further products with HeliSpirit as the company established itself in the region.

Helispirit flights are now available over the Burrup Peninsula.
Camera IconHelispirit flights are now available over the Burrup Peninsula. Credit: Helispirit.

HeliSpirit managing director Michael McConachy said the flights would allow customers to experience the natural coastline, while also seeing the contrast of the iron ore, salt and LNG industries of the area.

“I was amazed by the beauty of the islands and the abundant marine life, and am excited to showcase the region to locals and visitors alike,” he said.

“The support from the City of Karratha and the Karratha Visitors Centre has been fundamental in HeliSpirit making the decision to develop this new Pilbara tourism product.”

HeliSpirit is the sister company of Aviair, which purchased Karratha Flying Services in late 2016.

Karratha Visitor Centre manager Jane Knapp and Helispirit pilot Nathan Piper with one of the company's helicopters in Karratha.
Camera IconKarratha Visitor Centre manager Jane Knapp and Helispirit pilot Nathan Piper with one of the company's helicopters in Karratha. Credit: Pilbara News, Tom Zaunmayr

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails