Heli-tours to showcase Pilbara industry and landscape
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.
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 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.
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