Helicopter Golf at Cathedral Lodge — Victoria’s Most Exclusive Golf Experience
Fly by private helicopter to Cathedral Lodge, Victoria’s most exclusive private golf course — and make your next round unforgettable.
Cathedral Lodge is one of Victoria’s most prestigious and private golf courses, set deep in the wilderness near Thornton in the Victorian High Country. Leisure Heli Tours offers the only helicopter transfer service direct to Cathedral Lodge — departing from Essendon Fields Airport or Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport. Forget the 2-hour drive. Arrive in 35 to 40 minutes, refreshed, energised, and ready to play the round of your life.
Please note: flights are exclusively available to Cathedral members and their invited guests, ensuring a truly private and personalised experience from take-off to tee-off.
Why Arrive at Cathedral Lodge by Helicopter?
The journey to Cathedral Lodge is half the experience. From the moment you lift off, Victoria unfolds beneath you — dense mountain ranges, glittering river valleys, and patchwork farmland stretching to the horizon. You’ll touch down at the course feeling like a visiting dignitary, not a tired driver who just survived two hours on the M3. Our dedicated helicopter golf transfers are operated by CASA-certified pilots aboard our premium helicopter fleet, designed to make every moment — before, during, and after your round — genuinely extraordinary.
Essendon Fields Airport to Cathedral Lodge (Thornton)
- Flight duration: 35 to 40 minutes each way — the fastest, most scenic route to the course
- Departure: Essendon Fields Airport, Essendon — Melbourne’s most convenient heliport
- Golf clubs and equipment welcome, subject to helicopter weight constraints — contact us to discuss
Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport to Cathedral Lodge (Thornton)
- Flight duration: 35–40 minutes each way, subject to air traffic control
- Departure: Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport — ideal for interstate visitors flying in for the day
- Golf clubs and equipment welcome, subject to helicopter weight constraints — contact us to discuss
Helicopter Flight Packages — Pricing
All packages include your return helicopter transfer to Cathedral Lodge. Prices are per group and include GST. Flights are subject to availability, weather conditions, and combined passenger weights. A Leisure Heli Tours team member will confirm all details at the time of booking.
| Essendon Departure (return) | Melbourne Airport (return) | |
|---|---|---|
| Group of 2 | $3,600 | $4,000 |
| Group of 3 | $3,800 | $4,400 |
| Group of 4 | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| Group of 5+ | Please Call |
Ready to book? Call our team on (03) 7302 8806 or email fly@leisuretours.com.au — we’ll take care of everything.
Cathedral Lodge is not just a golf course. It’s a place where the fairways are flanked by ancient mountains, where the dining room matches the scenery, and where the only thing better than your scorecard is the story you’ll tell afterwards. Leisure Heli Tours exists to create moments exactly like this — and we can’t wait to fly you there.
What to Expect on the Day
Your helicopter golf experience begins the moment you arrive at the helipad. After a brief safety briefing from your CASA-certified pilot, you’ll lift off and spend 35 minutes soaring over some of Victoria’s most spectacular wilderness. Cathedral Lodge comes into view from the air — a pristine course carved into the High Country, with no fences, no crowds, and no traffic. You’ll land, unload your clubs, and step straight onto the first tee. After your round, the Lodge’s dining room awaits — fine food, exceptional wine, and views that make the whole day feel like a scene from a film. Then the return flight home, watching the sun drop over the ranges. That’s the day.
Important Information Before You Book
- Membership required: You or a member of your group must be a Cathedral Lodge member, or a guest of a member, to play the course
- Minimum group size: 2 passengers
- All prices include GST and return helicopter transfer
- Flights are subject to weather conditions and helicopter availability — we’ll always contact you if conditions change
- Golf clubs and carts are subject to helicopter weight constraints — call us to discuss your specific equipment
- Helicopter charter operated by Leisure Heli Tours under CASA Part 133 Air Operator Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions — Helicopter Golf at Cathedral Lodge
What is Cathedral Lodge and why is it so exclusive?
Cathedral Lodge is a private members-only golf course set in Victoria’s High Country near Thornton, approximately 150km northeast of Melbourne. The course is renowned for its dramatic natural setting — mountain ranges, native bush, and complete seclusion. Unlike public courses, Cathedral Lodge limits access strictly to members and their guests, which means you’ll never share a fairway with a slow four-ball of strangers. It is, by any measure, one of the most extraordinary places to play golf in Australia.
How do I get to Cathedral Lodge by helicopter?
Leisure Heli Tours operates dedicated helicopter transfers to Cathedral Lodge from two Melbourne departure points: Essendon Fields Airport and Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport. Simply choose your preferred departure point when booking, arrive at the helipad at your scheduled time, and we handle everything from there. Our CASA-certified pilots will have you on the course in 35 minutes.
How long is the helicopter flight to Cathedral Lodge?
The flight from Essendon Fields Airport to Cathedral Lodge takes approximately 35 minutes each way. Departing from Melbourne Airport, the flight is 35–40 minutes depending on air traffic. Compare that to a 2-hour-plus drive each way through regional Victoria — and it’s not really a comparison at all.
Can I bring my golf clubs on the helicopter?
Yes — golf clubs are welcome on board, subject to the helicopter’s weight constraints. Every helicopter has a maximum all-up weight, and when you factor in passengers, fuel, and equipment, there are limits to what can be carried on any given flight. Contact our team before booking to discuss your group size and equipment so we can confirm capacity and make any necessary arrangements.
Do I need to be a member of Cathedral Lodge to play?
Yes. Cathedral Lodge is a strictly private golf course. To play, you or at least one member of your group must be a current Cathedral Lodge member, or an invited guest of a member. If you’re unsure of your eligibility, contact us — we’re happy to help clarify before you book your helicopter transfer.
What helicopter is used for the Cathedral Lodge transfer?
Leisure Heli Tours operates a premium fleet of CASA-certified helicopters including the Eurocopter AS-350 Squirrel and the Bell 206. The specific aircraft assigned to your transfer will depend on group size, weight, and availability on the day. All aircraft in our fleet are maintained to the highest safety standards and operated by experienced commercial pilots. View our full fleet at leisuretours.com.au/helicopter-fleet/.
Is helicopter golf at Cathedral Lodge available year-round?
We operate helicopter golf transfers throughout the year, weather permitting. Victoria’s High Country experiences genuine four seasons — summer days on the course are spectacular, while autumn brings golden colours across the ranges. Winter and early spring can bring low cloud and strong winds that affect flying conditions. Our team monitors forecasts closely and will contact you well in advance if conditions require rescheduling. We never fly when safety is in question.
How do I book a helicopter golf transfer to Cathedral Lodge?
Booking is straightforward. Call our team on (03) 7302 8806 or email fly@leisuretours.com.au with your preferred date, departure point, group size, and any equipment requirements. We’ll confirm availability, provide a formal quote, and lock in your booking. We recommend booking well in advance — particularly for weekends and public holidays — as helicopter golf transfers to Cathedral Lodge are in high demand.
Ready to make your next round unforgettable? Call (03) 7302 8806 or email fly@leisuretours.com.au. Victoria’s most exclusive golf experience is waiting.
