Far North Queensland is a vast space (millions of hectares) and flying is the best way of covering heaps of territory in a short amount of time. It's definitely the best option, if your time is limited. Several companies run air tours out of Cairns and most operate between May and November due to demand and precarious weather conditions during the wet season. Both air tours and fly/drive packages are available and range from 2/3 day to 8 days. Most tours go either north to Cooktown, Cape York and Thursday Island or west to the Gulf Savannah or Atherton Tableland. A typical 3-day air safari to the Top End will include flying over Lizard Island and the outer barrier reef, a tour of Cooktown, a tour of the Torres Strait Islands including Thursday Island and a visit to the mining town of Weipa. Usually six-seater planes are used, with meals and accommodation included. A minimum of four passengers is generally required. Scenic helicopters flights over the reef and world heritage rainforest are also available.