Sydney Scenic Flights

Sydney scenic flights here run by seaplane, helicopter and light aircraft, and the easiest way to pick one is by what you want to see from above: the harbour, the beaches, the Blue Mountains or the Southern Highlands. Each flight below is grouped by its view, with the departure point noted so you can plan the rest of your day. For more variety, the wider Sydney flying experiences page adds aerobatics and ballooning.

Flights over the harbour and Bondi

The Sydney Scenic Seaplane Highlights Flight lifts off from the Lyne Park terminal at Rose Bay and spends 15 minutes over Bondi Beach, the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the mansions along the water.

By helicopter, the Sydney Heli Flight takes 20 minutes over the same landmarks from Mascot, with a safety briefing and a photo in front of the helicopter before you go. Complimentary return hotel shuttles are part of it, running to a bus schedule.

Flights along the coast and the Northern Beaches

The Helicopter Grand Tour of Sydney follows 30 minutes of coastline from Manly and Curl Curl in the north to Bondi, Bronte and Coogee, after a loop of Sydney Harbour and Middle Harbour.

The 30 Minute Scenic Flight over Sydney sets off from Rose Bay and heads north to Palm Beach, the Home and Away filming location, returning over the waterways of Pittwater and the Harbour Bridge. The smaller seaplanes seat up to six passengers and the larger ones up to ten.

Private flights from Bankstown

The Private Sydney Helicopter Flight is 30 minutes for up to three people, over Sydney Olympic Park, the Parramatta River, waterfront mansions and Fort Denison. Allow at least an hour in total for check-in and the briefing.

The Blue Mountains and Sydney Harbour Private Helicopter Flight gives every passenger a window seat for 90 minutes over the Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley, then back across the harbour past the Opera House.

Light aircraft over the Southern Highlands and Northern Beaches

The Southern Highlands Scenic Joy Flight is a private 90 minute flight for up to three from Cobbitty, near Camden, passing over Bowral, Berrima, Mittagong, Fitzroy Falls and Belmore Falls. Flights can't go ahead in low cloud, reduced visibility or storms.

The Sydney Scenic Aerobatic Experience covers Sydney and the Northern Beaches in an Extra NG plane, with aerobatics near Barrenjoey Headland that you can ask to be mild or wild.

Frequently asked questions

Which scenic flights cover Sydney Harbour?

The Sydney Scenic Seaplane Highlights Flight and the Sydney Heli Flight both cover the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Bondi Beach, in 15 and 20 minutes respectively.

Where do Sydney seaplane flights leave from?

Sydney seaplane flights leave from the Seaplane Terminal in Lyne Park, Rose Bay, next to Catalina restaurant, with check-in 30 minutes before departure.

Can I take a camera on a Sydney scenic flight?

Yes. Cameras and video recorders are encouraged on the Sydney Heli Flight, and the Private Sydney Helicopter Flight suggests bringing a camera, sunglasses and enclosed shoes.

How many people fly on a private Sydney helicopter flight?

Private helicopter flights from Bankstown carry up to three passengers, and everyone on the Blue Mountains flight gets a window seat.

Do I need to provide my weight when booking a Sydney scenic flight?

Yes. Sydney helicopter and light aircraft flights ask for each passenger's weight at booking for aircraft balance, and individual weight limits apply.

Local tip: Seaplane flights only run when the weather suits, so book early in your trip and keep a spare day free.

Choose your view, harbour, coast or mountains, and book the flight that gets you there. All good days are waiting.