Sydney is the only Australian capital with regular harbour seaplane departures. Add helicopters out of Mascot and fixed-wing from Bankstown and you have one of the country's most varied scenic-flight scenes.
Most visitors want a harbour scenic — Opera House, Bridge, Bondi. Locals tend to do the lunch flights out to Cottage Point or Berowra Waters in the Hawkesbury, or the northern-beaches sunset run up to Palm Beach.
Operating since the 1930s. Direct harbour take-off — the most scenic departure in Australia.
All helicopter scenic operators. Easy access via the airport.
General aviation hub — best-value fixed-wing scenics.
Rose Bay Seaplane Base
Sydney's only city-based seaplane operator. Take-off and landing in the middle of Sydney Harbour with views of the Opera House and Bridge straight out the window.
Sydney Heliport, Mascot
Sydney's largest tourism helicopter operator. Scenic flights over the harbour, beaches and Blue Mountains plus transfers to the Hunter Valley.
Sydney Heliport, Mascot
Charter and joy-flight specialist — proposals, weddings, fly-and-dine packages and private harbour scenics for up to six passengers.
Bankstown Airport (BWU)
Best-value scenic flights in Sydney. Fixed-wing from Bankstown — longer transit to the harbour but a third of the cost of a helicopter.
Bankstown Airport (BWU)
Bankstown-based helicopter operator with a focus on scenics, charters and pilot training. A more affordable alternative to Mascot helipad departures.