15 Sydney Scenic Flights Worth Booking

1.Sydney Harbour Scenic Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 649 reviews · from $179Our pick

Take off from Sydney Airport for a 20-minute shared helicopter flight past Bondi Beach, the eastern suburbs and Sydney Harbour’s famous landmarks. Your pilot provides live commentary, and a shuttle is available from two central hotels, with a ride back to Circular Quay. Pilots vary by departure; Harry and Sam have flown previous trips.

“This was our first-ever helicopter experience, and it was absolutely incredible! My husband, teenage son, and I were originally scheduled to fly the day before, but our flight was canceled due to an incoming storm. In hindsight, we were so Read more”

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2.20-Minute Shared Helicopter Ride over Sydney Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 226 reviews · 20 min · from $176

Fly for 20 minutes above Sydney Harbour, with views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Taronga Zoo and coastal coves. A licensed pilot gives commentary through headsets, and a scheduled transfer from selected CBD pickup points is included, subject to availability. Up to six passengers share the helicopter.

“What a great experience, the day went off without a hitch, a completely professional setup, from the hotel pickup, to the flight and the return shuttle. Thank you and we can’t wait to return.”

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3.Sydney Grand Tour by Helicopter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $258

Fly for about 30 minutes over Sydney’s beaches, from Coogee and Bondi toward Manly, Curl Curl and Dee Why, then return above the harbour icons. Your pilot provides live commentary through a two-way headset. Hotel pickup is available from two central-city hotels, with a shuttle back to Circular Quay.

“Fantastic Experience. Would do it again. Easy access and well organised. The whole team has been super great and accommodated my needs. They provide good advise so that your experience is worth while”

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4.30 Minute Shared Sydney Harbour Scenic Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 67 reviews · 30 min · from $254

Take a shared 30-minute helicopter flight from Sydney Airport, tracing the coast past Coogee, Bondi, Manly, Dee Why and Curl Curl before turning over the harbour icons. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary, and the group can include up to six passengers. Select CBD hotel transfers are available by arrangement.

“My activity was moved to later due to having less people but I wasn’t offered any discount or given the front seat for this inconvenience, I heard from another passenger that he was given a $20 discount and he was allowed to have the front seat, when I asked if I could have the front seat, I was told it’s based on the passengers weight(wasn’t true). All in all though it was a good ride.”

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5.Hunter Valley Wine Country Helicopter Flight from Cessnock

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews · from $78

Take off from Cessnock Aerodrome for a 10-minute flight over Hunter Valley vineyards, Hunter Valley Gardens, Cypress Lakes Golf Course and the Broken Back Range. A professional pilot flies with no more than three passengers aboard. Flights run at several times during the day; hotel pickup can be arranged for an extra fee.

“Amazing experience! Pilot was a lovely young gentleman. Everyone should definitely try it if you are in hunter valley region.”

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6.Hunter Express Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 61 reviews · from $50

At Cessnock Airport, Hunter Valley Helicopters takes your private group of two or three on a six-minute scenic flight over the valley. Your pilot points out key sights, and everyone gets a window seat, a pre-flight briefing, and a headset with microphone. It is a compact first helicopter ride, priced at $50.85 per person.

“Friendly and informative pilot, such a magnificent flight over the Hunter valley. Definitely put this on the list if visiting the Hunter.”

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7.3-Hour Hunter Valley Scenic Helicopter Tour Including 3-Course Lunch from Cessnock

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · from $290

Depart from Cessnock with your own pilot in a helicopter for up to three passengers. The 15-minute flight passes wineries, vineyards, Hunter Valley Gardens and Cypress Lakes golf course, followed by a three-course restaurant lunch. Allow about three to four hours for the full experience.

“This was a very decadent experience but worth it for a special occasion. Unfortunately the flight was over very quickly, but the restaurant experience was one of the best dining memories we'll ever have.”

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8.20 Minute Private Helicopter Flight for 2

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 49 reviews · 20 min · from $247

Fly privately for 20 minutes from Sydney Airport, taking in the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Bondi Beach, Manly Cove, Watsons Bay and more. Your professional pilot provides English commentary. The experience begins with a briefing and photo time, and ends with refreshments. Select CBD hotel transfers may be available; confirm before you rely on them.

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9.Hunter Valley Broken Back Range Helicopter Flight from Cessnock

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · from $118

Take off from Cessnock Aerodrome for a 15-minute helicopter flight over Hunter Valley vineyards, Hunter Valley Gardens and Cypress Lakes Golf Course, then continue toward the Broken Back Range and Mount View. Flights carry no more than three passengers, with a professional pilot. Hotel pickup can be arranged for an extra fee.

“Our pilot, Grayson was brilliant and we thoroughly enjoyed his knowledge of the area . The whole experience was amazing and we would recommend the flight as a must do. Thanks so much”

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10.Midweek Hot Air Balloon Flight at Hunter Valley

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · from $203

Meet Beyond Ballooning at Blaxland Inn at 4:00 am for a safety briefing, a transfer to the launch field and a 40 to 60-minute flight over the Hunter Valley. You can watch the balloon inflate, help pack it after landing and finish with breakfast alongside your pilot and fellow passengers. Sunrise views depend on the flight timing.

“Morning view from top. But we started flight after sunrise. My opinion to start it early, to see sunrise on top.”

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11.30-Minute Sydney Harbour and Olympic Park Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · from $258

Lift off from Bankstown Airport for a 30-minute flight over western Sydney, Olympic Park and the Parramatta River, then circle above Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo and Sydney Heads. Your pilot narrates the route and answers questions. You can take photos beside the helicopter before boarding; a souvenir DVD is available to buy afterward.

“Seeing the harbour Bridge, the Opera house and the city from above at a close range. Alex, the pilot we had was very informative on interesting features along the Parramatta River as well as the Harbour.”

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12.Hunter Valley Helicopter Tour with a Bubbly Breakfast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · from $436

Take off from Cessnock Airport for a private helicopter flight over Hunter Valley vineyards, with live commentary through your headset. After about 10 minutes of check-in and photos, land at Peterson House for a one-hour bubbly breakfast on Restaurant Cuvee’s verandah. The group is limited to two or three people, and the pilot’s name is not provided.

“Great birthday present for my partner and pilot was knowledgable and friendly. Would recommend to everyone it was a great experience and can’t wait to go back on something similar.”

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13.30-minute Private Sydney Harbour Helicopter Tour for 2

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 30 min · from $353

From Sydney Airport, a private helicopter carries you over Coogee, Bondi, Manly, Dee Why and Curl Curl, then back across the harbour past the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and skyline. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary. The flight lasts 30 minutes; select CBD transfers may be available.

“The most efficient way to get a sight seeing in 1,5 hrs in and out. Super professional team, nice organization, everything on time. Views are really beautiful. Don’t expect a historical tour though))”

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14.Hunter Valley Sunrise Balloon Flight with Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 20 reviews · 10 hours · from $388

Balloons Aloft takes you from one of three central Sydney hotels to the Hunter Valley for a 45 to 60-minute sunrise flight. You can help inflate and pack away the balloon, then sit down to gourmet breakfast and sparkling wine at Peterson House Winery. Return transport and digital in-flight photos are included.

“Un moment magique en ballon. Super pilote et une équipe au top”

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15.Pokolbin: 10-minute Helicopter Scenic Flight Hunter Valley

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 17 reviews · 30 min · from $77

From the Cessnock Information Centre, follow the helicopter signs toward the runway for a private scenic flight over Hunter Valley wine country. You’ll see vineyards, Hunter Valley Gardens and the Broken Back Range, with Barrington Tops among the listed highlights. A headset and safety briefing are included. The activity is listed as 30 minutes, though its title refers to a 10-minute flight.

“Adam was not only a spectacular pilot but an amazing host. He was so genuine and hospitable giving us amazing recommendations for the area at aerial level. From an airline employee, I was not only impressed but this experience far outweighed our expectations. Thanks Adam, we will be back. Highly recommend! Gab and Claude xx”

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