Travel bucket list idea:
Seaplane to Palm Beach
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Credit Shutterstock.com/365 Focus Photography
Last updated: 24 June, 2023
Soaring high above the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour in a seaplane is surely one of the world’s top travel experiences – whether you’re skimming the waves in Rose Bay, banking over the Opera House or thundering over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Taking off and landing on water is an experience in itself.
Those with limited time can choose a 15-minute scenic flight over the harbour, Manly and Bondi. Others might opt for a charter flight up the coast to Pittwater, the Hawkesbury River or even the Central Coast.
If you have time, a day trip to Palm Beach, one of Sydney’s ‘northern beaches’ and a playground of the super-rich, is arguably the pick of the trips. The day trip includes lunch at a local restaurant, kayaking and a stroll along the famous white sands.
Logistics
Price from: £125
Minimum age: 8
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 30+ minutes
Getting there & doing it
Sydney By Seaplane departs from the Rose Bay Marina, while Sydney Seaplanes depart from Lyne Park. A bus service operates from the city, but a taxi is the better option as these areas are tricky to get to with public transport. Rose Bay is about 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre.
There is a huge variety of scenic flights on offer – from 15-minute flights over the harbour to 30-minute fly and dine packages. Signature seaplane adventures to Church Point, Berowra Waters Inn and Broken Bay Pearl Farm are also available. Both major operators can custom design an itinerary to suit your particular interests – ask them beforehand.
If you decide to fly from Rose Bay, round off the experience with lunch or dinner at the excellent Catalina restaurant, a Sydney institution.
When to do it
Flights run all year round, weather permitting, and this is a year-round experience. From late June to early July there are hundreds of whales migrating along the coast. This is a popular time to book a flight.
