Sydney is one of the most iconic cities in Australia, known for its famous landmarks including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach, and a helicopter ride is the only way to see everything Sydney has to offer in the shortest amount of time.
Helicopter rides are consistently rated as on of the top things-to-do in Sydney, and helicopters also allow you to reach popular regions like the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley in less than an hour by air.
What are the best helicopter rides in Sydney?
The best Sydney helicopter rides are:
- Sydney Harbour & Beaches
- Helicopter Lunch Tour to Central Coast
- Helicopter Wine Tour to Hunter Valley
- Blue Mountains Scenic Tour
- Sydney Wildlife Experience
We outline each of the best helicopter tours below, however for more information see our complete collection of helicopter rides in Sydney.
1. Sydney Harbour & Beaches Helicopter Ride
The most popular helicopter ride in Sydney has to be the classic 20-minute scenic flight over Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach. This tour gives you the opportunity to capture a unique aerial perspective of Sydney not possible any other way.
Your helicopter adventure begins at Sydney Airport, where you'll meet your pilot for a quick safety briefing and photoshoot in front of your helicopter, before taking off towards Sydney CBD.
Once airborne, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Sydney's famous landmarks including Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and the CBD. The flight path for Sydney scenic flights also takes in iconic spots in the harbour including Kirribilli House (Prime Minister's Resience), Fort Denison, and Taronga Zoo (extra points if you can spot the Giraffes!)
As your helicopter heads east, you'll fly over Sydney's beautiful beaches, from Bondi to Maroubra, with stunning views of the coast, along with it's beachgoers and surfers in the water.
Summary: The cheapest helicopter ride in Sydney that delivers the best value for your money. The Sydney Harbour & Beaches Scenic tour is ideal for anyone wanting to experience Sydney's popular landmarks in a short time, and is a must-do for locals and visitors alike.
Who should fly: Great for tourists and first-time visitors to Sydney, as you also have the option of booking single seats in the helicopter. Couples celebrating a special occasion might choose a private ride and opt to have the helicopter all to themselves.
Best time to fly: Any time of year. Early morning flights offer breathtaking views with the city bathed in morning light, while afternoon flights deliver beautiful shadows across Sydney CBD.
Where to book the cheapest price: Sydney Harbour & Beaches Helicopter Ride with Rotor One.
2. Helicopter Lunch Tour to 8 at Trinity on the Central Coast
If you're looking for a spectacular way to explore Sydney's Central Coast, a helicopter ride to 8 at Trinity Restaurant should top your list of Sydney helicopter lunch experiences.
This unique experience starts with a scenic 30 minute scenic helicopter flight showcasing iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge before transitioning to the stunning northern beaches and Central Coast region.
Upon arrival at the newly-developed Trinity Point Marina, you'll disembark and enter 8 at Trinity, a luxury restaurant with marina views that is central to the expansive $580 million Trinity Point development. Specialising in modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean influences, the lunch menu offers a selection of premium seafood, Wagyu steaks and our favourite, the seafood platter for two.
Summary: A helicopter lunch tour to 8 at Trinity is the perfect combination of sophistication and attention to detail, set on a stunning waterside location, making it an essential experience for those looking to indulge in a luxurious helicopter rides in Sydney.
Who should fly: Ideal for culinary enthusiasts with a meat or seafood preference and anyone enjoying a waterside, Mediterranean setting.
Best time to fly: Enjoyable all year-round, with the restaurant's waterfront marina setting providing a picturesque scene any time of the year.
Where to book the best deal: Helicopter Lunch Tour to 8 at Trinity with Rotor One, which includes return flights and a $300 voucher for lunch and drinks. Gift vouchers are also available to give a truly memorable experience.
3. Helicopter Wine Tour to Leogate Estate in Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley wine region is one of the most popular day-trip destinations outside Sydney, and a helicopter wine tour to a local Hunter Valley winery should be a must-do on everyone's bucket list.
Your winery journey begins with a spectacular scenic flight from Sydney as you head north. You'll fly by Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, followed by the Northern Beaches of Manly, Palm Beach, and the Hawkesbury River. As you reach the Central Coast, your pilot will turn inland, towards the rolling hills and vineyards of the Hunter Valley.
Your helicopter will make a spectacular entrance and private landing at one of the Hunter Valley's premier vineyards, Leogate Estate. Our winery lunch packages are carefully curated to include guide wine tastings at the cellar door, and three- or four-course lunch menus, often designed by award-winning Chefs.
The rest of the time is for you to enjoy panoramic views of the Broken Back Ranges as you savour the best food and wine the Hunter Valley has to offer.
Summary: A helicopter wine tour to Leogate Estate the Hunter Valley is the perfect mix of adventure and luxury, and an unforgettable experience for any avid wine or food lover.
Who should fly: Ideal for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and anyone looking to celebrate a landmark special occasion with a unique and memorable experience.
Best time to fly: All year round with each season offering a unique perspective of the vineyards and countryside, with autumn and spring being particularly beautiful.
Where to book the best deal: Helicopter Wine Tour to Leogate Estate Hunter Valley with Rotor One.
4. Blue Mountains by Helicopter
The Blue Mountains is one of Australia's most spectacular World Heritage-listed landmarks, and the perfect destination to visit with a short 45 minute helicopter flight from Sydney.
Your adventure begins at Sydney Airport where you'll board your private helicopter for a tour that includes Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. Your helicopter then turns to head west, where Sydney's urban landscape gives way to the lush Blue Mountains, known for their distinctive blue haze emitted by the native eucalyptus trees.
As you fly over Blue Mountains National Park you'll notice a diverse landscape of valleys, sandstone cliffs, and waterfalls. The highlight of this flight would undoubtedly be getting to see the famous Three Sisters rock formation, along with Katoomba Waterfalls, Megalong Valley, and Jamison Valley.
If you're interested in a day trip, the Blue Mountains Helicopter Tour can be booked in combination with a luxury 4WD guided tour and gourmet picnic lunch, allowing you to explore the Blue Mountains' stunning natural landscapes by road.
Summary: Fly from Sydney to the Blue Mountains allows you to appreciate the size and scale of Blue Mountains from the air.
Who should fly: This is one of the favourite day trips for international guests wanting to explore the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains when time is of the essence.
Best time to fly: Any time of year with spring and autumn providing particularly beautiful scenery across the Blue Mountains.
Where to book the best deal: Blue Mountains Scenic Helicopter Tour with Rotor One.
5. Sydney Wildlife Experience by Helicopter
Experience Australia's native wildlife at Walkabout Wildlife Park on the Central Coast, a short 30 minute helicopter ride from Sydney.
Upon landing at Walkabout Wildlife Park on Sydney’s Central Coast, you'll be guided on a private tour by on of their experienced Park Rangers. This immersive experience not only allows you to meet kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat, but also introduces you to emus, wombats, and dingos.
You'll also have the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture with a mini bush walk to an ancient cave, discover bush tucker and bush medicine, and even try your hand at throwing a boomerang.
Walkabout Wildlife Park plays a crucial role in the conservation of Australian wildlife through its breed-to-release program. Participating in this tour means directly supporting efforts to repopulate endangered species in the wild.
Your wildlife experience ends with a scenic flight back to Sydney with scenic views of the northern beaches including Manly, Bondi Beach, and Coogee. Alternatively, choose a detour to Lake Macquarie for a seafood lunch with cocktails at the renowned 8 at Trinity Restaurant.
Summary: The Sydney Wildlife Experience is an unique combination of adventure, education, and conservation, providing a unique perspective on Australia’s native wildlife and cultural history.
Who should fly: Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, families, or anyone interested in learning about Australia's natural environment and Aboriginal heritage.
Best time to fly: This tour is spectacular year-round, offering different seasonal experiences of the Australian bushland.
Where to book the best deal: Sydney Wildlife Experience by Helicopter with Rotor One, which includes VIP guided tours and optional gourmet lunch stopover.
Which Sydney helicopter ride will you choose?
If you have any questions or want personalised advice to choose a flight, you can reach us at (02) 8296 1111 or concierge@rotor.one and we’d be happy to help.
Whether you're surprising your partner, giving your children a gift on their birthday, or just looking for a random adventure, these spectacular helicopter rides in Sydney each guarantee an amazing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest helicopter ride in Sydney?
The 20-minute Sydney Harbour & Beaches Scenic flight starting at $249 per person.
Where can I book the best helicopter ride in Sydney?
Rotor One offers five star helicopter experiences in Sydney and flights depart daily from Sydney Airport.
