Famous for its stunning architecture, golden beaches, food culture, and vibrant nightlife, there is a large variety of great things to do in Sydney to make sure you have a memorable trip. But if you are looking for a breath-taking bird’s-eye view of the city, you need to get yourself on to one of the best helicopter tours in Sydney.
This article provides an overview of the various helicopter flights in Sydney, including what tour fits best your needs, what to see during the ride, how much it costs, how to find discounts and book online, what is the best time to fly and much more.
Get unbeatable prices and insider tips on the best helicopter tours in Sydney. Have a safe flight and enjoy the view!
Don’t feel like reading ahead? Book your helicopter tour in Sydney right now.
What will I see? What helicopter tour should I choose?
There is a wide variety of helicopter tours in Sydney. Depending on what you wish to see and your budget, you may choose one of the following helicopter tours. Helicopter tours depart daily and all year round. Most of the tours include a return complimentary minibus transfer from CBD hotels.
1 – The best of Sydney helicopter tours
See from the sky the world famous icons of Sydney Harbour including the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Bondi Beach and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Get airborne and see Sydney’ most famous landmarks from above on a high-flying helicopter ride.
This tour lasts usually around 15 to 20 mins.
2 – The golden Beaches helicopter tours
From the spectacular cliffs and golden beaches to the icons of the city Harbour, hold your breath and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Sydney.
You will fly over Bondi & Maroubra beaches, Watson’s Bay, Manly and the Northern Beaches, the waterways of Middle Harbour, the Sydney Opera House before sweeping over the Harbour Bridge and returning to the heliport.
This tour lasts usually around 30 mins.
3 – Blue Mountains helicopter tours
Discover unparalleled beauty as you make your way from Sydney to the UNESCO Blue Mountains. Fly over the rainforest canopy and admire truly unique view of the Three Sisters, Jamison Valley, Katoomba, Megalong Valley, and the Warragamba Catchment area.
On the way back, you will also have the opportunity to admire the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
This tour lasts usually around 90 mins.
4 – Whale watching helicopter tours
During the periods of June to July and September to November, whales follow a migratory path along the eastern seaboard of Australia. This is a great opportunity to admire those amazing mammals. While you can spot them from a boat, an helicopter tour give you the best view ever. Head to Cape Banks, one of the best known whale watching locations. With a bit of luck, you will be able to spot those natures gentle giants. This is an amazing experience that will hold in your memory forever.
This tour lasts around 60 mins.
5 – Twilight helicopter tours
Looking for a romantic activity to do in Sydney with your loved one? Hop on an helicopter and admire the magnificent beauty of the Sydney skyline with the sunset in the background. Fly over Coogee Beach, Manly Beach, Bondi Beach, and admire stunning views of Sydney’s coastline. This is a thoroughly memorable Sydney experience, not to be missed!
This tour lasts around 30 mins.
6 – Fly & dine helicopter tours
Enjoy some amazing views from the air and then relax with a lunch interlude at one of the fine dining locations. Indeed some helicopter companies propose special packages for the ones who wish to dine in a beautiful restaurant outside the city.
This tour lasts around 6 hours.
How much do helicopter tours in Sydney cost?
The cost of a helicopter tour depends mainly from the comfort provided by the helicopter company, the duration of the ride, and if it is a private or shared flight. Usually, helicopter tours in Sydney cost between 130$ up to 1000$.
What are the best companies to book a helicopter tour in Sydney? Are there any discounts available?
Helicopter tours are big business in Sydney and there is a healthy competition between helicopter companies.
You may book directly with the helicopter company (Sydney HeliTours, Blue Sky Helicopters, Sydney Helicopters) or book with an online travel agency such as Viator, Getyourguide, Headout or Musement to name a few.
Prices are very competitive and discounts are offered on a regular basis. Make sure you do a price comparison before booking as you will often find generous discounts.
How long do helicopter tours in Sydney last?
Helicopter tours in Sydney last between 15 mins up to 6 hours. The duration of the tour depends on what you wish to see and if you wish to make a stop for lunch.
Can I cancel my booking before the starting date?
Cancelations policies differ according to the helicopter company you choose.
Usually you may cancel your booking 72 hours before departure and get fully refunded. If you wish to cancel your helicopter tour 48 hours prior the scheduled departure time, you may need to pay a fee per passenger. If you decide to cancel your tour less than 24 hours prior the departure, you won’t get any refund.
Always double check the cancelation policies of the tour before booking.
May I pick my seat before the booking?
Helicopters tour companies in Sydney use six-seat helicopters with two passengers in front and four in the back. Therefore two passengers will be seated in the middle seats in the back and with a slightly less direct view of the scenery.
Please note that the seating arrangement will be based on the weight of the passengers. Weight needs to be balanced to make it fly properly and ultimately for safety reasons.
However, you can voice your seating preferences during the process. The staff will try to accommodate your wishes before the start of the flight.
What do I do in case of bad weather?
Have a look at the weather forecast before scheduling. In cases of poor visibility, lightning, extreme winds, or heavy rain, your flight may be canceled. Helicopter companies will offer you a full refund or the possibility to reschedule your tour.
Are children allowed inside the helicopter?
Of course! Children are allowed to join a helicopter flight. If your baby is younger than one year old, he/she may sit on an adult’s lap. Over 2 years old, children have to pay for their seat as a regular adult.
Travel tips
- Use high-speed film for your camera and hold your camera lens near the window to minimize reflections.
- Pay attention and follow all safety instructions and do not hesitate to ask questions to the staff.
- Wear dark clothing to minimize the glare on the helicopter’s windows.
- No bags are allowed inside the helicopter. You can store bags and coats in the free lockers.
- Avoid wearing earrings as they could get in the way of your headphones.
- If you are prone to motion sickness, do not forget to take medication prior to your flight.
- Don’t forget your passport, some companies may require it before boarding.
- If you ask for a guaranteed window seat, you may need to book a private tour.
Wishing you an excellent helicopter tour in Sydney. Have a safe flight and enjoy the view 