The BEST Sydney Helicopter Tours – A Complete Overview

With its world-famous harbor, iconic landmarks and stunning coastal landscapes, Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world to explore by helicopter. From the moment you lift off, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas that capture the essence of Sydney’s coastal charm, architectural marvels, and natural wonders. There are plenty of different Sydney helicopter tours you can choose from. So to give you a great overview of all the options and what you can expect, we share this complete guide of all the best Sydney helicopter tours to book. This will help you to make a considered decision about which tour suits your preferences the best! (Prices are in USD).

What are the differences between the Sydney helicopter flights?

Before you book your Sydney helicopter tour or scenic flight, it is important to understand the differences between all the tours that are advertised. This will help you to make a well-considered choice that aligns with your expectations. Most of the daytime Sydney Helicopter tours are quite the same, there are other options as well! 

Here is a short breakdown of the differences between all Sydney Helicopter Tours: 

• Private or shared helicopter
  Some of the Sydney helicopter tours offer a private option. This could be a great option for you if you want an exclusive experience. But money-wise it is also a better option in case you are with 3 people or more to go for the private helicopter option. 
• Sunset helicopter tour
  If you’re a photographer and you’d love to capture the romance of Sydney’s evening, then the Sydney sunset helicopter tour is for you!
• Sydney Helicopter Tour by night
  Soar through the sky while watching the enchanting city lights of Sydney by night. This is the perfect helicopter tour for the ones that prefer a different experience than by daylight. Especially during the Vivid Sydney festival of lights, you can watch the entire city transform into a light show which is truly spectacular and enchanting!
• Private Helicopter Tour to Hunter Valley with Lunch
  For a unique and extraordinary experience in Sydney, this private helicopter tour to Hunter Valley including a gourmet lunch is a perfect choice. 
• Blue Mountains Scenic Flight
  The perfect combination between cityscape and wilderness is this 1-hour scenic flight to the Blue Mountains. Marvel at the rugged landscapes, deep canyons, and cascading waterfalls as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site from above.

10 BEST SYDNEY HELICOPTER TOURS

Sydney Harbour Tour by Helicopter | 20 minutes | $166

Tour length: 20 minutes | Rating: 5 stars | Check current availability and prices here  

Get ready for a short but sweet journey that showcases Sydney’s most iconic landmarks in a way you’ve never seen before. This Sydney Harbor Highlights Helicopter Tour takes you on a 20-minute flight that weaves between the towering skyscrapers and over the glistening harbor waters. 

Admire the majesty of the Sydney Opera House, the grandeur of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the lush greenery of the Royal Botanic Garden from a perspective few have the privilege to enjoy. With commentary from your knowledgeable pilot, this tour adds a layer of insight to the breathtaking visuals.

→ Secure here your seat for this 20 minute Sydney Harbour helicopter tour

Helicopter Flight over Sydney and Beaches | 20 minutes | $164

Tour length: 20 minutes | Rating: 5 stars | Check current availability and prices here

While this scenic helicopter ride has the same length as the tour above, it does have a different flight path and shows you more views of Sydney’s coastline. You’ll catch a glimpse of landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Then you will pass by Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach, Coogee Beach and fly back via Sydney Cricket Ground to your place of departure. You will see more of Sydney in this 20-minute scenic helicopter flight than you would in two days on land!

→ Secure here your 20 minutes helicopter flight over Sydney and beaches

Private Helicopter Flight Over Sydney & Beaches | 20 minutes | $496

Tour length: 20 minutes | Rating: 5 stars | Check current availability and prices here

While this tour is exactly the same as the tour mentioned above, it is better to book this private helicopter flight over Sydney & Beaches if you are with 3 people or more. Or in case you are a couple and prefer to have a private helicopter tour for a special occasion! The price comes down to the same amount as if you would go for the flight above. And as mentioned, you will also have the same flight path showing you Sydney’s iconic buildings and coastline. 

→ Secure here your seat for this private 20 minute helicopter flight over Sydney and beaches

Private Helicopter Ride Sydney & Beaches | 30 minutes | $696

Tour length: 30 minutes | Rating: 5 stars | Check current availability and prices here

With 10 more minutes of flight time than the above-mentioned tours, this 30-minute private helicopter flight over Sydney and beaches flies further along the stunning coastline. This will provide you with more rugged coastal views of Manly Beach, Freshwater Beach and Curl Curl Beach including all the other sights mentioned above. These are: the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour Bridge. With coastal views including Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach, Coogee Beach and more. 

→ Secure here your seat for this private 30 minute helicopter ride over Sydney and beaches

Blue Mountains Scenic Flight | 60 minutes | $179

Tour length: 60 minutes | Rating: 5 stars | Check current availability and prices here

For the perfect combination of cityscape and wilderness, this 1 hour scenic flight to the Blue Mountains is a must-do! When taking off in the aircraft you will first get a tour over Sydney and see all the stunning highlights of the city. Then you will make your way to the Blue Mountains and see some of Australia’s most iconic and beautiful landscapes. 

Marvel at the rugged landscapes, deep canyons, and cascading waterfalls while you’re flying above this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness the dramatic Three Sisters rock formation and absorb the serenity of Katoomba Falls before returning to Sydney’s vibrant skyline. This is without a doubt some of the best and most extensive scenic flights in Australia you can do!

Sydney Grand Tour by Helicopter | 30 minutes | $234

Tour length: 30 minutes | Rating: 5 stars | Check current availability and prices here

Explore Sydney’s best beaches by helicopter during this 30 minute Grand helicopter tour over Sydney. Including pickup and drop off from your centrally located hotel and transfer to Sydney Airport, you don’t have to worry about anything when you book this Sydney helicopter tour! With only 5-star reviews you can expect world-class service from this tour operator. Fly by Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge and see the most stunning beaches in Sydney from an aerial view. 

→ Secure here your seat for this 30 minute Grand helicopter tour over Sydney

Sydney Harbour and Olympic Park Helicopter Tour | 30 minutes | $212

Tour length: 30 minutes | Rating: 5 stars | Check current availability and prices here 

See the best of Sydney during this 30 minute Sydney harbour and Olympic Park helicopter tour. Fly over western Sydney, past Olympic Park and follow the Parramatta River before arriving at the world-famous Sydney Harbour. Then you will fly over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and over the historic Fort Denison to see other famous landmarks such as Taronga Zoo, Sydney Heads including all of Sydney’s bays. Your pilot will provide a thorough and in-depth narration along the way and is available to answer any questions you may have.  

→ Secure here your seat for this 30 minute Sydney harbour and Olympic Park helicopter tour

Private Sunset Helicopter Flight Over Sydney & Beaches | 30 minutes | $970

Tour length: 30 minutes | Rating: 5 stars | Check current availability and prices here 

Capture the romance of Sydney’s evening with this unforgettable private sunset helicopter flight over Sydney. As the sun sets over the harbor and the city’s lights start to twinkle, you will soar over the skyline to experience the magic of Sydney’s twilight. 

This unforgettable private sunset helicopter flight over Sydney offers a unique opportunity to witness the transition from day to night as you soar above the city’s landmarks. The Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge illuminated against the backdrop of the fading sunlight create a scene that’s nothing short of enchanting. 

→ Secure here your seat for this private 30 minute sunset helicopter flight over Sydney

Private Sydney Harbour Helicopter Tour by night | 25 minutes | $634

Tour length: 25 minutes | Rating: 5 stars | Check current availability and prices here

Sydney by night is absolutely magical with illuminated lights. Especially during the Vivid Sydney festival of lights, you can watch the entire city transform into a light show which is truly spectacular and enchanting! But even if the festival doesn’t take place, a Sydney helicopter tour by night is a completely different experience. Because this is a private helicopter tour you can enjoy this tour exclusively with family or friends. The helicopter holds groups of up to six which makes it a very fair price considering flight time. 

→ Secure here your seat for this awesome Sydney helicopter tour by night

Private Helicopter Flight Over Sydney & Beaches | 30 minutes | $697

Tour length: 30 minutes | Rating: 5 stars | Check current availability and prices here

Are you ready to witness the mesmerizing Sydney coastline from a bird’s eye view? This 30 minute private helicopter flight over Sydney & Beaches is the ideal choice for those seeking a quick yet unforgettable aerial experience. As you soar above the sparkling blue waters, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the world-famous Bondi Beach, the dramatic cliffs of the Pacific coastline, and the stunning harbor that Sydney is renowned for. You will also see the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison and much more. 

Because this private tour is only for 2 or 3 people it will be an intimate experience which can even be slightly personalized to your favour. It also guarantees that all will have a great seat and window view during this unforgettable Sydney helicopter ride. 

Private Helicopter Tour to Hunter Valley with Lunch | 5-6 hours | $1188

Tour length: 5-6 hours | Rating: 5 stars | Check current availability and prices here

Are you looking for a unique and extraordinary experience in Sydney? Look no further than this private helicopter tour to Hunter Valley including gourmet lunch. This 6-hour journey takes you beyond Sydney’s boundaries to the lush Hunter Valley wine region. Soar over picturesque landscapes before landing at a renowned winery for an exquisite lunch and wine tasting. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the vineyards and delight in the flavors of the region, making this tour a true feast for the senses.

It’s the perfect combination of a helicopter flight with the indulgence of a gourmet experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a unique experience, this helicopter tour promises an unforgettable day!

Things you need to know about Sydney helicopter tours

Do you need to book a helicopter tour in Sydney in advance? 

Yes, you have to! And it’s for several reasons. The helicopter company needs time to prepare the flight including checking every passenger’s weight. Besides that, helicopter tours in Sydney are very popular and often completely booked out days in advance. So make sure to secure your seat well in advance. 

What is the best time for a helicopter tour in Sydney?

Helicopter tours in Sydney fly year-round and you’re assured of a beautiful view, no matter the weather. Even on a cloudy day, you’ll have amazing views because the helicopter flies below the clouds.

Only in the winter months, there is a higher chance of cancellation due to bad weather, but you can easily reschedule your flight. The advantage of a helicopter tour in Sydney during the winter months is that there is a very high chance of spotting whales along the coast during your flight! So therefore make sure to book the Sydney beaches flight to include the coastal scenery during your flight. 

Regarding the best time of the day for a helicopter tour, midday will do the best for photos because the sun is then at its highest point. This will decrease glare on the water which will result in a better outcome of pictures. 

Is a helicopter tour in Sydney worth it?

Yes, absolutely! It is the best way to see the landmarks of Sydney and the beautiful coastline. A helicopter tour in Sydney is also a great way to see all the highlights of this beautiful city in a short time. So if you only have a few days in Sydney, then a helicopter tour is highly recommended. 

How much does a helicopter ride in Sydney cost?

Prices for a helicopter tour in Sydney start from USD 164 / AUD 240 for a 20-minute flight. There are also options for private helicopter tours which are naturally more expensive. However, if you’re with a group of 3 or more, it is price-wise better to book a private helicopter tour. There are also options for a helicopter tour including wine tasting and lunch. These tours are logically also more experience because of the extra activities and food included. 

How long is a helicopter ride in Sydney?

Helicopter tours in Sydney start from 20 minutes but can also be booked as a 30-minute helicopter tour over the city. This allows you plenty of time to see the stunning coastline and enjoy the beautiful views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House. 

There are longer helicopter tours in Sydney if you opt for extra activities such as wine tasting and the gourmet lunch in the Hunter Valley. The tour will take about 5 hours in total. The scenic flight to the Blue Mountains lasts an hour and is compared to the price of USD 179 a very fair price for the time you’re flying.

What to bring for a helicopter tour in Sydney?

Bags are not allowed on board the helicopter flight, so you can’t bring how much. However, the most important item to bring on a helicopter ride in Sydney is your phone or camera to capture some shots of this unforgettable experience. Furthermore, I would advise you to wear pants for the most comfortable experience. 

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I hope you enjoyed this blog post about the best Sydney helicopter tours. A helicopter tour in Australia is one of the best experiences you can do! For more Australia travel inspiration, head over to these blog posts.

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