9 Best Sydney Helicopter Tours: What You Need to Know
If you’re looking for the best Sydney helicopter tours, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll run down the best helicopter tours so you can see Sydney from a whole new perspective.
With so many options available, it can be tough to choose the best one. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top Sydney helicopter rides.
From soaring over the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to exploring the stunning coastline, these tours offer an unforgettable experience – perfect if you’re planning something memorable for a special occasion, or just wanna make your Sydney itinerary extra fancy.
Quick overview: what is the best helicopter tour in Sydney?
To save you time, after researching all the options the best Sydney Harbour helicopter tour is (drum roll!)… this Sydney Harbour tour by helicopter.
This is the most popular and top-rated tour available with hundreds of five-star reviews from previous customers. Plus, it’s also the cheapest tour option I could find, perfect for budget (ish!) travellers who want a once-in-a-lifetime experience without breaking the bank.
Best private helicopter tour: Private 30-minute helicopter tour for 2 or 3 people.
Best helicopter tour if you want to make it a full-day trip: Private helicopter tour to Hunter Valley including gourmet lunch and wine.
Read below to find out more about these tours, alongside some fantastic alternative options.
9 Best Sydney Helicopter Tours with local guides
Are you ready to take your sightseeing game to new heights? Literally! Then let’s get on with the round-up.
Sydney Harbour Helicopter Tour
⭐️ 5.0 out of 5 |📍 Starting location: Mascot | ⏲️ Tour Length: 1.5 hours (20 minutes flight) I 🎉 BOOK NOW
If you’re looking for helicopter flights over Sydney Harbour with a local guide, then this is as good as you’ll get. It’s one of the cheapest tour options and is the most popular – (as of 2024) this tour has over 400 reviews with an average of five stars!!
You’ll have 20 minutes in the air from where you’ll get stunning views over the Eastern coastline, including iconic spots like Coogee Beach, Bondi Beach, and Manly Cove. But that’s not all – you’ll also get an incredible bird’s eye view of Sydney’s spectacular harbour and the city skyline.
As you soar above it all, your knowledgeable pilot will share fascinating insights into Sydney’s history and landmarks.
With complimentary refreshments and transfers from your Sydney hotel included in the package, this is a luxurious and stress-free way to take in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Free parking is also included if you’re self-driving, or if not, they offer complimentary city centre transfers.
Check prices or book your tour here
Sydney Grand Tour by Helicopter
⭐️ 5.0 out of 5 |📍 Starting location: Mascot | ⏲️ Tour Length: 2.5 hours (30-minute flight) I 🎉 BOOK NOW
If you’re short on time but still want to experience the best of Sydney’s beaches and harbour, a 30-minute helicopter scenic flight is a perfect choice.
This tour option is similar to the last, but you get an extra ten minutes in the air and the chance to see the city’s northern beaches from above. You’ll have plenty of time for photo ops, both at Sydney Helipad and from above.
Your luxury helicopter will sweep along one of Australia‘s most scenic stretches of coastline, where you’ll take in breathtaking views of Coogee Beach, Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, and Sydney’s northern beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for schools of fish, dolphins, and even whales, depending on what season you’re travelling. (Whale-watching season in Sydney is from May to October.)
Next up, you’ll fly by two of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks – the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Throughout the tour, your pilot will share informative commentary about the sights you’re seeing.
This tour includes complimentary refreshments, alongside hotel pickup and drop-off.
Check prices or book your tour here.
Helicopter Flight Over Sydney and Beaches – 20 Minutes
⭐️ 4.5 out of 5 |📍 Starting location: Mascot | ⏲️ Tour Length: 1.5 hours (20 minutes in the air) I 🎉 BOOK NOW
If for any reason the top-rated 20-minute tour above is fully booked, I recommend this option instead. It’s the same price, and you also get the same amount of time in the air.
Like the above, you’ll get amazing birds-eye views over the harbour and its iconic Sydney attractions. You’ll also soar over many of the coastline’s stunning beaches, including Bondi Beach, Tamarana Beach, and Coogee Beach.
The pilot will provide informative commentary through headsets so you can learn about the sights as you soar above them. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities for photo ops with the helicopter itself so you can mark the experience.
Check prices or book your tour here.
Private Sydney Helicopter tours for 2 or 3 people: Harbour and Beaches
⭐️ 5.0 out of 5 |📍 Starting location: Mascot | ⏲️ Tour Length: 20 or 30 minutes in the air I 🎉 BOOK NOW
Want a private experience? You’re in luck. If you’re looking for private helicopter tours in Sydney, then this is the tour for you.
In the 20-minute tour option, you’ll see all the iconic landmarks like the harbour and time to pass over Bondi, Coogee and Wedding Cake Island as you follow the coastline towards South Head, while also getting commentary from your pilot guide through your headsets. You’ll take aerial photos as well as photos with the helicopter before you take flight.
The 30-minute option includes all of the above, plus longer to fly over the North Beaches including Manly, Freshwater, and Curl Curl Beach.
Check prices or book your tour here: 20-minute tour
Check prices or book your tour here: 30-minute tour
Private Hunter Valley Lunch Tour by Helicopter
⭐️ 5.0 out of 5 |📍 Starting location: Mascot | ⏲️ Tour Length: 5-6 hours (1 hour 40 mins flight time) I 🎉 BOOK NOW
Sydney is more than just its harbour and beaches and this is a luxurious way to explore the stunning landscapes that lie further afield.
This is another private heli tour, so it’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for special treatment.
This 5-6 hour adventure begins with a scenic flight from Sydney, taking in stunning views of iconic landmarks like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House before heading north via Manly and Palm Beach before heading over Hawkesbury River and Brisbane Waters National Park. Finally, you’ll swoop over the Central Coast to arrive in the vineyards of picturesque Hunter Valley. Along the way, your expert pilot guide will provide informative commentary about the sights.
Once you arrive in the Hunter Valley, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the region’s finest wines – including crisp Semillons and ripe Shirazes, according to the tour descrption – before sitting down at a gourmet three-course lunch at a beautiful local restaurant. You’ll then return to Sydney via helicopter.
This Sydney and Hunter Valley helicopter tour includes complimentary transfers from selected city centre hotels or free parking, a three-course gourmet lunch and wine tasting, alongside your private return flight from Sydney to Hunter Valley.
Alternative Hunter Valley helicopter with lunch and wine tour:
This tour is similar to the above including your return flights from Sydney to Hunter Valley and pilot guide.
However, this option includes private tastings at a cellar door, a three-course lunch at either Esca Restaurant in the Bimbagden Estate or The Gates Restaurant at Leogate Estate Wines, plus lovely views of the Brocken Back Ranges and hinterland.
Are you worried this foodie helicopter tour will take you WAY over your budget? Look, I get it. Check out this list of Sydney food tours instead. They’re still a memorable and unique way to enjoy Sydney – and some still take you to Hunter Valley, you’ll just be going by road!
Private Blue Mountains 4WD Tour with Helicopter Flights
⭐️ 4 out of 5 |📍 Starting location: Mascot | ⏲️ Tour Length: 6 hours (1.5 in the air) I 🎉 BOOK NOW
For a full-day adventure incorporating helicopter flights, 4WD off-road driving, and exceptional views throughout, this Sydney day trip pulls out all the stops.
As with other tours, your day will begin soaring over the harbour in the helicopter, but this time you’ll continue venturing onwards until you land in the Blue Mountains.
Next, you’ll explore the Blue Mountains in style, with an epic 4WD off-roading adventure! Your drive will take you through the peaks and caves of the Megalong Valley, alongside stopping to see kangaroos (yay, I’m obsessed with kangaroos) and a picnic lunch in Blackheath while enjoying views of Megalong and Kanimbla Valleys.
You’ll also see the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls; two of the most iconic features within the Blue Mountains.
The tour includes the return flight, a Blue Mountains 4WD drive, a gourmet picnic lunch, and hotel transfers in Sydney. Alongside a local guide and commentary.
Sydney Scenic Helicopter Flights at Sunset
⭐️ 5.0 out of 5 |📍 Starting location: Mascot | ⏲️ Tour Length: 5-6 hours (approx 30-minute flight) I 🎉 BOOK NOW
This is a newer tour which is why it’s on the bottom of the list. I’ll look out for more reviews before moving it higher in my recommendations!
Perfect for a special occasion, this flight takes place at sunset, so it’s extra romantic! It’s a private tour and helicopter ride for 2 or 3 guests. You’ll see all the same Sydney icons as in the other Sydney harbour tours, alongside commentary from your pilot and photo ops with the helicopter.
To make things extra special, you’ll begin this tour with some pre-flight bubbles!
Helicopter Tours Sydney Australia FAQ
How much is a helicopter ride over Sydney?
Sydney helicopter rides start at around $230 (AUD). Thankfully, the cheapest option we could find is also the highest-rated, which is why this helicopter tour is our top pick for most travellers.
This works out as about 120 pounds, 140 euros, or 150 US dollars.
Are Sydney helicopter tours worth the money?
Whether or not the best-rated helicopter tours Sydney offers are worth the money really depends on what you’re looking for in your travel experience. One thing is certain though, Sydney looks absolutely amazing from above!
Taking a helicopter tour can be a unique and thrilling way to view the topography of the city with aerial views that offer an entirely new perspective on the landscape below… it’s something everyone should experience at least once.
Additionally, most Sydney helicopter flights come with a private local tour guide who can provide valuable insight into the area’s history, culture and landmarks. While they may be more expensive than other forms of sightseeing, the memories and perspectives gained from a helicopter tour can be priceless.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and budget – if you’re willing to spend the extra money, a helicopter tour can offer an unforgettable experience that’s well worth it.
My honest thoughts: if you’re on a really tight budget (especially as a budget-conscious solo traveller, which can make things more expensive), I recommend taking a Sydney Harbour kayaking tour instead. This still gives you a really unique way to experience Sydney, as you can choose between a tour that takes you to hidden coves or one that takes you through the Sydney icons by kayaking under Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to do something romantic or luxurious, then why not just book a Sydney hotel with a harbour view for a night? You’ll get a great perspective of the city, but without blowing the bank…. And as these hotels are so close to the harbour, you can explore the Sydney coastal walks on foot without blowing your budget.
What sights can you see on a Sydney helicopter tour?
There are several must-see Sydney sights that you’ll be able to see during your helicopter tour. The iconic landmarks of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are of course included, as they are truly stunning when viewed from above.
You will also get a chance to check out some of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches, including Manly Beach, Curl Curl, Bondi, Bronte, Coogee and Maroubra. As you fly over these beaches, you’ll be able to see their crystal-clear waters and pristine sands like never before.
Additionally, depending on the length of your tour, you may see other iconic landmarks such as Taronga Zoo or even the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley just outside of Sydney.
What is the best time of day to take a Sydney helicopter tour?
The best time of day to take a Sydney helicopter tour largely depends on what you want to see and experience. If you’re looking for the most visibility and clarity, then a daytime tour is your best bet.
However, if you’re interested in capturing some truly stunning photos or creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones, then a sunset tour might be more up your alley. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the sky takes on vibrant hues of reds, oranges and pinks that create an incredibly picturesque backdrop for your Sydney helicopter ride.
Finally, taking a scenic helicopter tour at night can be a completely different but equally beautiful experience. With Sydney’s city lights twinkling below you like stars in the sky (especially if you’re visiting Sydney during the Vivid Festival!), it creates an entirely new perspective on the city’s landscape.
