As I set foot on the Sydney Seaplanes ‘jet-bridge’ – a sturdy pier that sits just inches above the sparkling water of Rose Bay – I’m filled with nervous excitement.
I try to downplay it. I’ve flown on a seaplane before, I know what to expect. But there isn’t much that can prepare you for an experience like a Sydney Seaplanes scenic flight booked through RedBalloon for Business.
It would be hard to imagine a better city for scenic flights than Sydney, especially in a seaplane. With its waterfront suburbs, dramatic cliffsides, golden sand beaches that melt into turquoise water, and a magnificent harbour full of pockets perfect for takeoffs, Sydney almost seems purpose-built for them.
Indeed Rose Bay Water Airport was actually Australia’s first international airport, with Qantas Empire Airways operating flights between Sydney and London from right here. What an introduction to Sydney that would’ve been for Australia-bound Brits!
So there’s also a lot of history here. But today, the airport is used exclusively for scenic flights. And it seems like a natural evolution.
Sydney Seaplanes’ experiences aren’t just for tourists though; they’re also for locals who want to see a city they may have lived in their whole lives in a different way or for workmates looking to connect over a memorable life experience.
Time for take-off
Mere seconds after launching from the airport, our pilot Izzy banks our Cessna Caravan to the right, drawing a flurry of woos from the half a dozen passengers, who proceed to thumb their phones in a flash of photos.
Within minutes, we’re soaring above dramatic North Head and Manly before proceeding northward parallel to Sydney’s famous Northern Beaches. Izzy does well to fly and play tour guide, providing commentary on the places we see. But in a plane full of Sydneysiders, under the drone of the engine, his words take a rear seat to the commanding views.
After 15 mins or so, we make a u-turn over Broken Bay, with spectacular views over Palm Beach to the south and the Central Coast to the north. The return trip gives both sides of the plane an equal view, so there’s no need to squabble over which side of the plane to sit on.
Our approximately 30-minute flight ends with a swing past Sydney’s CBD, or as close as we’re allowed to it, and unbeatable views of Sydney’s most famous sights, including the Botanic Gardens, Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and of course, the harbour itself.
Better than airline food
But an experience with Sydney Seaplanes needn’t end here.
If a flight’s not enough, you can opt for the Fly n’ Dine package, which includes a half-hour plane journey followed by lunch at the beautiful Empire Lounge waterfront restaurant.
Here, we partake in a delicious three-course a-la-carte lunch with complimentary bubbly. Entrees include Appellation oysters and Crudo-style kingfish, while mains comprise wagyu sirloin and barramundi yellow curry, among plenty of other dishes. For dessert, think homemade burnt cheesecake and a ‘calamansi’ layered crepe cake, both of which are winners.
After an experience like the one we’ve just had together, that’s how we all feel today.
Visit www.seaplanes.com.au for more information. Alternatively, check out www.redballoon.com.au/business, which offers companies a range of experiential gifts to reward staff, including Sydney Seaplane flights.
Read all about Karryon’s experience with RedBalloon for Business.
