Sydney is Australia’s most recognisable city and a destination for almost every visitor to the country. However, it’s also large, and with so much to see, it can be hard to soak everything in if you’re only there for a short time. There is one way to see it all in just an hour or two, though: by air. Read on to find out why a helicopter tour in Sydney belongs on every traveller’s itinerary.
The Thrill of Flying
Scenic helicopter flights strike an ideal balance between a thrilling and a relaxing experience. Thrill seekers will love getting up high in the clouds to see the city from above, but the helicopter won’t be darting about to deliver an adrenaline rush. Instead, it slowly glides through the air. This gives those who want a more relaxing experience the chance to appreciate views that no other mode of transport offers.
Sydney Opera House from the Sky
The Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most famous buildings, and there’s no better way to appreciate this amazing architectural feat than from above. On the ground, you’ll be fighting through selfie-taking tourists to catch a glimpse of it. On a Sydney helicopter tour, however, you’ll get to see it clearly from all different angles. You’ll even be able to take unobstructed photos with it, along with the iconic harbour bridge.
A Sense of Scale
Taking a helicopter tour in Sydney gives you a chance to see the city from a perspective only a minority of people will ever experience. You’ll transition from being on the ground, where the buildings look huge and the outskirts of the city seem a million miles away, to being in a position where you can clearly see the edges of the city. It’s a surprisingly jarring experience.
Air Travel Without Airports
The other way to see Sydney by air is to book a flight in or out of the city. But this isn’t the same experience. For a start, the cabin windows on planes are far smaller than the windows inside helicopters. Then there’s the fact that planes are continually moving at speed. Another major point in favour of helicopter tours is that you get the best of air travel without the stress of an airport.
Safety and Ease of Booking
Sydney helicopter tour operators must hold an air operator’s certificate, and they are regulated like other commercial flight services. This ensures that safety standards are high and that the helicopters are well maintained. There are several licensed tour operators in Sydney, which makes it easy to get a flight on the dates you’re in the city. Competition also helps keep costs down. Most flights begin at around 200 AUD for 20 minutes.
Conclusion
A helicopter tour in Sydney is a truly unique experience. It enables you to see all the city’s landmarks in a short time, without worrying about crowds and obstructions. You’ll also see the city from a perspective few ever will, and the ride provides some modest thrills while still being very safe. It delivers something for everyone, making it ideal for any Australia bucket list.