Top ‘The Rocks’ Helicopter Tours: Reviews & Recommendations

Want a perspective shift, like your regular stroll around The Rocks in Sydney just doesn’t quite cut it anymore? Well, there is the possibility you are craving something, a little more… elevated? Imagine seeing the iconic Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and maybe even those hidden beaches from way up high. Seems great, it’s true, that numerous helicopter companies offer tours starting near The Rocks, yet selecting the one that aligns, in a way, with what you value can feel overwhelming, or even just plain tricky. So, that is why we’ve put together this guide – to give a look at what we consider the top 5 helicopter tours that give, basically, a bird’s-eye view of this awesome region. This article explores the highlights, gives you some need-to-know information, and is almost meant to give you enough details to make an informed pick.

1. Sydney Harbour Highlights Helicopter Tour

You get started with the Sydney Harbour Highlights Helicopter Tour; and you’ll notice this tour, arguably, is your go-to, that is, if you’re short on time but big on wanting the “wow” factor. What might be the best part? It typically lasts around 20-30 minutes, that is, give or take, and whisks you right above pretty much every major landmark. And as a matter of fact, we’re talking about the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, maybe even Taronga Zoo, as well as those sparkling harbor beaches that’ll definitely make you gasp.

Most fliers explain that the highlight truly is soaring past the Opera House, especially if you catch it at sunset, that seems pretty fantastic. So, just imagine the sails gleaming gold, with the whole of Sydney sparkling below you. Anyway, depending on the operator, most flights leave from a nearby airport, maybe not too far from The Rocks, that probably means a quick transfer by car or shuttle. Now, we can agree this experience is, arguably, a bit on the pricier side; that being so, people find the stunning views and the overall thrill is very much worth the investment.

Read our full review: Sydney Harbour Highlights Helicopter Tour Full Review and Details

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2. Northern Beaches & Harbour Helicopter Adventure

Want to add a bit of beachy paradise to your aerial tour? Well, there’s this Northern Beaches & Harbour Helicopter Adventure, just the ticket, and seems great for those wanting to experience more, basically, than just the inner harbor. What is it then? It’s very similar to the first option in most respects, just slightly extended to give some additional sightseeing spots along the Northern beaches, a lot like Manly, Palm Beach, and all the beautiful coastline.

The common feedback we hear usually says people enjoy this particular trip is seeing the contrast: first, those harbor landmarks, then those beautiful beaches below. What will you see from above? You might observe the surfers catching waves at Manly, or simply stare at the beautiful homes dotting those clifftops. How long is the flight? Anyway, it usually hovers, a bit, around 45 minutes; this option is, as a matter of fact, a good choice if you want a bigger, almost deeper experience, with a small premium paid compared to, very, very short harbor flights. Oh, but also just keep in mind the Northern Beaches are definitely known for their clear waters, making for truly amazing photos.

Read our full review: Northern Beaches & Harbour Helicopter Adventure Full Review and Details

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3. Sydney City & Blue Mountains Helicopter Tour

Dreaming of escaping the city bustle completely? The Sydney City & Blue Mountains Helicopter Tour is one for you, in some respects. It usually spans a couple of hours. As a matter of fact, you’ll get views of the city, that being said, you’ll also be whisked away to the Blue Mountains to observe the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and those vast eucalyptus forests, in a way.

Flyers often mention this tour tends to be special because of the stark contrast: cityscapes giving way, actually, to those remote wilderness areas. What would be the feeling? One flier said, almost “It’s like seeing two very different sides to NSW in one flight”. Is this something for you? Most operators, that’s true, even throw in a scenic landing where you might be able to have lunch or simply take in, just a little, some mountain air. Be mindful it tends to be among the more expensive choices given the flight duration and, really, the destination; and you could even tell it will make it an amazing day trip all in one, very, very short package.

Read our full review: Sydney City & Blue Mountains Helicopter Tour Full Review and Details

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4. Hunter Valley Wine Tour by Helicopter

Want to mix sightseeing with some indulgence? You can consider a Hunter Valley Wine Tour by Helicopter! How would this sound? This, definitely, is an experience perfect for wine lovers, especially if you happen to appreciate seeing those vineyards from above, in some respects. And as a matter of fact, typically the tour takes you from Sydney, or in this case, near The Rocks to the Hunter Valley, with birds-eye views all the way, that is, so keep that in mind!

The best feedback mentions landing at select wineries. You might just want to enjoy some tastings and maybe even a gourmet lunch, too it’s almost as if all of your needs are being addressed. Many wine aficionados are sure the flight alone definitely makes the wine taste even better! Most options often include return flights, but, that being said, do confirm that prior; since the idea of having to figure out how to get back while impaired sounds like a real bother. Expect this to likely be a premium experience too, like your flights paired, in a way, with those wine tastings aren’t inexpensive by any means, arguably.

Read our full review: Hunter Valley Wine Tour by Helicopter Full Review and Details

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5. Private Charter Helicopter Experience

Just fancy creating your own customized adventure? Well, a private helicopter charter tends to be just the ticket, really! How would that work out? Some companies are very accommodating for people who want a fully customized route, and as a matter of fact, it caters for you if you really are looking for particular sights or, that being said, maybe special occasions.

Past fliers, almost universally, talk about the pure freedom of going where they would want, that being said, doing so on their timeline. Arguably, would you want to spend more time above a certain beach? That company is happy to facilitate this for you. Are you trying to impress that special someone? What you might want to consider is proposing mid-air above Sydney Harbour, but confirm this possibility is accommodated by the helicopter pilot and company staff before attempting anything, right. Although there is some cost, that being said, it likely comes with maximum flexibility and some serious bragging rights! Make sure that this, that is, if you choose to go this way, can come with a flexible schedule and that pilot will comply with everything.

Read our full review: Private Charter Helicopter Experience Full Review and Details

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