Get a different perspective on the Harbour City with these 10 sky high experiences. From towers and tall ships to bridges and balloons, this is how to admire Sydney from above.
Oct 2024 -
3
min readTake a stylish seaplane flight
Taking off from the calm waters of Rose Bay, Sydney Seaplanes’ fleet will take you on a scenic flight over Sydney Harbour and across the city’s sparkling beaches, dropping down to an altitude of around 150 metres for incredible views. You can also take a seaplane transfer to gorgeous costal locations – book a luxe lunch at Bert’s in Newport, spend the night at Jonah’s in Palm Beach or look for oysters in the Hawkesbury.
Up above Rose Bay with Sydney Seaplanes
Climb an icon of the city
Since its launch in 1998, more than 4.5 million people have scaled the arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb. It’s still one of the most popular experiences in the city – and with good reason. You’ll get to see how the bridge is built from within its vast metal frame and then take in the breathtaking 360-degree views over the harbour, the city and all the way to the Blue Mountains.
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney
Stand on the edge of Sydney’s tallest tower
Strap into your harness, steel your nerves and step out into the open air 268 metres above the city at Skywalk. The glass-floored platform wraps around the Observation Deck of the famous Sydney Tower Eye, the tallest building in the city, and offers uninterrupted views over iconic landmarks. If you’d prefer something more sedate, head for the chic retro-style Bar 83 instead, where the views are served up behind glass and with cocktails.
Sydney Sky Tower Skywalk at Sydney Sky Tower Eye
Take off in a chopper
Take an adventurous tour above Sydney’s most famous sites on a high-powered helicopter. Sydney HeliTours runs daily tours ranging from a 20-minute jaunt over the harbour to longer explorations along the Northern Beaches and as far afield as the Blue Mountains. You’ll see the city’s mist recognisable features from a new angle while enjoying the thrill of a chopper flight.
Viewing Sydney City at night with Sydney HeliTours
Watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon
Float gently above the rolling farmland and pretty villages of southwest Sydney on an early morning flight with Balloon Aloft Camden. As the sun rises, you can see the spires of the city and the haze of the Blue Mountains in the distance. The balloon may skim close to the treetops or rise as high as 600 metres in the air as it moves slowly through the sky.
Watching the Sunrise with Balloon Aloft Camden - Credit: Balloon Aloft Camden
Enjoy a meal with a view
Fine dining and fine views go hand in hand at some of Sydney’s best restaurants. At the top of Crown Sydney’s gleaming skyscraper is Oncore by Clare Smyth, with an elegant menu created by the UK’s first female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars. At O Bar and Dining, the view changes by the second as the restaurant gently revolves high above George Street. Or book the private dining room at Altitude restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel, a glass jewel box that seems to float above the city.
Dining at Oncore by Clare Smyth
Jump out of a plane
Watch the landscape spiral towards you on a tandem skydive – if you can keep your eyes open, that is. Sydney Skydivers is based in Wilton in southwest Sydney, and you’ll be strapped to one of their expert instructors to jump out of a plane at more than 4,500 metres and freefall at up to 200km/h. The view stretch from the Blue Mountains to the coast and on a clear day you can even see the towers of the CBD.
Tandem Skydive with Sydney Skydivers - Credit: Sydney Skydivers
Climb the mast of a tall ship
Live out your pirate fantasies on board an historic sailing ship in Sydney Harbour. The unique Mast Climber Experience from Sydney Harbour Tall Ships lets brave passengers climb the 15-metre mast (with a safety harness, of course) to feel the wind in their hair as they take in the busy waters below.
Mast climb with Sydney Harbour Tall Ships - Credit: Sydney Harbour Tall Ships
Ride the ferris wheel at Luna Park
Standing tall on the edge of the harbour, Luna Park’s famous ferris wheel is a city landmark in its own right. Board one of the 24 open air gondolas for a gentle ride that takes you 30 metres above the water for a up close look at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and views of the Sydney Opera House beyond. Visit after dark to see the city lit up with twinkling lights beneath you.
Ferris wheel at Luna Park, Milsons Point
Look out from a lighthouse
Sydney’s lighthouses have been providing welcoming beacons and scenic views for more than 200 years. Macquarie Lightstation at Vaucluse is the oldest in Australia, first opened in 1818 (though the current building dates from the 1880s). Join a guided tour to climb the 26-metre tower and look out over the rolling Pacific Ocean as it crashes into the cliffs of South Head. Barrenjoey Lighthouse sits at the most northerly point of Sydney and is 91 metres above sea level. Guided tours run ever Sunday and offer sweeping views over Broken Bay and Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.
