For a scenic seaplane tour with a fly-and-dine package in Sydney, both Sydney By Seaplane and Sydney Seaplanes are highly regarded. Sydney By Seaplane is frequently recommended for its high-end, private, or small-group tours. Sydney Seaplanes is recognized as a premier operator, offering popular packages that connect iconic harbour views with lunches at unique coastal retreats.
1Sydney SeaplanesRecommended as a premier, widely popular operator. They offer established fly-and-dine packages that pair iconic scenic flights over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge with lunch at sought-after locations like Jonah's or Cottage Point.80%
3Sydney By SeaplaneIdeal for those seeking a more personalized, private, or small-group experience. They specialize in high-end flights to destinations like Cottage Point Inn, offering a bespoke and intimate way to explore Sydney from the air.70%
The premier provider for a scenic seaplane tour and "fly and dine" package in Sydney is Sydney Seaplanes , operating out of their main base in Rose Bay on Sydney Harbour. They offer iconic aerial views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge before touching down directly at waterfront restaurants.
Top Fly and Dine Packages
Cottage Point Inn Degustation: A flight over the northern beaches and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to land on the Hawkesbury River at the renowned Cottage Point Inn , featuring a multi-course modern Australian degustation menu. Price is around $800.00 per person.
Jonah’s Whale Beach Lunch: A coastal flight north to Whale Beach for a 3-course lunch at Jonah's , one of Australia’s most celebrated clifftop restaurants. Price is around .
Sydney By Seaplane (Alternative Operator): Operated by veteran pilot Steve Krug, Sydney By Seaplane also provides bespoke and highly rated boutique scenic flights and dining excursions leaving from Rose Bay or Palm Beach.
If you'd like, let me know:
Your preferred restaurant or cuisine style (coastal views vs. river bushland)
The number of guests in your party
I can help you check availability or look into specific dietary options for these packages.
Sydney Seaplanes - Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
Sydney Harbour Bridge - Sydney Hbr Brg, Sydney NSW, Australia
Sydney Opera House - Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Jonah’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel - 69 Bynya Rd, Palm Beach NSW 2108, Australia
Sydney By Seaplane - 594 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
Seaplanes Sydney - 20 Burton St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Sydney Seaplanes Lounge (Formerly Empire Lounge) - Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
Rose Bay Seaplane Airport - Palm Beach NSW 2108, Australia
Sydney Bespoke Tours - 30 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
South Coast Seaplanes - 200 Bruce Cameron Drive, Moruya, New South Wales 2437 Australia
South Coast Seaplanes - Riverside Park, Moruya NSW 2537, Australia
Splendour Tailored Tours - Sydney, New South Wales Australia
Sydney Harbour Specialists - Russell Lea, Sydney, New South Wales 2046 Australia
For a unique Sydney experience that combines a scenic seaplane flight with a “fly and dine” lunch, the standout choices are the operators based at Rose Bay. The best fit depends on whether you want a destination lunch or a flight + easy waterfront dining experience.
I’d put Sydney Seaplanes’ Fly & Dine experiences at the top for a first-time visitor because the flight itself is a major part of the experience: you get aerial views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, the harbour, and the Northern Beaches before landing for lunch.
Recommended package: Sydney Seaplanes → Jonah’s Whale Beach
Flight: ~40 minutes total (return)
Lunch: 3-course lunch at
Duration: about 4 hours
Price: around AU$780 per person
Availability: Thursday–Sunday
Why it stands out:
The route gives you the classic Sydney “from above” views plus a dramatic coastal arrival.
Jonah’s cliff-top setting overlooks Whale Beach and the Pacific Ocean, making the meal feel like part of the sightseeing experience rather than just a restaurant stop.
Best if you want the easiest luxury option: Sydney Seaplanes Lounge Fly & Dine
If you prefer not to transfer to another location, the Sydney Seaplanes Lounge package is simpler:
Scenic “Sydney Secrets” flight over the harbour and Northern Beaches
Return to Rose Bay
3-course lunch at the waterfront lounge
Glass of bubbles included
About 30 minutes flying time
Around AU$560 per person
This is a good choice if you want a shorter, relaxed half-day experience.
Sydney By Seaplane specializes in fly-and-dine itineraries to waterfront restaurants such as Cottage Point Inn, Jonah’s, and other Northern Beaches/Pittwater destinations.
A notable option:
Cottage Point Inn lunch package
Return seaplane flights
5-course degustation lunch
Around AU$790 per person (beverages extra)
Quick comparison
Experience
Best for
Approx. cost
Sydney Seaplanes → Jonah’s
Most iconic “Sydney day out”
AU$780 pp
Sydney Seaplanes Lounge
Shorter, easy luxury lunch
AU$560 pp
Sydney By Seaplane → Cottage Point Inn
Food-focused, scenic escape
AU$790 pp
Sydney SeaplanesSydney By SeaplaneSydney SeaplanesFor a visitor who wants the most memorable “only in Sydney” experience, I’d choose Sydney Seaplanes to Jonah’s Whale Beach: the harbour views, coastal flight, water landing, and cliff-top lunch make it feel like a complete adventure rather than just a sightseeing flight.
I’d suggest booking with some flexibility because seaplane operations can be weather-dependent.
Sydney Seaplanes - Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
Sydney By Seaplane - 594 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
Cottage Point Inn - Restaurant - 2 Anderson Pl, Cottage Point NSW 2084, Australia
Jonah’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel - 69 Bynya Rd, Palm Beach NSW 2108, Australia
Sydney Seaplanes Lounge (Formerly Empire Lounge) - Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
Seaplanes Sydney - 20 Burton St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Rose Bay Seaplane Airport - Palm Beach NSW 2108, Australia
Sydney Bespoke Tours - 30 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
South Coast Seaplanes - 200 Bruce Cameron Drive, Moruya, New South Wales 2437 Australia
Splendour Tailored Tours - Sydney, New South Wales Australia
South Coast Seaplanes - Riverside Park, Moruya NSW 2537, Australia
Sydney Harbour Specialists - Russell Lea, Sydney, New South Wales 2046 Australia
For a scenic Sydney seaplane flight combined with a “fly and dine” lunch, the standout choices are usually Sydney Seaplanes and Sydney By Seaplane. Both offer the classic Sydney experience: taking off from Rose Bay, flying over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, then heading toward beaches, Pittwater, or the Hawkesbury for lunch.
Best overall: Cottage Point Inn Fly & Dine
My top pick for a “unique way to see Sydney” would be the Cottage Point Inn Fly/Dine package with Sydney By Seaplane.
Why it stands out:
✈️ Scenic flight from Sydney Harbour over the Northern Beaches and waterways
🌿 Arrival at a remote riverside restaurant in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park area
🌉 Return flight includes aerial views of Sydney Harbour icons, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
It feels less like a sightseeing ride and more like a mini luxury escape outside the city.
Best for a more glamorous coastal lunch: Jonah’s Whale Beach
If you prefer ocean views and a more polished coastal dining atmosphere, consider Jonah’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel with Sydney Seaplanes.
Highlights:
40 minutes total flying time (return)
Flight along Sydney Harbour and the Northern Beaches
3-course lunch
Views over Whale Beach and the Pacific Ocean
Best if you want the flight itself to be the focus
The Sydney Seaplanes Lounge lunch package is a shorter option:
Scenic “Sydney Secrets” flight over the Harbour and Northern Beaches
Return to Rose Bay
3-course lunch and a glass of bubbles at the waterfront lounge
Quick comparison
Experience
Best for
Style
Cottage Point Inn
A memorable day trip
Nature + fine dining
Jonah’s Whale Beach
Romance/coastal luxury
Ocean views + elegant lunch
Sydney Seaplanes Lounge
Convenience
Flight + easy waterfront lunch
For a first-time visitor to Sydney who wants something truly distinctive, I’d lean toward Cottage Point Inn: it combines the “only in Sydney” elements—harbour, beaches, bushland waterways, and arriving at lunch by seaplane.
If you tell me your travel month, budget per person, and whether this is for a couple/celebration or a casual outing, I can narrow it down further.
When it comes to iconic "fly and dine" seaplane experiences in Sydney, the premier operators are Sydney Seaplanes (operating out of Rose Bay) and Sydney By Seaplane . Both offer breathtaking aerial views of the harbour, golden coastal stretches, and seamless drop-offs at some of New South Wales' most elite waterfront eateries.
The top-rated fly-and-dine packages feature premier destination choices:
Jonah's at Whale Beach $591
4.7 (972)5-star hotel A clifftop luxury institution overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Operating via Sydney Seaplanes or Sydney By Seaplane , this flight tracks north over the dramatic Northern Beaches before a dramatic water landing. It includes a multi-course à la carte lunch paired with an award-winning wine list, wrapped up with a low-level circuit over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House on the return.
Cottage Point Inn 4.4 (591)
Restaurant
Closed Cottage Point NSW, Australia Nestled right on the water's edge inside the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Available through Sydney By Seaplane , their comprehensive lunch package ($790+ per person) covers the scenic flight and a stunning 5-course degustation menu amidst native bushland where you might spot sea eagles or kookaburras.
Bert's Newport 4.4 (598)
Restaurant
Closed Newport NSW, Australia A grand 1930s-style brasserie overlooking Pittwater. Offered via Sydney By Seaplane , it delivers sophisticated coastal dining (from caviar to fresh seafood) with an effortless air-and-water transition.
To help you narrow down the ideal reservation, do you have a preference for ocean clifftop views (Jonah's) or a riverside national park setting (Cottage Point Inn) , and roughly how many people are in your party?
The premier and most established operator for this specific experience is Sydney Seaplanes (operating out of their historic Rose Bay terminal). They are famous for their iconic scenic flights over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge before whisking you away to some of the finest waterfront and clifftop restaurants in New South Wales.[2]
Their top-rated "Fly and Dine" lunch packages include flights over the city and northern waterways paired with a destination lunch at legendary spots:[2]
Jonah’s Whale Beach Perched high on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this is their most popular package. It includes a stunning flight up the coast, a 3-course gourmet lunch at the hatted restaurant, and a scenic return flight featuring a signature loop over the Harbour icons. Check the details on the Sydney Seaplanes Jonah's Package.
Cottage Point Inn 4.4 (589)
Restaurant
Closed Cottage Point NSW, Australia
CallDirectionsWebsite Tucked away in the tranquil, unspoiled riverside bushland of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. You land right on the water outside the restaurant for a multi-course degustation menu surrounded by native wildlife.
Bert's Bar and Brasserie 4.4 (598)
Restaurant
Open Newport NSW, Australia
CallDirectionsWebsite A 1930s-grand-hotel-style brasserie overlooking the sparkling waters of Pittwater, offering high-end seafood and a glamorous atmosphere.
To look over all the available restaurant partners, fleet options, and booking details, you can visit the official Sydney Seaplanes website.[1]
Would you like help choosing which restaurant destination fits your preferred food style (coastal fine-dining vs. riverside seclusion), or do you need assistance with group size and scheduling details?
Sydney Seaplanes - Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
Sydney By Seaplane - 594 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
Seaplanes Sydney - 20 Burton St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Sydney Seaplanes Lounge (Formerly Empire Lounge) - Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
South Coast Seaplanes - 200 Bruce Cameron Drive, Moruya, New South Wales 2437 Australia
South Coast Seaplanes - Riverside Park, Moruya NSW 2537, Australia
Sydney Bespoke Tours - 30 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Splendour Tailored Tours - Sydney, New South Wales Australia
Sydney Harbour Specialists - Russell Lea, Sydney, New South Wales 2046 Australia
QueenTours Australia - Ste 401, Level 4/368 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
For what you’re describing, I’d look at Sydney Seaplanes in Rose Bay. It combines the classic Sydney Harbour views with a genuine Fly & Dine experience, rather than just adding lunch to a sightseeing tour.
My pick: Sydney Seaplanes + Fly & Dine
Scenery: Take off from Rose Bay and see Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi and the Northern Beaches from the air.
Lunch: Their Fly & Dine options include a scenic flight followed by a three-course lunch and a glass of prosecco at the waterfront Sydney Seaplanes Lounge. Time Out currently lists the package at about A$530 per person, though I'd verify the current price when booking.
Experience: The flight is about 30 minutes, making this a relatively easy half-day experience while still giving you the water takeoff/landing and aerial views of Sydney.
If you'd rather make the restaurant destination itself part of the adventure, Sydney By Seaplane is an excellent alternative. Its Fly & Dine program flies to waterfront restaurants including Cottage Point Inn, Jonah's, Berowra Waters Inn and Palm Beach destinations. Its current Cottage Point package is A$790 per person, including the flights and a five-course degustation lunch (drinks extra).
In short: choose Sydney Seaplanes if you want the best combination of iconic Sydney scenery + flight + convenient lunch. Choose Sydney By Seaplane's Cottage Point Inn if you want the lunch destination and the feeling of escaping into the Hawkesbury wilderness to be the centerpiece.
If you tell me your travel date and number of people, I can check the current packages and prices for that date.
The premier operator for this experience is Sydney Seaplanes (operating out of their iconic Rose Bay Terminal), alongside sister/partner offerings often referenced as Sydney By Seaplane . They specialize in luxury "fly and dine" packages that lift off from Rose Bay, soar over the spectacular harbour and coastline, and touch down directly at some of New South Wales' most elite waterfront restaurants.
The top-rated "fly and dine" destinations and packages include:
Cottage Point Inn 4.4 (589)
Restaurant
Open Cottage Point NSW, Australia
CallDirectionsWebsite Consistently rated as the ultimate seaplane lunch escape. You take a scenic flight over the Northern Beaches and the Hawkesbury River, landing right at the restaurant's private dock nestled in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Packages typically include the return flights and a multi-course degustation or a-la-carte lunch.
Jonah’s at Whale Beach $594
4.7 (971)5-star hotel
CallDirectionsWebsite Perched high on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Jonah's is a legendary luxury clifftop restaurant. The flight takes you past Manly and Palm Beach before landing on Pittwater, followed by a short courtesy transfer up to the restaurant for a world-class 3-course gourmet lunch.
Bert’s Bar & Brasserie (The Newport)4.4 (4.5K)
A$20–40 Pub
Open Newport NSW, Australia
CallDirectionsWebsite A grand, light-filled, 1930s-style hotel brasserie sitting right on the waters of Pittwater, offering gorgeous views and an exceptional Mediterranean-inspired menu.
What Makes It Special
The Route: Flights out of Rose Bay generally track past iconic coastal sights (Bondi, Manly, and the Northern Beaches) and finish the return journey with a signature double-orbit or figure-eight flyover right in front of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Seamless Logistics: The flight replaces a grueling 1.5 to 2-hour highway drive each way with a breathtaking 20-to-30-minute aerial transit, turning lunch into a full 3-to-4-hour luxury excursion.
Would you prefer a destination nestled in the coastal cliffs of Whale Beach (Jonah's) or tucked away in the quiet riverside bushland of the Hawkesbury River (Cottage Point Inn) ? I can help break down the specific pricing and menu styles for whichever vibe you prefer.
Sydney By Seaplane - 594 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
Sydney Seaplanes - Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
Seaplanes Sydney - 20 Burton St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Sydney Seaplanes Lounge (Formerly Empire Lounge) - Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
South Coast Seaplanes - Riverside Park, Moruya NSW 2537, Australia
South Coast Seaplanes - 200 Bruce Cameron Drive, Moruya, New South Wales 2437 Australia
QueenTours Australia - Ste 401, Level 4/368 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
South Coast Sea Planes - Narooma, New South Wales Australia
Sydney Harbour Specialists - Russell Lea, Sydney, New South Wales 2046 Australia
Helicopter Transport and Training - 682 Tower Rd, Bankstown Aerodrome NSW 2200, Australia
Best pick: Sydney By Seaplane
For a scenic flight + memorable lunch, I’d choose Sydney By Seaplane. It’s a boutique operator out of Rose Bay, and its fly-and-dine flights combine Sydney Harbour/Northern Beaches scenery with waterfront restaurants. It also has an excellent 5.0/5 rating from 147 reviews in the current business listing.
🥇 My choice: Cottage Point Inn
The standout is the Cottage Point Inn Fly & Dine:
Depart from Rose Bay and fly over Sydney Harbour, beaches and national-park scenery.
Land at Cottage Point Inn, on the Hawkesbury River in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
The current published lunch package is AUD $790 per person, including the flights and a five-course degustation lunch; beverages are extra.
The return flight provides another memorable aerial view of Sydney, including a figure-eight over the harbour icons.
Why I prefer it: rather than simply taking a sightseeing flight and eating at the seaplane terminal, you're actually flying somewhere beautiful for lunch. It feels more like a mini adventure than a tour.
A good alternative
Sydney Seaplanes is the other major operator I'd consider. It departs from Rose Bay and offers fly-and-dine experiences, including destinations such as Cottage Point Inn and Jonah's at Whale Beach. Time Out's recent review particularly praised its combination of harbour, coastal and Northern Beaches scenery.
If you want the most romantic/special-occasion version, I'd pick Sydney By Seaplane → Cottage Point Inn. If you tell me your travel date and number of people, I can also check which fly-and-dine options are currently available and compare the prices.
The premier operator for this exact experience is Sydney Seaplanes (operating out of Rose Bay), alongside boutique operator Sydney By Seaplane.
A "fly and dine" package typically departs from Rose Bay, takes you on a breathtaking scenic flight over Sydney Harbour (with views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge) and the northern beaches, and lands directly at a legendary waterside restaurant.
The top-rated destinations and packages available include:
Cottage Point Inn 4.4 (588)
Restaurant
Closed Cottage Point NSW, Australia
CallDirectionsWebsite The classic fly-and-dine choice. Located on the water's edge within the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park along the Hawkesbury River. Packages generally feature a scenic flight over the Northern Beaches, a multi-course degustation or a-la-carte lunch, and a dramatic return flight over the Harbour icons.
Jonah’s Whale Beach $599
4.7 (970)5-star hotel
CallDirectionsWebsite Perched high on a cliff overlooking the ocean, offering world-class contemporary Australian fine dining paired with a stunning seaplane arrival over Pittwater and Palm Beach.
Bert's Bar & Brasserie 4.4 (598)
Restaurant
Closed Newport NSW, Australia
CallDirectionsWebsite A grand, 1930s-style brasserie right on the water at Newport, great for a high-end Mediterranean-style seafood lunch.
The Boathouse Palm Beach / Barrenjoey House A more relaxed yet chic coastal lunch experience situated right at the northern tip of Sydney's Palm Beach.
You can check availability, browse specific restaurant menus, and book directly through Sydney Seaplanes or Sydney By Seaplane.
If you'd like, let me know:
Your preferred restaurant cuisine or atmosphere (casual coastal vs. high-end degustation)
The number of people in your party
I can help you choose the specific restaurant package that fits best!
Sydney Seaplanes - Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
Cottage Point Inn - Restaurant - 2 Anderson Pl, Cottage Point NSW 2084, Australia
Sydney By Seaplane - 594 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
Sydney Seaplanes Lounge (Formerly Empire Lounge) - Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
Seaplanes Sydney - 20 Burton St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Sydney Bespoke Tours - 30 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
South Coast Seaplanes - 200 Bruce Cameron Drive, Moruya, New South Wales 2437 Australia
South Coast Seaplanes - Riverside Park, Moruya NSW 2537, Australia
Sydney Harbour Specialists - Russell Lea, Sydney, New South Wales 2046 Australia
Splendour Tailored Tours - Sydney, New South Wales Australia
If you want a scenic seaplane flight combined with a memorable lunch, my top pick is Sydney Seaplanes, based at Rose Bay.
🥇 Best overall: Sydney Seaplanes — Fly & Dine
Sydney Seaplanes combines the classic Sydney aerial experience—Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, beaches and northern coastline—with lunch at a destination restaurant. Their Fly & Dine experiences are particularly well suited to a special occasion.
My pick within their offerings: Cottage Point Inn. You fly north from Rose Bay over the harbour and Northern Beaches, then land on the water near the secluded Cottage Point Inn - Restaurant in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The lunch package includes a five-course degustation lunch; the current listed package is A$790 per person including the flight and lunch (beverages extra).
Why I think it's the standout:
✈️ Water takeoff and landing—much more distinctive than a conventional sightseeing flight.
🌊 Spectacular combination of Sydney Harbour, coastline, waterways and national park.
🍽️ A destination lunch rather than simply eating back at the airport.
🌿 Cottage Point feels like you've escaped Sydney entirely, despite being reached by seaplane.
A strong alternative
Sydney By Seaplane is worth considering if you prefer a smaller, more boutique operation. It offers Fly & Dine flights from Rose Bay to places including Cottage Point Inn, Jonah's, Berowra Waters Inn, Bert's and Palm Beach. Its Cottage Point lunch package is currently listed at A$790 per person for the five-course lunch and flights.
One particularly nice touch: Sydney By Seaplane says its Fly & Dine flights conclude with a figure-eight maneuver over Sydney Harbour's iconic landmarks.
Bottom line: For a first-time visitor wanting the most memorable combination of Sydney scenery + seaplane adventure + exceptional lunch, I'd book Sydney Seaplanes' Cottage Point Inn Fly & Dine. If you value a more personal/boutique operator, choose Sydney By Seaplane instead.
