Sydney Seaplanes: Harbour Flights, valentine day gifts, romantic getaways

Sydney Seaplanes operates Australia’s only Regular Public Transport (RPT) scheduled seaplane service with daily flights between Sydney Harbour and Newcastle Harbour. The service commenced on the 16th of June 2008, with eight flights per day on weekdays and two flights per day on weekends and public holidays.

Harbour to harbour direct Flights have been introduced to meet the increased demand for travel between New South Wales’ two largest cities. Those that regularly travel the route by road will fully understand the unpredictability of travel time on the F3 freeway, with peak hour commutes taking anywhere from 2.5 hours to more than 5 hours each way! Flight time on our service is just under 30 minutes, offering by far the fastest and most convenient link available.

In order to meet both the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Department of Transport’s strict safety and security requirements our personnel have undergone rigorous training and our equipment is the best available and maintained to the highest possible standard. The aircraft operated on the route is an amphibious, turbo prop (turbine engine) Cessna Caravan C208, bought new by Sydney Seaplanes in 2007. In RPT configuration the aircraft can carry 9 passengers in air conditioned comfort.

Sydney Seaplanes is Australia’s newest airline to hold a CASA issued RPT Air Operator’s Certificate, putting us alongside the likes of Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar in terms of regulatory compliance.

WEEKDAY SCHEDULE
Sydney > Newcastle	Newcastle > Sydney
Depart 0745 Arrive 0815	Depart 0830 Arrive 0900
Depart 0930 Arrive 1000	Depart 1030 Arrive 1100
Depart 1400 Arrive 1430	Depart 1445 Arrive 1515
Depart 1530 Arrive 1600	Depart 1630 Arrive 1700

WEEKEND/PUBLIC HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
Sydney > Newcastle	Newcastle > Sydney
Depart 0930 Arrive 1000	Depart 1630 Arrive 1700

The Seaplane Base, Lyne Park, Rose Bay.

Lee Wharf, Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle. (Next to the Maritime Museum).

1.	How many flights operate per day?
	8, 4 in each direction on weekdays, 1 in each direction on weekends and public holidays.

2.	How much is the flight?
	Fares vary depending on departure time, how far in advance a seat is booked and load factor for a flight. Regular specials will be offered on our website www.seaplanes.com.au. Fares range between $150-$200 each way, with many special fares available for $99 each way!

3.	How do I book?
	The simplest and cheapest way to book is on our website, click on the ‘Sydney-Newcastle’ icon on the homepage, alternatively click the ‘book a flight’ button above. Simply select your desired travel time, add your name, contact details and credit card and an eticket will be emailed to you. Bookings can also be made with our reservations staff by calling 1300 732 752. Please note a $10 surcharge applies per flight per passenger for telephone reservations.

4.	What happens if the weather is not suitable for operating the flight?
	Safety is our number one priority. Therefore, like most transport services there will be some days when we are unable to operate due to unsuitable weather conditions, or indeed a rare occasion when we may have a mechanical issue with the aircraft. In this instance we will endeavour to contact passengers as soon as possible so alternative arrangements can be made. If Sydney Seaplanes cancels a flight due to weather or aircraft unservicability then passengers can elect to reschedule or refund their ticket regardless of fare type.

5.	Where are arrivals/departures in Sydney?
	Sydney Seaplanes operates from the Seaplane Base in Lyne Park, Rose Bay.

6.	Where are arrivals/departures in Newcastle?
	The newly completed Honeysuckle development adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Maritime Museum is the new focal point for the Newcastle business community. In addition the precinct features many attractive restaurants, bars and cafes. Sydney Seaplanes has a waiting area in Silo Café, which is adjacent to the aircraft’s docking point at Lee Wharf.

7.	How do I get from Rose Bay to Sydney CBD?
	Sydney Seaplanes’ schedule is designed to coincide with Sydney Ferries regular and convenient service from Rose Bay to Circular Quay, with a journey time of approximately 10 minutes. The combination of seaplane/ferry makes it possible to travel from the center of Newcastle to the centre of Sydney in 40 minutes, with no taxi fares or exorbitant parking fees! Should passengers wish to travel to another destination on Sydney Harbour then please ask about Sydney Seaplanes water taxi service, straight from our wharf in Rose Bay to wherever you would like to go on the Harbour.

8.	How much luggage can I bring?
	Sydney Seaplanes guarantees to carry 10kg of baggage per person. Anything more than 10kg is charged at $5 per kg and will only be carried if space is available on the aircraft.