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Sydney Seaplanes operates Australia’s only Regular Public Transport (RPT) scheduled seaplane service with daily flights between Sydney Harbour and Newcastle Harbour.
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.
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| 1. |
How many flights operate per day? |
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6, 3 in each direction on weekdays, 1 in each direction on weekends and public holidays. |
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| 2. |
How much is the flight? |
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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.
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| 3. |
How do I book? |
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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.
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| 4. |
What happens if the weather is not suitable for operating the flight? |
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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.
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| 5. |
Where are arrivals/departures in Sydney? |
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Sydney Seaplanes operates from our Seaplane Base in Lyne Park, Rose Bay. |
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| 6. |
Where are arrivals/departures in Newcastle? |
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Sydney Seaplanes has a waiting area in our office immediately adjacent to the Lee Wharf departure Point. Lee Wharf is part of the newly completed Honeysuckle development is the focal point for the Newcastle business community. In addition the precinct features many attractive restaurants, bars and cafes.
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| 7. |
How do I get from Rose Bay to Sydney CBD? |
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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.
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How much luggage can I bring? |
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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.
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DANGEROUS GOODS
Is your luggage safe?
What are dangerous goods?
Dangerous Goods are articles or substances which are capable of posing a significant risk to health, safety or to property when transported by air. A glance in the garden shed or under the kitchen sink will reveal a wide array of things which are potentially Dangerous Goods. A few examples of the more common types of items would include pesticides, petrol, acids, aerosols and bleaches etc. You may feel comfortable storing these items in your home or transporting them in your car on the way home from the shop because you know where they are and the risks associated with them in that situation. You take precautions such as putting them in a high cupboard or a locked shed, as you dread the thought of someone swallowing or mishandling them. However, move them into the unfamiliar environment of an aircraft flying high above the earth where they may be subject to severe atmospheric pressure and temperature variations as well as vibrations and many items behave in an unpredictable manner.
If you are carrying other household items, check each of these for a hazardous symbol displayed on the container. If the item has one of these symbols, ask yourself if you really need to take it or can I buy something suitable at my destination?
Everyday things which were never meant to fly:
Camping fuel containers (in almost all cases, these cannot be carried. You will have to settle for buying fuel at your destination)
Surfboard repair kits (the resin in these kits is highly flammable)
Corrosives such as acids, alkalis and mercury.
Security attache cases incorporating explosives and dye cartridges are forbidden
Machines with petrol powered engines (lawn mowers, whipper snippers, chain saws). These are not permitted as passenger's checked or carry-on baggage.
Fireworks, signal flares, sparklers or explosives (these are generally forbidden and in fact most Australian states require permits for the possession of fireworks)
Fuel, paints, lighter refills, matches
Drain cleaners and solvents
Spray cans, butane fuel, scuba tanks, propane tanks, CO2 cartridges
Self inflating life vests
Ammunition, gunpowder, mace, tear gas or pepper sprays are generally forbidden
Dry ice, gasoline powered tools, wet cell batteries and camping gear with fuel.
Radioactive materials
Poisons
Infectious substances.
Further information on dangerous goods may be obtained by contacting the Civil Aviation Safety Authority on telephone 131757 or visit www.casa.gov.au
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