Sydney Seaplanes

The origins of Sydney Seaplanes date back to 2005, only a few years ago, when our fleet consisted of just one De Havilland Beaver seaplane. Since those modest beginnings, we have become the largest seaplane operator in Australia, with our impeccably refurbished Beavers and a 13-seat turbo prop amphibious Cessna Caravan.

Sydney Seaplanes is an integral part of Sydney Harbour - we are known around the world as an iconic Sydney experience. Our customers refer to flying with us as 'the treat of a lifetime' and, judging by the amount of repeat custom, many have developed quite a taste for treats. It's easy to see why when you gaze down at the awe-inspiring vistas, gently gliding over the Opera House, Australia's most famous beaches or the vast bushland of the Hawkesbury region.

Sydney Seaplanes' experiences include the popular fly/dine packages to amazing waterfront restaurants such as the Cottage Point Inn, Peats Bite or Jonah's Whale Beach, all offering world class cuisine, service and location. Our scenic flights from Rose Bay fly in and around Sydney Harbour and beaches, whilst Sydney Seaplanes Charter service allows you to choose your destination, be it on land or water - it's ideal for weddings, corporate events or holiday transfers.

Our fleet of seaplanes is rigorously maintained and presented to highest standards, and we have some of Australia's most experienced pilots on staff - customer safety is our number one priority. Sydney Seaplanes is proud to have won many major awards, including:

INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY

In 2007 we took over direct management of the Seaplane Base in Rose Bay, under a lease from NSW Maritime. Soon afterwards we submitted plans for the redevelopment of the site, including new docks and a new terminal building. In 2009 we received approval to replace the seaplane docks, and this work was completed in mid 2009. Click here to see old dock versus new dock. Plans for a new terminal building were approved by NSW Maritime on the 21st of January 2011 - click here to see the design. Sydney Seaplanes received support for this from the majority of the local residents of Rose Bay; as the only location zoned for aviation facilities on Sydney Harbour, our investment in this world class infrastructure will benefit the community for decades to come. Within the new facility we plan to incorporate an area dedicated to commemorating the fascinating and important part Rose Bay has played in Australia's aviation history.

We are proud to support a number of Australian charities, including the Bone Marrow Donor Institute, Herbie Hass Memorial Golf Day (Motor Neuron Disease), Redkite (children's cancer fund), Royal Flying Doctor Service, The Heart Foundation, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Children's Cancer Institute of Australia.

CONSULTING

We provide a wide range of aviation consultancy and training services. In 2010 we assisted two Australian seaplane companies start their businesses from scratch. This included providing comprehensive and practical operations manuals, government approvals advice and pilot training. These companies are now in operation, both having received their CASA - issued Air Operator's Certificates. We have also been engaged by India's first seaplane company to provide pilot training and coverage for their start-up operation.

See our Float Training page for specific information on a range of training services